Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are a delightful balance of flavor and texture. The cottage cheese adds a rich, moist crumb and boosts the protein content, while the apples and cinnamon provide the perfect spiced sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or as a grab-and-go breakfast, these muffins will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Plus, they are simple to make and perfect for meal prepping for the week!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup apples, peeled and diced
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure tender muffins.
Fold in the apples: Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Fill the muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each cup about ¾ full.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: For extra crunch, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the apples.
Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and a plant-based oil like coconut oil to make this recipe dairy-free.
Sweeten it up: Add a bit of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients for a natural sweetener.
Apple substitutes: You can also substitute the apples with pears or other fruit, like peaches or berries, for a different flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the muffins for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be substituted for cottage cheese, though it may change the texture slightly. Greek yogurt will provide a creamier, tangier flavor.

How do I make these muffins gluten-free?

To make these muffins gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure the blend includes xanthan gum to help with texture and structure.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can replace the white sugar with brown sugar for a slightly deeper flavor. Brown sugar will also add a bit more moisture to the muffins.

How do I know when my muffins are done?

The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few crumbs. The tops should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes, you can top these muffins with a simple streusel made of flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon before baking to add extra sweetness and crunch.

Can I make these muffins without eggs?

You can replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or use a store-bought egg replacer for a vegan version.

What can I serve with these muffins?

These muffins are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve them with a side of yogurt for extra protein, or with a smear of butter for added richness.

How can I make these muffins less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet muffin, reduce the amount of sugar to ¼ cup or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Can I use frozen apples?

Yes, you can use frozen apples. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before folding them into the batter.

How can I get my muffins to rise more?

To ensure your muffins rise well, make sure the baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, don’t overmix the batter as this can lead to dense muffins.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Muffins are a delightful, moist, and flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. The cottage cheese adds richness and a little protein, making these muffins both satisfying and comforting. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, these muffins are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire!