These pumpkin cottage cheese muffins are soft, moist, and packed with warm fall flavors. The cottage cheese makes them extra fluffy and adds a boost of protein, so they’re not just delicious—they’re satisfying too!
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, these muffins are naturally sweetened, easy to make, and full of cozy pumpkin spice goodness.
Let’s get baking!
📋 What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
- ½ cup cottage cheese (blend for smoother texture, optional)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup maple syrup (can increase to ⅔ cup for sweeter muffins)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt (reduced from ½ tsp for better balance)
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice (increased from ½ tsp for more flavor)
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Muffin tin
- Paper liners or nonstick spray
- Spatula
⭐ Pro Tips
- Blend the cottage cheese first – If you want a super smooth texture, blend it before mixing.
- Use pure pumpkin purée – Not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
- Don’t overmix – Stir just until combined for soft, fluffy muffins.
- Want a crunch? Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Let them cool – They taste even better after sitting for 10 minutes!
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No maple syrup? Swap for honey or coconut sugar.
- Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free? Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.
- Want chocolate? Add ½ cup chocolate chips for extra sweetness!
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze for later – Let muffins cool completely, then freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.
- Make the batter ahead – Store in the fridge overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
👩🍳 How to Make Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
1. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- ½ cup cottage cheese (blended for smoothness, optional)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup maple syrup (or ⅔ cup for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1¼ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stir until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Fill Muffin Cups
Line a 12-count muffin tin with paper liners (or spray with nonstick spray). Scoop the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
5. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
6. Cool & Enjoy!
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Sweeter muffins: Use up to ⅔ cup maple syrup
- No maple syrup? Try honey or ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Dairy-free? Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative
- Add-ins: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries
🧊 Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the batter ahead: Store in fridge overnight, then bake fresh in the morning
- Freeze baked muffins: Cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag up to 3 months. Reheat 20–30 seconds in microwave
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
- Reheat: Microwave 20–30 seconds for a soft, warm muffin
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: Freeze cooled muffins for up to 3 months
💛 Time to Bake!
These cozy pumpkin cottage cheese muffins are the perfect way to celebrate fall—fluffy, flavorful, and packed with protein to keep you full and happy. They’re so easy to make with kids or prep ahead for busy mornings. 🍁
Try the recipe and let me know how it goes! Did you make a batch for the week or toss in some chocolate chips for fun? I’d love to hear how you made them your own. Leave a comment below with your twist!
Happy baking! 🎃🧁✨
