Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins are the kind of breakfast that keeps up with a busy life yet tastes like a treat. On my about page, I share how I balance family, work, and a love of comforting, healthier meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a reflection of that approach: pumpkin purée brings cozy warmth, while cottage cheese adds protein to keep you fueled through busy mornings. I tested these after early school runs and back-to-back meetings, and they’ve become a weeknight staple for us. In this article you’ll learn how to whip up fluffy, moist muffins quickly, with options for dairy-free or gluten-free needs, plus make-ahead and storage tips.
What makes Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins special
Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins are the little morning miracles I reach for on chaotic days.
I know mornings can feel like a whirlwind of alarms, lunches, and carpool lines.
This muffin duo brings cozy pumpkin warmth and a protein boost from cottage cheese, so I start the day steady instead of rushed.
They stay moist without being overly sweet, and the batter comes together in a flash.
The result is fluffy, satisfying muffins that still feel like a special treat.
I love sharing them with my family after long days of work and activity; they disappear quickly and leave everyone smiling.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
I love how Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins blend comfort with efficiency. In minutes, I whisk, bake, and nestle a batch into the week. The pumpkin adds warmth, the cottage cheese packs protein, and the oat flour keeps them light. They’re forgiving for busy mornings, and perfect for picky eaters who want something hearty. Plus, they make your kitchen smell like autumn and invite everyone to the table right from home.
Ingredients Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
Here are all the ingredients with exact measurements for my Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins. I keep this list handy when I meal-prep on Sundays. The pumpkin purée keeps them moist, while cottage cheese adds protein you can feel good about.
Optional add-ins and substitutions are included so you can tailor the muffins to your pantry or dietary needs. I love that dairy-free and gluten-free options can still deliver fluffy, comforting muffins for busy mornings.
- 1 cup pumpkin purée — moisture and flavor
- ¾ cup cottage cheese — protein boost. (use dairy-free cottage cheese for vegan option)
- 2 large eggs — bind and structure (or flax eggs for vegan)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey — natural sweetness
- 1½ cups oat flour — gluten-friendly option; see notes
- 1 tsp baking powder — leavening
- ½ tsp baking soda — leavening
- 1 tsp cinnamon — warm spice
- ¼ tsp nutmeg — aromatic warmth
- Pinch of salt — flavor balance
- Optional: ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts — texture and flavor
For vegan or dairy-free variations, refer to the notes in the recipe. Exact quantities are printed at the bottom of the article for printing.
How to Make Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
Step 1 — Preheat and prepare
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a muffin tin with liners.
Today I’m making Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins—pumpkin purée, cottage cheese, eggs, and maple syrup—ready fast.
This little prep saves chaos later and keeps the muffins extra tender.
Step 2 — Blend wet ingredients for Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
In a blender, I whirl pumpkin purée, cottage cheese, eggs, and maple syrup until smooth.
This step makes the muffins ultra tender.
Step 3 — Add dry ingredients to form batter
Add oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the wet mix.
Blend again until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4 — Fold in add-ins and portion batter
If you like, fold in dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts.
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling about three-quarters full.
Step 5 — Bake and test for doneness
Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let muffins rest in the pan 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Step 6 — Cool, store, and enjoy
Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for up to 4 days.
These muffins earn the label High Protein Pumpkin Muffins thanks to cottage cheese.
Reheat gently or enjoy at room temperature for a quick, satisfying bite.

Tips for Success with Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
- Gently blend wet ingredients until smooth to keep muffins tender.
- Don’t overmix; a few streaks of flour keep texture light.
- Check doneness with a toothpick; they firm up as they cool.
- Cool completely before storing; refrigerate up to 4 days.
- For vegan options, use flax eggs and dairy-free cottage cheese.
- Add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts are optional, tasty.
- Keep batter light by folding, not stirring with vigor.
Equipment Needed for Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
- Muffin tin with 12 cups (metal or silicone)
- Paper liners or nonstick spray
- Two mixing bowls (one for wet, one for dry)
- Blender or food processor
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Oven mitts, heat-safe
- Optional: muffin scoop for even portions
- Optional: parchment paper or silicone liners
Variations for Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
- Dairy-free/vegan option: use dairy-free cottage cheese or silken tofu; flax eggs; non-dairy milk.
- Gluten-free tweaks: use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour; or try almond flour for a different texture.
- High Protein Pumpkin Muffins version: add 1–2 tablespoons unflavored plant protein powder or hemp seeds.
- Sweetener swaps: choose maple syrup, honey, or date paste; adjust moisture with non-dairy milk as needed.
