Name: Blintz Brownie Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese (strained); 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature); 2 tbsp honey (use mild-flavored honey); 1/2 tsp lemon zest (zest from about half a lemon); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; 1 box brownie mix (18 oz, plus required ingredients from the package)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of chocolate — these Blintz Brownie Bites are a tiny showstopper that deliver big flavor in a mini package. Imagine a fudgy brownie wrapped around a sweet, lemony cottage cheese and cream cheese filling: rich, slightly tangy, and absolutely addictive. Fun fact: the name blends two comfort-food worlds — blintzes and brownies — which makes them perfect for brunch, dessert, or a party platter. I first made these for a family get-together and they vanished in minutes.

This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick to assemble, and incredibly family-friendly. You don’t need to master pastry techniques to get impressive results. If you’re curious about alternate versions, check out my slightly different take on the same idea for more inspiration here Blintz Brownie Bites recipe variation. Give these a try — they’re a delightful crowd-pleaser and a fun twist on classic brownies.

What is Blintz Brownie Bites?

What exactly are Blintz Brownie Bites? Think of them as cheeky little brownies with a creamy blintz-style filling tucked in the center. Why call them blintz? Maybe because the cottage cheese-cream cheese center nods to the classic Eastern European blintz filling — but with a brownie shell instead of a pancake wrap. Who named it that and why did it stick? Maybe someone said, “If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then we better hide the cheese inside the brownie!” Playful, portable, and perfect for sharing, these bites are as charming as they are tasty. Try them and see if the name grows on you.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy meets fudgy: The best part is the contrast between the rich, chocolatey brownie and the light, lemon-kissed blintz filling. Each bite gives you a creamy center and a slightly crisp edge — it’s textural heaven.
Budget-friendly and easy: Using a boxed brownie mix keeps costs down and prep time low. Making them at home saves money compared to bakery minis and lets you control the ingredients.
Flavor boosters: Honey, lemon zest, and vanilla brighten the filling and make it sing against the chocolate. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache and you’ve got a dessert that looks and tastes gourmet.

If you like this flavor pairing, you might also enjoy a no-bake protein-friendly version I tested — it follows similar flavor ideas but in a fridge-ready snack form: no-bake cottage cheese brownie batter protein bites. Make these at home and watch them disappear.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is delightfully simple: you make a creamy cottage cheese-cream cheese filling, mix up boxed brownie batter, spoon both into a mini muffin tin, and bake. The technique is straightforward, the taste is rich and balanced, and the contrast of textures — fudgy brownie with a creamy center — is the standout element. Prep takes about 15 minutes and baking about 20–25 minutes, so you can have fresh bites in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese, strained (press in a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove excess liquid)
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tbsp honey (use mild-flavored honey)
1/2 tsp lemon zest (zest from about half a lemon)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 box (18 oz) brownie mix, plus required ingredients from the package (usually eggs, oil, water) — follow package for exact quantities and special preparation (mix until just combined)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine strained cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, honey, lemon zest, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Follow the package instructions for your brownie mix.
Line a 24-cup mini muffin pan with paper liners and lightly grease them.
Spoon brownie batter into each cup, filling about 3/4 full. Add a small dollop of the blintz filling to the center of each.
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion comes out mostly clean.
Let them cool slightly before serving. These are delicious warm or at room temperature.

Blintz Brownie Bites

What to Serve With

Fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a bright, fruity contrast.
A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette if serving as part of a brunch spread.
Hot coffee or espresso to cut through the richness and pair with chocolate.
A lightly sweetened Greek yogurt drizzle or chocolate ganache for extra decadence.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce for a classic dessert pairing.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Strain the cottage cheese well: Removing excess moisture prevents a soggy filling and helps it stay creamy, not watery.
Softened cream cheese blends better: Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave in 5-second pulses to soften.
Don’t overfill: Fill brownie batter to about 3/4 in the mini cups to leave room for the filling and gentle rise.
Watch baking time: Mini muffins cook faster than full-size pans; check closely around 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Flavor variations: Stir a teaspoon of orange zest instead of lemon for a different citrus note, or fold in mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
Avoid heavy mixing: Overworking brownie batter can make the texture cakier; mix until combined.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They keep well chilled and are great for quick snacks.
Freezing: Arrange cooled bites on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Warm individual bites in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that just-baked feel, or heat in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw first in the fridge for best texture.
Serving straight from fridge: These are still delicious chilled — the filling firms slightly and the flavor deepens.

FAQs

What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
You can substitute ricotta cheese for a smoother, slightly sweeter filling. If using ricotta, drain any excess liquid for best results.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes — use dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative (or silken tofu blended with lemon and sweetener) and select a dairy-free brownie mix.

How do I prevent the filling from sinking?
Make sure the brownie batter layer is thick enough to support the filling. Filling each cup to about 3/4 and adding just a small dollop of filling helps keep it centered.

Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely. You can bake them the day before and store refrigerated. Warm briefly before serving, or serve at room temperature.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes. Fold chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra texture. Toast nuts lightly first for better flavor.

Conclusion

These Blintz Brownie Bites are a delightful, fuss-free way to elevate boxed brownie mix into something special — creamy, tangy, and chocolaty in every bite. They’re easy enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and kid-approved for lunchboxes. If you want to see another classic version of this idea from a trusted recipe source, check out Blintz Brownie Bites on Just A Pinch. Give them a try, share with friends, and enjoy the smiles that follow.