Cozy, moist muffins loaded with apple, a hint of cinnamon, and creamy cottage cheese.
Hey friend!
If you’re in the mood for something warm, soft, and cozy, these Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Muffins are gonna hit the spot.
They smell like fall, taste like a hug, and come together in one bowl—no mixer, no fuss.
I love how the cottage cheese keeps them moist and the grated apple adds a natural sweetness.
They’re easy enough to make on a lazy morning, but good enough to share (if you feel like sharing 😉).
🥣 What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat, small curd)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted butter (cooled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated apple (about 2 small apples)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
🧁 Why I Love This Recipe
I came up with this on a cool Sunday morning when I had extra apples and half a tub of cottage cheese in the fridge. The result? Muffins that are soft, lightly sweet, and full of flavor. They’ve been on repeat ever since.
- The grated apples melt right into the muffin, making them super tender.
- Cottage cheese makes them moist without oil overload.
- They keep well for a few days—perfect for snacks or breakfast.
- The cinnamon gives them that classic warm muffin vibe.
🍽️ Makes & Time
- Makes: 12 muffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 20–22 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
🔬 Macros (per muffin, estimated)
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
👩🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Grated apples add moisture and natural sweetness, no need for extra sugar.
- Cottage cheese gives softness and protein without tasting cheesy.
- Butter brings flavor and richness.
- Cinnamon balances the sweetness and highlights the apples.
- Baking soda + grated apple (which is slightly acidic) help lift the batter.
❌ Common Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter – makes the muffins dense. Stir just until combined.
- Not grating the apple finely – large chunks won’t bake evenly.
- Using hot butter – it can scramble the eggs or curdle the cottage cheese. Let it cool.
- Skipping paper liners or greasing the pan well – these muffins like to stick!
🍴 What to Serve With
- A warm cup of tea or coffee
- A drizzle of almond butter
- A side of scrambled eggs
- A little Greek yogurt and cinnamon on top
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use applesauce instead of grated apple?
A: You can, but the texture will be softer and less textured. Use 3/4 cup applesauce.
Q: Can I blend the cottage cheese if I don’t like curds?
A: Yep! Just blend until smooth before adding to the batter.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Totally—just use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Muffin tin (12-cup)
- Paper liners or nonstick spray
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk
- Grater
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted, cooled butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step 2: Add the Grated Apple
Stir in:
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated apple (moist, skin on)
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet apple mixture and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Tin and Bake
Scoop the batter into a lined or greased 12-cup muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a rack to cool fully. Enjoy warm or room temp!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Room temp: 2 days in an airtight container
- Fridge: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze in a zip bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds
💬 Wrap Up
And that’s it! These muffins are cozy, easy, and just the right amount of sweet. If you try them, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Leave a comment with your thoughts or questions—I’m always here to help you bake something delicious. ❤️
