Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×9″ baking dish with butter or oil. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

• In a food processor, combine the following ingredients:
  • Cottage cheese
  • Melted chocolate
  • Vanilla extract
  • Egg
  • Melted butter or avocado oil
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder
• Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth. This helps create a creamy, lump-free batter.

💡 Tip: Avoid cracking the egg directly over the melted chocolate or butter to prevent accidental cooking from residual heat.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
• This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a uniform bake.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Slowly pour the blended wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
• Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the brownies dense and tough.

💡 Tip: A few streaks of flour are okay—they’ll disappear as the batter settles.

Step 5: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips

• Gently fold 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips into the batter for an extra chocolatey touch.
• Stir just enough to evenly distribute them.

Step 6: Transfer Batter to Baking Dish

• Pour the batter into the prepared 9×9” baking dish.
• Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring a uniform bake.

Step 7: Bake the Brownies

• Place the baking dish into the preheated oven.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• If the edges look set but the center is slightly soft, that’s okay—brownies continue to firm up as they cool.

💡 Tip: Oven temperatures may vary, so start checking at the 20-minute mark.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

• Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes.
• Carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into 16 squares.

💡 Tip: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.