Growing up, my mom loved sneaking veggies into our snacks—and now I do the same with these Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies. They’re soft, cinnamon-spiced, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and loaded with wholesome ingredients like oats and protein-rich cottage cheese. They’re the perfect anytime treat—great for breakfast, lunchboxes, or a feel-good dessert.
If you’ve loved recipes like Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough or Carrot Zucchini Muffins, these cookies are your new favorite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Perfect Texture and Flavor Balance
Getting the right mix of moisture and bite is the key to good cookies. That’s where the cottage cheese comes in. It lends a delicate creaminess that balances the hearty oats and freshly grated carrots. Unlike traditional cookies, these don’t spread too much in the oven, keeping their shape and chewy texture.
The natural sweetness from maple syrup blends beautifully with warm cinnamon and vanilla. You don’t need any refined sugar here. And because they’re not overly sweet, these cookies are just as suitable for breakfast as they are for dessert.
For anyone who enjoys naturally sweet treats like Carrot Pineapple Bread or Cottage Cheese Banana Bread Mug Cake, you’ll feel right at home with this one.
A Smart Snack for Families
These Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies are a great way to sneak in extra nutrition without sacrificing taste. Cottage cheese adds protein, carrots give fiber and natural sweetness, and oats contribute a satisfying chew.
Whether you’re baking with kids or meal prepping for the week, you’ll love that this cookie dough comes together in one bowl and chills in under 30 minutes. The result? A wholesome snack you can feel good about—and your family will devour.
If you’ve tried Keto Chocolate Cottage Cheese Donuts or Avocado Cottage Cheese Brownies, you already know the magic of cottage cheese in baked goods. These cookies are the next level.
Print
Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies
These protein-packed carrot cake cottage cheese cookies are moist, nutritious, and just the right amount of sweet. A wholesome twist on your favorite dessert.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 14–16 cookies 1x
Ingredients
1/2 cup full-fat (4%) cottage cheese
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 cup pure maple syrup, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup instant or rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp salt
3/4 cup freshly grated carrots
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or raisins
Instructions
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend for 30-60 seconds, or until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix.
4. Fold in the grated carrots and optional add-ins.
5. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
8. Bake for 13–16 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
You can swap whole wheat flour for a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend to make them gluten-free.
The chilling step is essential for shaping and texture—don’t skip it.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13–16 minutes
- Category: Healthy Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Ingredients for the Perfect Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies
The key to soft, chewy, and flavorful Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies lies in a simple mix of wholesome ingredients. These cookies skip refined sugar and rely on real maple syrup, carrots, and cozy spices to deliver sweetness and depth—making them an easy favorite for both kids and adults.
Whether you’re baking a healthy treat for your family or meal prepping snacks for the week, these are nourishing, protein-rich, and can be made gluten-free too.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup (100g) instant oats (measured correctly, gluten-free if needed)
- ¾ cup (90g) whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend (also measured properly)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (28g) melted coconut oil or unsalted butter (cooled slightly)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120mL) pure maple syrup (room temperature)
Add-ins:
- ¾ cup (68g) freshly grated carrots (about 1 small-medium carrot, peeled first)
You can find similar wholesome combos in recipes like our Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough and the family-favorite Avocado Cottage Cheese Brownies, both of which use better-for-you ingredients for maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies
Naturally Healthy and Kid-Friendly
Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies check all the right boxes—they’re soft, mildly sweet, and packed with protein and fiber. Unlike traditional cookies that rely on refined sugar or butter, these are made with maple syrup, oats, and protein-rich cottage cheese (yes, it blends in beautifully!). The carrots add moisture, color, and a dose of vitamin A, while the cinnamon brings warm, comforting spice.
If you’re trying to sneak vegetables into your kids’ diet or looking for a post-workout snack that doesn’t taste like cardboard, this is it. These cookies are like a lighter version of carrot cake—without the guilt. You can also swap flours for gluten-free blends as we’ve done in our Healthy Cottage Cheese Blueberry Muffins for an allergy-friendly version.
Customize These Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies to Your Liking
No two families bake the same, and that’s the beauty of these Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies—they’re easily adaptable. Want to make them gluten-free? Swap in a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, just like we use in our Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough recipe. For added texture, you can stir in chopped walnuts, raisins, or even mini chocolate chips.
Coconut oil gives these cookies a soft crumb, but you can easily use unsalted butter or a plant-based alternative. If you’re watching your sugar intake, use a reduced-sugar maple syrup substitute or try date syrup for an earthy twist. You can also reduce the sweetener by a tablespoon or two—the carrots and cinnamon still shine through.
Want a cozy spice kick? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for deeper warmth, similar to what we do in the Carrot Pineapple Bread. And if your cottage cheese is on the chunkier side, give it a quick blend for a smoother dough texture.
Creative Ways to Serve and Store Them
Straight from the oven, Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies are moist and chewy with just the right amount of bite. For a dessert-style twist, drizzle with a thin glaze made from Greek yogurt and maple syrup or sandwich two cookies together with cottage cheese “frosting” (simply blended with a touch of vanilla).
If you’re looking for quick breakfast options, pair them with a protein smoothie or crumble one over a bowl of yogurt like we suggest in our Healthy Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bowl.
They also freeze beautifully—store a batch in a zip-top bag and pull out a few cookies at a time for snacks, lunchboxes, or lazy weekend mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies
Can I substitute cottage cheese in carrot cookies?
Yes, you can. While cottage cheese adds protein and moisture to these cookies, Greek yogurt or ricotta are great alternatives if you’re out. Just note the texture may vary slightly depending on the brand or water content.
Are carrot cottage cheese cookies good for weight loss?
They can be! These cookies are lower in sugar than traditional ones and rich in protein and fiber, which can help you feel fuller longer. Portion control is still key, but they’re definitely a better-for-you treat—especially if you’re already a fan of our Low-Carb Cottage Cheese Ice Cream.
Can I make carrot cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use certified gluten-free oats and swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend like we did in the Healthy Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies. The texture stays soft and chewy.
How should I store carrot cottage cheese cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Carrot Cottage Cheese Cookies are more than just a healthy snack—they’re a smart way to use up leftover carrots and cottage cheese in one easy, kid-friendly bake. Whether you’re aiming for a wholesome dessert or a quick morning bite, this recipe fits right into any balanced lifestyle. The combination of carrots, oats, and cottage cheese gives these cookies their soft, chewy texture and natural sweetness, making them a go-to for families, health-conscious bakers, and meal preppers alike.
For More recipes Follow me on Facebook!
