Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Cream the butter and cottage cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cottage cheese together until smooth and well combined.

Add the sugar and vanilla:
Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the butter-cottage cheese mixture and beat until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color.

Mix the dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Add mix-ins:
If you’re using chocolate chips or raisins, fold them into the dough now.

Form the cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the glaze (optional):
If you want to glaze the cookies, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzly. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Serve and enjoy:
Enjoy these soft, cottage cheese-infused cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!