Cottage Cheese Muffins

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:

  1. Can I use a different type of fruit?

    • Yes, you can use other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches.
  2. 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.  
  3. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

    • Yes, use gluten-free flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Can I make these muffins vegan?

    • Yes, use plant-based butter, dairy-free cottage cheese, and egg replacer.
  8. 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.
  9. What if the batter is too thick?

    • If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to the batter.
  10. Can I use a different type of sweetener?

    • Yes, you can use maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.