Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Protein Muffins

These Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Protein Muffins are my go-to treat when I want something cozy, nourishing, and packed with protein. With warm fall spices, creamy pumpkin, and a tender, fluffy texture thanks to the cottage cheese and oat flour, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a guilt-free afternoon snack. I love that they satisfy my sweet tooth while keeping me full and energized.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these muffins deliver big fall flavor without overloading on sugar or flour. They’re high in protein, naturally sweetened, and super easy to mix up in one bowl or blender. The cottage cheese gives them a moist, soft texture while adding a creamy boost of protein. Whether I’m meal-prepping or baking a batch for the week, these muffins always hit the spot and make my kitchen smell like fall.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups oat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder (about 25g)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

2. In a blender or mixing bowl, I combine the cottage cheese, eggs, pumpkin puree, sweetener, and vanilla extract. I blend or whisk until smooth.

3. I stir in the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until everything is well combined. The batter will be thick but pourable.

4. I divide the batter evenly between 10–12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

5. I bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.

6. I let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10 to 12 muffins. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, so I can have a batch ready in around 30 minutes. They’re great for meal prepping or a quick seasonal snack.

Variations

Sometimes I stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor. I’ve also swapped the pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon and nutmeg if that’s what I have on hand. For an extra protein boost, I use Greek yogurt in place of half the cottage cheese. And if I want a vegan version, I use flax eggs and plant-based protein powder.

storage/reheating

I store these muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They reheat well in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. I also freeze them individually wrapped and pull one out as needed—they thaw quickly at room temperature or can be warmed up straight from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oat or almond flour?

Yes, I’ve used whole wheat flour with great results. Just note that the texture may be slightly denser.

What type of protein powder works best?

I use either unflavored or vanilla whey protein. Plant-based protein also works but may change the texture slightly.

Are these muffins really moist with cottage cheese?

Yes! The cottage cheese blends in beautifully and makes the muffins tender without tasting cheesy at all.

Can I make them sweeter?

Absolutely. I adjust the sweetness to taste by adding a little more honey, maple syrup, or even a few stevia drops depending on the protein powder I use.

Do these muffins rise a lot?

They puff up nicely but won’t dome like bakery muffins. I don’t mind, because they stay soft and packed with goodness.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Protein Muffins are everything I love about fall baking—warm spices, real pumpkin, and feel-good ingredients—all wrapped into one high-protein treat. Whether I’m enjoying one with coffee, packing them in lunch boxes, or fueling up after a workout, they’re a cozy and nourishing way to celebrate the season.