These Peanut Butter Cup Cottage Cheese Truffles are a must make for a high-protein dessert ready in 30 minutes with no oven needed. Made with 5 ingredients and these are gluten-free and grain-free.
Okay friends — say hello to your new favorite treat that just so happens to be packed with protein, insanely easy to whip up, and absolutely delicious. These cottage cheese truffles are everything you love about a rich, creamy truffle… but made with better-for-you ingredients that are actually going to satisfy you and leave you feeling amazing.
I know what you’re thinking: cottage cheese… in truffles?! But trust me — it works. Cottage cheese has been having a major moment lately (hi, protein bowls, creamy pasta sauces, even blended into pancakes). And in this recipe, it’s the unexpected MVP that brings creaminess, subtle tang, and a boost of protein. It blends seamlessly into the dough for the dreamiest texture.
These truffles are no-bake, gluten-free, sweetened with maple syrup, and naturally high in protein from the combo of almond flour, peanut butter, and cottage cheese. Plus we’re dunking them in melty dark chocolate and adding a little flakey sea salt if you’re feeling fancy. They’re basically a homemade protein treat that tastes like a Reese’s meets a peanut butter cheesecake situation — obsessed.
Let’s get into all the details!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cottage cheese truffles:
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Almond flour – this forms the base of our truffle “dough.” It’s rich in healthy fats and gives the perfect soft, cookie dough-like texture.
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Creamy peanut butter – I love using a natural, drippy peanut butter here (just peanuts + salt). Adds richness, healthy fats, and that amazing nutty flavor.
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Cottage cheese – this is where the magic happens. It adds creaminess and protein and makes the texture so smooth once it’s blended.
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Maple syrup – naturally sweetens the truffles and brings everything together. You can adjust slightly based on how sweet you want them.
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Vanilla extract – just a touch for that warm, cozy flavor.
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Dark chocolate chips (or chocolate of choice) – for melting and coating. You know I always go for a good-quality dark chocolate, but any chocolate you love works here.
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Flakey sea salt – because salty-sweet is the ultimate combo and just makes these pop!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Truffles:
These couldn’t be easier to make. All you need is a food processor and about 20 minutes, start to finish.
Step 1: Make the truffle dough
Add the almond flour, peanut butter, cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla to your food processor. Blend everything up until a smooth, creamy dough forms. It should easily roll into balls – if it feels too sticky, add another spoonful of almond flour. If it’s too dry, a drizzle of maple syrup or peanut butter will fix it right up.
Step 2: Roll into balls
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to form the dough into balls and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
Step 3: Freeze
Pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up a bit before coating in chocolate.
Step 4: Melt your chocolate
While the truffles are chilling, melt your chocolate chips. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals (stirring in between), or over a double boiler on the stove. Add a tiny splash of coconut oil if you want extra glossy chocolate!
Step 5: Dip + finish
Take the truffles out of the freezer and dip each one into the melted chocolate using a fork or spoon. Let any excess drip off, then place back on the parchment paper. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt if you’re into that (and I mean… you should be). Let them set for a few minutes until the chocolate is firm.
Step 6: Store + devour
Once set, transfer the truffles to a container and store in the fridge for up to 1 week — or freeze them for longer! I love keeping a stash in the freezer for whenever that chocolate-peanut butter craving hits.
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Truffles:
Besides the fact that they are straight-up delicious, here’s why I’m obsessed with this recipe:
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High-protein, naturally! Thanks to the cottage cheese, almond flour, and peanut butter, each bite is loaded with healthy fats and protein — no weird powders needed.
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No-bake + minimal cleanup – One food processor, a small bowl for melting chocolate, and boom. Done.
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Gluten-free and refined sugar-free – You know I love my better-for-you desserts that still taste like a treat.
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Perfect texture – Creamy, rich, soft, and coated in a satisfying layer of chocolate. They’re like a protein ball and a truffle had a baby.
Tips + FAQs
- Can I use another nut butter? Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter both work beautifully. Just be sure it’s the natural, drippy kind — not the thick, emulsified type.
- Do I need to blend the cottage cheese first? Nope! The food processor takes care of everything. Just toss it all in and let it go — the cottage cheese will disappear into the mix and leave behind only creamy goodness.
- What kind of cottage cheese should I use? I recommend a full-fat or 2% cottage cheese for the best flavor and texture. If you’re using a super dry or chunky version, you may want to blend it a little first to smooth it out.
- Can I skip the chocolate coating? Totally — they’ll still be delicious as naked truffles or protein bites. But the chocolate does take them to the next level, so I highly recommend it.
- How do I store them? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months — just let them thaw for a few minutes before eating so they’re not rock hard.
A little note on cottage cheese…
I know cottage cheese can be a polarizing ingredient — people either love it or swear they’ll never touch it. But hear me out: in these truffles, you don’t taste it at all. It blends right in and just makes the texture extra dreamy and creamy, like a cheesecake center.
If you’ve been curious about using cottage cheese in desserts but didn’t know where to start, this is the recipe to try. It’s foolproof, delicious, and a super approachable way to sneak it in.
Let’s Recap – Why You NEED These in Your Life:
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✔️ No-bake and ready in 20 minutes
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✔️ Packed with nourishing ingredients
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✔️ Sweet, creamy, chocolatey perfection
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✔️ Naturally gluten-free and high-protein
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✔️ Kid-approved and mom-approved (win-win!)
Whether you need a quick snack between meetings, a sweet treat after dinner, or a fun little energy bite before a workout, these cottage cheese truffles totally deliver. They’re that kind of treat that makes you feel good and taste good — my favorite kind.
If you love these, try this next:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bark (vegan + gluten-free)
- Peanut Butter Oreo Truffles (gluten-free)
- Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Sandwiches
Make sure to tag me over on Instagram if you make these! I love seeing your creations and sharing them with the community. 💛
PrintPeanut Butter Cup Cottage Cheese Truffles
These Peanut Butter Cup Cottage Cheese Truffles are a must make for a high-protein dessert ready in 30 minutes with no oven needed. Made with 5 ingredients and these are gluten-free and grain-free.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 9–10 truffles 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chocolate of choice
Instructions
- Add the almond flour, peanut butter, cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla to your food processor. Blend everything up until a smooth, creamy dough forms. It should easily roll into balls – if it feels too sticky, add another spoonful of almond flour. If it’s too dry, a drizzle of maple syrup or peanut butter will fix it right up.
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to form the dough into balls and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
- Pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up a bit before coating in chocolate
- While the truffles are chilling, melt your chocolate chips. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals (stirring in between), or over a double boiler on the stove. Add a tiny splash of coconut oil if you want extra glossy chocolate!
- Take the truffles out of the freezer and dip each one into the melted chocolate using a fork or spoon. Let any excess drip off, then place back on the parchment paper. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt if you’re into that (and I mean… you should be). Let them set for a few minutes until the chocolate is firm.
- Once set, transfer the truffles to a container and store in the fridge for up to 1 week — or freeze them for longer! I love keeping a stash in the freezer for whenever that chocolate-peanut butter craving hits.
Notes
*Store truffles in fridge for 5 days or freezer for 2 months
Jenna Mcbride
Oooh, these look great! I wonder if rice crispies would be a nice addition to get some extra texture in there…will report back :).
Rachel Mansfield
yum! you also may love my butterfingers too!
Court
Made these for a play date today. Kids ate them up and had no idea there was cream cheese.
Rachel Mansfield
love it!! cottage cheese is sneaky like that.