Cottage Cheese Zucchini Muffins

Soft, wholesome, and subtly sweet, these Cottage Cheese Zucchini Muffins are the kind of baking that fills your kitchen with warmth and curiosity. Tucked inside each tender crumb is the nourishing twist of cottage cheese and delicate ribbons of zucchini, making every bite surprising, balanced, and utterly delicious.

A Slice of Morning Togetherness

Every batch of these muffins draws me back to lazy Sunday mornings. I’d stir together zucchini from the garden and a scoop of creamy cottage cheese, carry the warm baking scent through lazy yawns and sleepy smiles. These muffins don’t just nourish—they carry comfort, and remind me of quiet moments shared over coffee and laughter.


Why You’ll Fall for These Muffins

  • Wholesome and nutritious: Cottage cheese adds protein and moistness.
  • Lightly sweet and tender: Just enough sweetness, with a soft, cake-like texture.
  • Vegetable-friendly: Sneaks in zucchini effortlessly.
  • Snack-ready: Perfect with breakfast, for lunchboxes, or a cozy snack.
  • Freezer-friendly: Stays moist and flavorful for days.
  • Customizable: Add spices, nuts, or swap flours—your call.
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Cottage Cheese Zucchini Muffins

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Tender, lightly sweetened muffins made with creamy cottage cheese and fresh zucchini—perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack on the go.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup plain cottage cheese
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or melted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely grated zucchini (moisture squeezed)
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In another bowl, beat sugar, cottage cheese, applesauce (or butter), eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Fold in zucchini and optional add-ins.
  5. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling ¾ full. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and set.
  6. Cool 5 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store airtight.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
  • Squeeze zucchini to avoid overly wet batter.
  • Don’t overmix—just combine until flour disappears.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Zucchini muffins, cottage cheese muffins, healthy muffins, protein breakfast, snack muffins

Pro Tips for Muffin Magic

  • Grate zucchini fine: Ensures even moisture and avoids dense texture.
  • Drain excess moisture: Squeeze zucchini lightly to protect crumb structure.
  • Room-temp ingredients: Blends more smoothly, giving lift.
  • Don’t overmix batter: Stir until just combined for tender muffins.
  • Check doneness: Insert a toothpick—look for moist crumbs, not wet batter.

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Kitchen Essentials

  • Muffin tin (12‑cup)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Grater for zucchini
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Spatula for gentle folding
  • Cooling rack for resting muffins

Ingredients You’ll Need

  1. 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  2. ½ cup whole wheat flour (optional; for texture)
  3. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  4. ½ teaspoon baking soda
  5. ½ teaspoon salt
  6. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  7. ½ cup granulated sugar
  8. ½ cup plain cottage cheese
  9. ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or melted butter
  10. 2 large eggs
  11. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  12. 1 cup finely grated zucchini (moisture squeezed)
  13. Optional add-ins: ½ cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins

Ingredient Swaps & Twists

  • Flour: Use all whole wheat or gluten-free blend if needed.
  • Sweetener: Swap sugar for maple syrup or honey (reduce applesauce accordingly).
  • Add-ins: Blueberries, chopped nuts, or dark chocolate chips for bonus flavor.
  • Spices: Try cardamom or nutmeg for a cozy twist.

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Ingredient Showstoppers

Cottage Cheese: Adds creamy protein and moisture with subtle tang.
Zucchini: Sneaks in tender veggie moisture while keeping muffins soft and light.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line or grease a 12‑cup muffin tin.
  2. Dry Mix: In a bowl, stir together flour(s), baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Wet Mix: In another, beat sugar, cottage cheese, applesauce (or butter), eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine: Fold dry mix into wet just until no flour streaks remain. Gently mix in zucchini and any add-ins.
  5. Fill Molds: Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
  6. Bake: 18–22 minutes until golden and a skewer comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool: Let muffins rest in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Texture & Flavor Breakdown

These muffins delight with soft, tender crumb layered with zucchini sweetness, a gentle cinnamon hum, and a hint of creamy tang from the cottage cheese. They’re not too sweet—just perfect.


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Efficient Time Guide

  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Bake: 20 minutes
  • Cooling: 5–10 minutes
  • Total: ~45 minutes

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze in individual wraps for up to 2 months; thaw gently before enjoying.


Serving Ideas

Perfect alongside morning coffee, spread with a swipe of almond butter, or packed into lunchboxes. Reheat briefly for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.