Lemon Poppy Seed Cottage Cheese Muffins

Light, fluffy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, these Lemon Poppy Seed Cottage Cheese Muffins are the perfect balance of zesty and sweet. Cottage cheese keeps the muffins moist and packed with protein, while poppy seeds add a delightful crunch. They’re easy to make, wonderfully tender, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sunny afternoon snack.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light & Moist – Thanks to the addition of cottage cheese.
Bright, Fresh Flavor – Lemon zest and juice make them taste so fresh.
Protein-Packed – Cottage cheese adds a boost of nutrition.
Quick & Easy – Whip them up in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for Any Time of Day – Breakfast, snack, or dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup oat flour (or more all-purpose flour)
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd or blended smooth)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• ¼ cup milk (any kind)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• 2 tbsp honey for extra sweetness
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips
• A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for a crunchy finish

Tools You’ll Need

• Muffin pan
• Paper liners or non-stick spray
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Microplane or fine grater for zesting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, poppy seeds, and sugar.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, oil, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Gently stir until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the muffins tender.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Pan
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling about ¾ full.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve
Enjoy warm or at room temperature, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!

Tips for Success
Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh juice and zest give the best bright flavor.
Blend Cottage Cheese if Needed – For a smoother texture in the muffins.
Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to avoid dense muffins.
Let Them Cool – Cooling helps set the structure and intensifies the flavors.
Customize – Add a drizzle of lemon glaze for extra zing!

Serving Suggestions
With a Cup of Tea – Perfect for a light afternoon treat.
With Fresh Berries – Serve alongside strawberries or blueberries.
With Yogurt – Make it a wholesome breakfast combo.
As a Sweet Snack – Great on the go or packed in lunchboxes.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze muffins individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly to warm.

Reheating:
Microwave: Warm for about 15–20 seconds to freshen up.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
   Yes, ricotta will work well and give a similarly creamy texture.
2. Can I make them gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oat flour.
3. Can I add more lemon flavor?
   Absolutely! Add extra zest or a lemon glaze drizzle on top.
4. Do I have to use poppy seeds?
   No, but they add a lovely texture and nutty flavor. You can skip them if preferred.
5. Can I make mini muffins?
   Yes! Just reduce the baking time to about 10–12 minutes.

Final Thoughts
These Lemon Poppy Seed Cottage Cheese Muffins are soft, tender, and bursting with sunny lemon flavor. Easy to make and packed with protein, they’re the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a little pick-me-up. Light, refreshing, and so delicious—you’ll want to bake these all year long!

Whip up a batch today and enjoy a burst of sunshine in every bite! Don’t forget to share your muffin creations online!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Cuisine: American / Healthy Baking

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin – makes 12):
Calories: 170 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Sodium: 180mg

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