These Cottage Cheese Muffins are a delicious and moist treat. The addition of cottage cheese adds a subtle tanginess and makes them surprisingly light and fluffy.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 7 ounces (220g) Cottage cheese
- 2 Large eggs
- 2/3 cup (80g) Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (180-200g) All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (8g) Baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 Apples (about 1 cup), peeled and chopped
- Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) Chopped nuts or raisins
Instructions:
- Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in cottage cheese until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Apples (and Optional Add-ins): Gently fold in chopped apples and any desired add-ins (nuts, raisins).
- Bake: Grease muffin tins with vegetable oil or line with paper liners. Divide batter evenly among muffin tins. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let muffins cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Great as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt on top for extra indulgence.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Good source of protein from cottage cheese and eggs.
- Contains calcium and vitamin D from dairy.
Dietary Information:
- Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based butter and dairy-free cottage cheese.
Storage:
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, freeze muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Delicious and moist.
- A great way to use up cottage cheese.
- Perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Can I use a different type of fruit?
- Yes, you can use other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches.
-
Can I use a different type of flour?
- You can use whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour.
-
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
-
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Bake as directed the next day.
-
How do I know when the muffins are done?
- Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are done.
-
Can I add nuts or seeds to the batter?
- Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, or seeds such as sunflower seeds or chia seeds.
-
Can I make these muffins vegan?
- Yes, use plant-based butter, dairy-free cottage cheese, and egg replacer.
-
Can I freeze these muffins?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
-
What if the batter is too thick?
- If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to the batter.
-
Can I use a different type of sweetener?
- Yes, you can use maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.