📖 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Get things rolling by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, protein powder, milk, vanilla extract, and sweetener (if using). Blend until smooth. If you prefer a bit more texture, you can mix the ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring everything is well combined.
3. Prepare the Batter: If you like cinnamon in your pancakes (and who doesn't?), go ahead and add it to the mixture. Give it a good stir. The batter should be fairly smooth, but a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
4. Pour onto Baking Sheet: Gently pour the pancake batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it evenly to your desired thickness, keeping in mind that thinner pancakes will cook faster and be a bit crispier. Aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness.
5. Add Toppings (Optional): Now for the fun part! If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle some blueberries, chocolate chips, or sliced bananas on top of the batter. Get creative and use whatever toppings you love.
6. Bake the Pancakes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. To check if they're done, gently insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
7. Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pancakes cool slightly before cutting them into squares or your desired shapes. I sometimes use a pizza cutter to make quick work of it.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt. These are also great as a grab-and-go breakfast or snack during the week. Yummy!