High Protein Strawberry Cottage Cheese Muffins

High Protein Strawberry Cottage Cheese Muffins are a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy a healthy breakfast or snack. Made with protein-rich cottage cheese, these muffins are light, moist, and bursting with fresh strawberries. The combination of cottage cheese and whole wheat flour gives them a boost of protein and fiber, making them a satisfying option that will keep you full for hours. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a quick breakfast, these muffins are the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These High Protein Strawberry Cottage Cheese Muffins are a great way to fuel your day with the goodness of fresh strawberries, protein-packed cottage cheese, and whole wheat flour. The muffins are light and moist, with a slight tang from the cottage cheese that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be stored for several days, making them perfect for meal prep. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as a mid-day snack, they are a delicious and healthy treat you can feel good about.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

• 1/4 cup milk (any kind)

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional for added fiber)

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional for extra crunch)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, applesauce or mashed banana, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Add the Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and chia seeds or flaxseeds (if using). If you’d like to add nuts or seeds, fold them in as well.

6. Fill the Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

7. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Serve: Enjoy the muffins warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 18-22 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add other berries: Swap the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, or even a combination of different berries for a mixed berry muffin.

• Chocolate chips: Add a handful of dark chocolate chips for a sweet treat with extra flavor.

• Use almond flour: If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute whole wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

• Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cottage cheese or substitute with a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.

Storage/Reheating

These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Reheat frozen muffins in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Can I make these muffins without oats?

Yes, you can substitute the oats with more whole wheat flour or another flour of your choice, but the texture may be slightly different.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for cottage cheese and will still provide a creamy texture and protein boost.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

Yes! To make them vegan, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water for each egg), and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Use a plant-based milk and non-dairy yogurt.

Can I add nuts to these muffins?

Yes, you can add chopped walnuts, almonds, or any nuts you like for a crunchy texture and added healthy fats.

How can I make the muffins sweeter?

If you like your muffins sweeter, you can increase the amount of honey or maple syrup to 1/3 cup. You can also add a few tablespoons of chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the muffin tin well or use muffin liners. If using a non-stick pan, it’s still a good idea to grease it lightly to ensure the muffins come out easily.

Can I make these muffins without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan version.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze well. Once cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight or warm them in the microwave for a quick snack.

Conclusion

High Protein Strawberry Cottage Cheese Muffins are a healthy, satisfying treat that packs a punch of protein and flavor. With the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and nutrition, these muffins are a great option for breakfast, snacks, or even post-workout recovery. The cottage cheese adds a creamy richness and protein boost, while the fresh strawberries provide a burst of natural sweetness. Easy to make and adaptable to your preferences, these muffins are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!