Fluffy baked donuts made with cottage cheese for extra protein, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. A guilt-free way to enjoy donuts any time of the day!
Who says you can’t have donuts for breakfast? These cottage cheese protein donuts are about to change your morning routine forever! Packed with protein, naturally sweetened, and topped with a dreamy vanilla glaze, they’re the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while nourishing your body.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t your typical donuts – they’re so much better! Here’s what makes them absolutely irresistible:
High in Protein: With cottage cheese and protein powder as star ingredients, each donut delivers an impressive 11 grams of protein. That’s more than most protein bars!
Surprisingly Fluffy: Don’t let the cottage cheese fool you – these donuts are incredibly light and tender. The secret is blending the cottage cheese until completely smooth, creating a batter that bakes into the most delightfully fluffy texture.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish! With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can have fresh, warm donuts on your table faster than a coffee shop run.
Customizable Sweetness: Use your favorite sweetener – whether it’s maple syrup, stevia, or monk fruit. You control the sweetness level to match your taste preferences perfectly.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: At only 140 calories per glazed donut, you can enjoy these any time of day without derailing your health goals. They’re perfect for post-workout fuel, healthy breakfast treats, or afternoon snacks.
Versatile Flavors: The base recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Add cinnamon for warmth, lemon zest for brightness, or cocoa powder for chocolate lovers – the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
Makes 6 deliciously fluffy donuts
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (the protein powerhouse!)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup oat flour (or almond flour for low-carb option)
- ¼ cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored works best)
- 3 tablespoons sweetener of choice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons powdered sweetener
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons milk of choice (to achieve perfect consistency)
Nutrition per donut (with glaze): ~140 kcal | 11g protein | 5g fat | 9g net carbs
Directions
Step 1: Preheat & Mix Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and fluffy.
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sweetener, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth – this step is essential for eliminating any lumps and creating that bakery-quality texture we’re after.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the cottage cheese mixture, stirring just until everything is well combined. Don’t overmix – we want to keep those donuts light and airy!
Step 2: Bake the Donuts
Generously grease your donut pan with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your beautiful donuts.
Using a spoon or piping bag, divide the batter evenly among the 6 donut molds, filling each about ¾ full. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles.
Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched and have developed a lovely golden color. They should look set but still feel tender.
Step 3: Create the Perfect Glaze
While your donuts cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of milk. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too thin. Add additional milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency – it should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
Step 4: Glaze & Serve
Once the donuts have cooled for about 5 minutes, carefully remove them from the pan. Dip each donut face-down into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack and let the glaze set for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Pro tip: Serve these warm for the ultimate experience – the slight warmth makes them even more irresistible!
Serving and Storage Tips
These protein-packed donuts are incredibly versatile in how you can enjoy them:
Best Serving Times: Perfect for breakfast alongside your morning coffee, as a pre or post-workout snack, or whenever you’re craving something sweet but wholesome.
Fresh is Best: These donuts are at their absolute peak when enjoyed within a few hours of baking. The texture is most tender, and the glaze has that perfect set.
Storage: Store unglazed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, warm them slightly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) before glazing and serving.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before baking in the morning.
Freezing: These donuts freeze beautifully! Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.
Helpful Notes
Cottage Cheese Quality Matters: Choose a high-quality cottage cheese with a creamy texture. Small curd cottage cheese works best as it blends more smoothly.
Blending is Key: Don’t skip the blending step! A completely smooth cottage cheese mixture is what creates that bakery-style texture. If you don’t have a blender, press the cottage cheese through a fine-mesh sieve before mixing.
Flour Substitutions:
- For gluten-free: Stick with oat flour or try almond flour
- For keto-friendly: Use almond flour instead of oat flour
- For nut-free: Oat flour is your best bet
Sweetener Flexibility: Any granulated sweetener works beautifully. Start with less if using a very sweet option like monk fruit, and adjust to taste.
Don’t Overbake: These donuts continue cooking slightly after removal from the oven. They’re done when they spring back lightly but still feel tender to the touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I taste the cottage cheese in the finished donuts? A: Not at all! When properly blended and combined with the other ingredients, the cottage cheese simply adds moisture, protein, and that incredibly tender texture. The vanilla and sweetener completely mask any cottage cheese flavor.
Q: What if I don’t have a donut pan? A: You can make these as muffins instead! Use a standard muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes. They won’t have the classic donut shape, but they’ll taste just as amazing.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free? A: Yes! Substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew-based cottage cheese or thick Greek-style coconut yogurt. Use plant-based milk for the glaze.
Q: How can I make these even higher in protein? A: Add an extra scoop of protein powder (you may need a tablespoon more liquid) or serve with a side of Greek yogurt for dipping!
Q: Why are my donuts dense? A: This usually happens from overmixing the batter or not blending the cottage cheese smooth enough. Mix just until combined and ensure that cottage cheese base is completely lump-free.
Final Thoughts
These cottage cheese protein donuts prove that healthy treats don’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. With their tender crumb, sweet vanilla glaze, and impressive protein content, they’re destined to become a regular feature in your kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast option, a guilt-free dessert, or a way to fuel your active lifestyle, these donuts deliver on all fronts. The best part? They’re so simple to make that even busy mornings can include fresh, homemade donuts.
Give this recipe a try, and prepare to be amazed by how something so wholesome can taste so indulgent. Your taste buds – and your body – will thank you for this delicious discovery!
Happy baking, and enjoy every protein-packed bite!