Peanut Butter Cottage “Cookie Dough” — Diabetic-Friendly No-Bake Snack

Description: A creamy, protein-forward no-bake snack that tastes like cookie dough but is built for stable blood sugars. Uses low-fat cottage cheese and natural peanut butter for protein and healthy fats, plus fiber from oat flour and a touch of low-calorie sweetener. Keeps portion-controlled, high in protein, moderate in carbs, and low glycemic ingredients.

Ingredients (with estimated Glycemic Index for each):

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (GI ~ 30)
• 2 tbsp natural peanut butter, no sugar added (GI ~ 14)
• 3 tbsp oat flour (finely ground rolled oats) (GI ~ 55)
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (GI ~ 35)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (GI ~ 0)
• 1–2 tbsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, to taste (GI ~ 0)
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa nibs or 1 tbsp 70% dark chocolate chips (optional) (GI ~ 23 for dark chocolate)
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• Optional: 1 tsp chia seeds for extra fiber (GI ~ 1)

Yield / Serving size: Makes about 6 small snack portions (about 2 tablespoons each) — adjust portioning to control carbs. Each serving ≈ 1 protein-rich bite (see nutrition below).

Instructions:

1. If you prefer a smoother texture, drain excess liquid from the cottage cheese by placing it in a fine mesh sieve over a bowl for 5–10 minutes, or briefly pulse in a food processor/blender until creamy.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, natural peanut butter, and vanilla. Stir (or pulse) until fully blended and smooth.
3. Add oat flour, ground flaxseed, and sweetener. Fold until a dough-like, scoopable consistency forms. If too wet, add ½ tsp more oat flour at a time; if too dry, add ½ tsp water or a few drops of almond milk.
4. Stir in cocoa nibs or dark chocolate chips and chia seeds if using. Add a pinch of sea salt and taste; adjust sweetener as needed.
5. Scoop dough into small rounds (2 tbsp each) using a spoon or small cookie scoop. Roll into balls if desired.
6. Chill in the fridge 20–30 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Flavor profile: Buttery-roasted peanut flavor up front, creamy dairy notes from cottage cheese, subtle oat nuttiness and gentle vanilla sweetness. Cocoa nibs/dark chips add pleasant bitter-sweet contrast and texture.

Nutritional facts (per 2-tbsp serving; AI-generated estimate based on FDA data — not guaranteed accurate):