Tiramisu Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough (High Protein & Keto)

This cottage cheese cookie dough is adapted from the viral TikTok recipe. This one is made tiramisu-style! It’s creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with flavors of espresso and a hint of rum extract. Plus, it’s keto-friendly and perfect for a high protein lifestyle. Blend cottage cheese, sweetener, and espresso, then mix in almond flour and protein powder. Chill, then dust with cocoa powder. It’s an edible cookie dough recipe with all the flavor of a tiramisu and none of the carbs and sugar. Another quick and easy cottage cheese recipe to save!

Easy Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Recipe Made Tiramisu Style

Cottage cheese is making a comeback! I remember when it was all the rage back in the 90s and early 2000s. I used to eat it regularly during my high-protein, low-carb diet phase before I discovered the keto diet. It’s exciting to see this versatile ingredient trending again, popping up in so many creative recipes online.

When I first saw the viral TikTok recipe for cottage cheese cookie dough, I knew I had to make my own version. The viral cottage cheese cookie dough recipe from social media includes simple ingredients like cottage cheese, almond flour, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, dark chocolate chips, and sometimes peanut butter or almond butter included. Inspired by my love for tiramisu, I decided to make a similar version, with the flavors of the authentic Italian dessert, plus make it keto. The result? A creamy, rich, and satisfying sweet treat that captures the essence of tiramisu without the carbs.

Developing this recipe was super fun. I love taking popular recipes and keto-fying them. Blending cottage cheese with sweetener and espresso creates a smooth and creamy base, and adding almond flour and protein powder gives it the perfect doughy texture, then dusting it with cocoa powder gives it that bittersweet taste that perfectly mimics tiramisu. Just one bite boasts 1 net carb and 3 grams of protein.

Ingredients for Tiramisu Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

An authentic tiramisu is made with ladyfingers (a cookie or biscuit), strong coffee, sugar, mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, heavy cream, and sometimes liquor like Marsala wine or rum, plus always lightly dusted with cocoa powder.

For this recipe, the authentic tiramisu flavors are captured with the inclusion of espresso, cocoa powder, rum extract, almond flour, and cottage cheese. The protein powder along with the cottage cheese gives it an extra boost of protein, and almond flour creates the traditional cookie dough mouth feel and taste.

• Cottage Cheese – This serves as the creamy base for the cookie dough. It’s high in protein and has a mild flavor that blends well with other ingredients. I used a full-fat, small curd cottage cheese from Aldi’s. When blended, it achieves a smooth, creamy consistency similar to mascarpone but with fewer carbs. You could substitute with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt. Ricotta has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative for the creamy base. Greek yogurt, when strained to remove excess liquid, provides a thick, creamy consistency with a tangy flavor that compliments the other ingredients. You could also use a low-fat cottage cheese, but it won’t be as creamy, plus healthy fats are good for you.
• Powdered Sugar-Free Sweetener (Monk fruit, allulose, stevia) – These natural sweeteners provide the necessary sweetness without adding carbs. Monk fruit and allulose are popular choices for keto recipes because they have minimal impact on blood sugar levels and a taste similar to regular sugar. The powdered version blends the best with this recipe and you’ll avoid a grainy texture. If you’re not strictly following a keto diet, honey, agave nectar, or pure maple syrup can be excellent substitutes for the sugar-free sweeteners in this recipe. For every ¼ cup of powdered sugar-free sweetener, you can use approximately 2-3 tablespoons of honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup.
• Rum Extract (optional) – This adds a hint of authentic tiramisu flavor without the alcohol. It’s a great way to enhance the overall taste and give the cookie dough that classic tiramisu essence. Substitutes include vanilla extract, almond extract, or just omit altogether. Vanilla extract provides a classic flavor that pairs well with tiramisu ingredients, and almond extract offers a slightly nutty taste.
• Espresso – The espresso infuses the dough with a robust coffee flavor, which is essential for the tiramisu taste. Coffee also pairs well with the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients, providing a balanced flavor profile. I used Cafe Bustelo instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water. You can also use regular brewed coffee.
• Almond Flour – Almond flour is a staple in keto baking due to its low carb content and mild, nutty flavor. It helps create the dough-like consistency and adds a subtle nutty taste that complements the other ingredients. I used Bob’s Red Mill blanched and superfine almond flour for this recipe. If you have a nut allergy, coconut flour is also low in carbs and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. However, it absorbs more liquid, so use about ¼ of the amount.
• Protein Powder – For extra protein and more dough structure. Using a sugar-free protein powder ensures the recipe remains keto-friendly while providing an additional nutritional benefit. I used my Vanilla Keto Chow for this recipe, but you can use your favorite protein powder of choice like whey, milk, or pea protein.
• Cocoa Powder (for dusting): Dusting with cocoa powder gives the final touch, adding a hint of chocolate flavor that ties everything together. It also adds a bit of visual appeal, reminiscent of the cocoa-dusted top of a traditional tiramisu. My favorite brand for unsweetened cocoa powder is Ghirardelli.

How to Make Tiramisu Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

Steps: Blend → Mix in dry ingredients → Chill → Top

Blend

1. Add cottage cheese, powdered sugar-free sweetener, rum extract, and brewed espresso to a blender. I used my Vitamix blender, but you can also use a food processor.
2. Blend on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Mix and chill

1. Transfer cottage cheese mixture to a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add almond flour and protein powder.
3. Fold with a spatula until a dough forms.
4. Chill, or enjoy immediately with cocoa powder dusted on top.

Top and Serve

Here’s the best part. You have two options after you chill the dough. You can portion out bite-sized pieces with a cookie scoop or tablespoon, then dust with cocoa powder as shown above or…

You can put in your favorite bowl or eat it right out of the mixing bowl with a cocoa powder dusted on top – no judgement here!

Frequently Asked Questions for Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

1. Can I use a different sweetener if I’m not on a keto diet? Absolutely! If you’re not following a keto diet, you can substitute the sugar-free sweetener with natural sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. These options will add a unique flavor and a bit more sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth.
2. How should I store it? Store the cookie dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh and maintain its creamy texture. It can be stored for up to a week, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze it. Portion it into bite-sized pieces and place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. Can I use oat flour or another flour instead of almond flour? Yes, you can use oat flour or another flour as a substitute for almond flour if you’re not concerned about keeping the recipe keto. Oat flour will give the dough a slightly different texture and flavor but still keep it delicious.
5. What can I use if I want a creamier texture? To achieve an even creamier texture, you can blend the cottage cheese for a longer time or add a small amount of heavy cream. This will make the cookie dough smoother and richer.
6. Can I use my own protein powder? Yes, use any type of protein powder you have on hand. Please note it will change the nutritional profile so always estimate macros with a food diary app like Cronometer.
7. Is it possible to use regular sugar instead of a sugar-free sweetener? Yes, you can use refined sugar if you’re not on a keto diet. Keep in mind that this will increase the carb content of the recipe. Adjust the amount to your taste preference to balance the sweetness.

Here are more cottage cheese recipes you might enjoy:

• 50 High Protein Keto Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Want To Make
• Frozen Cottage Cheese Bark (High Protein, Low Carb, & Keto)
• Tomato Basil Cottage Cheese Flatbread
• Carnivore Keto Egg Loaf Recipe (Made with Cottage Cheese)