- Flavor twists: add pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, or a pinch of ground ginger; a hint of orange zest brightens the mix.
- Add-ins: fold in dark chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut.
- Texture play: replace half of the oat flour with almond flour for a richer bite; or add finely ground almonds.
- Topping ideas: top with a quick streusel made from oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter or coconut oil.
- Moisture boosters: stir in 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for extra softness.
- Make-ahead and storage: muffins freeze well; wrap tightly and reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
Serving Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins: Ideas
- Pair muffins with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream for a cozy breakfast.
- Serve with a cinnamon latte or spiced chai to amplify autumn vibes.
- Pack with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple butter for brightness.
- Present on a rustic board with a gentle dusting of cinnamon today.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
I know life moves fast, and mornings can feel like a sprint. These muffins are made for making ahead and freezing without losing their tender crumb. Here are practical tips I actually use to stay ahead and still serve breakfast with a smile.
Make-ahead dry mix
- Whisk oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Store in an airtight jar.
- Label with date and use within a month for best texture.
Make-ahead wet mix
- Blend pumpkin purée, cottage cheese, eggs, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours if you’re short on time.
Assemble on bake day
- Mix wet into dry just until combined. Don’t overwork the batter.
- Portion into muffin cups and bake as directed.
Freezing baked muffins
- Cool completely, then wrap individually or layer with parchment in an airtight container.
- Freeze up to 3 months for best texture.
- Reheat in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in short bursts in the microwave.

Freezing batter or partial batter
- Portion batter into muffin cups, freeze uncovered 1–2 hours, then bag and freeze.
- Bake from frozen; add 5–7 minutes to the bake time until centers are set.
Storage and reheating tips
- Store refrigerated up to 4 days for best softness.
- For moistness, reheat gently and enjoy within a day or two after thawing.
- Keep muffins in an airtight container to prevent dryness.
FAQs for Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
Can I make these gluten-free using gluten-free oats or almond flour?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free oats to make oat flour.
Almond flour is an option but makes the muffins denser and may need extra binding.
For a protein-focused twist, check out High Protein Pumpkin Muffins as a cross-reference.
Can I use dairy-free cottage cheese and flax eggs for a vegan version?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free cottage cheese or silken tofu as a substitute.
Replace eggs with flax eggs: 1 tablespoon ground flax plus 3 tablespoons water per egg.
Moisture may shift slightly, so add a splash of non-dairy milk if needed.
Can these muffins be frozen, and how best to thaw?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
You can also freeze the batter and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Are these muffins considered High Protein Pumpkin Muffins?
They are naturally high in protein thanks to cottage cheese.
Each muffin typically has around 6 g of protein, depending on brands used.
Labeling as High Protein Pumpkin Muffins is flexible, but they do deliver a solid protein boost.
Final Thoughts on Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
These muffins have become more than a quick breakfast; they’re a tiny ritual I reach for on mornings when time slips away. I love the way pumpkin sweetness and that gentle tang from cottage cheese wake up the kitchen without shouting. A batch makes the week feel doable, and in my home, they disappear before the coffee even cools. They’re forgiving, flexible, and easy to customize for dairy-free or gluten-free needs—just like real life, but tastier. If you gift these muffins to your family, you’re gifting morning calm and a warm, hopeful start. Here’s to nourishing mornings and small daily wins.
Print
Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins are 8 Delish Fluffy Moist.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins – fluffy, moist and high-protein muffins made with pumpkin purée and cottage cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- ¾ cup cottage cheese (use dairy-free cottage cheese for vegan option)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1½ cups oat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
- In a blender or food processor, combine pumpkin purée, cottage cheese, eggs (or flax eggs), and maple syrup until smooth.
- Add oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend again until fully combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes before enjoying warm or refrigerate for a protein-rich snack anytime.
Notes
- To keep muffins moist, avoid overbaking; check doneness with a toothpick.
- For vegan option, use dairy-free cottage cheese and flax eggs.
- Certified gluten-free oats will help if you need a gluten-free muffin.
- Oat flour can be substituted with almond flour for a different texture (note: may affect gluten-free status).
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blend and bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (about 60-70 g)
- Calories: ≈ 100–110
- Sugar: ≈ 9 g
- Sodium: ≈ 110 mg
- Fat: ≈ 4 g
- Saturated Fat: ≈ 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ≈ 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ≈ 18 g
- Fiber: ≈ 2 g
- Protein: ≈ 6 g
- Cholesterol: ≈ 40 mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins, High Protein Pumpkin Muffins, Pumpkin Muffins, Cottage Cheese Muffins