1-Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
2-Add 1 cup cottage cheese to a: Add 1 cup cottage cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
3-In a mixing bowl, whisk 2 large: In a mixing bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until slightly frothy. Stir in the blended cottage cheese, 1/2 cup melted butter (or coconut oil), and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until uniform.
4-In another bowl, sift 3/4 cup cocoa: In another bowl, sift 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk to distribute evenly.
5-Add 3/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to: Add 3/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste) to dry mix.
6-Pour wet mixture into dry bowl: Pour wet mixture into dry bowl. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
7-Optionally fold in chocolate chips, nuts, espresso: Optionally fold in chocolate chips, nuts, espresso powder, or protein powder (reduce flour by same volume if using protein powder).
8-Transfer batter to prepared pan: Transfer batter to prepared pan; smooth top with spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes: insert toothpick; aim for a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
9-Let brownies cool in pan for 15: Let brownies cool in pan for 15 minutes. Lift via parchment paper, place on wire rack. Slice when slightly warm or room temperature.