There’s something magical about autumn mornings—the crisp air, the cozy sweaters, and of course, the irresistible scent of pumpkin spice drifting through the kitchen. Imagine starting your day with a warm muffin that’s not only packed with that cozy fall flavor but also fuels your body with protein and nutrients. That’s exactly what these Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins deliver.
Fluffy, lightly sweetened, and brimming with seasonal spice, these muffins check all the boxes: high-protein, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and perfect for meal prep. They taste indulgent but are secretly wholesome—making them the kind of breakfast you’ll actually look forward to eating all week long.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛
These aren’t your typical sugary pumpkin muffins. Instead, they’re thoughtfully crafted to balance flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Here’s why they’ll quickly become your new favorite breakfast:
- High-protein fuel: Each muffin packs around 10g of protein thanks to cottage cheese and optional protein powder.
- Naturally sweetened: Sweetened with just maple syrup (or honey), so no refined sugar crash.
- Cozy flavors: Pumpkin purée and warming spices create that classic fall comfort in every bite.
- Meal-prep friendly: Bake a batch on Sunday and enjoy them all week long.
- Gluten-free & customizable: Made with almond flour and oat flour, with easy swaps for different diets.
Picture this: sipping on a hot latte, wrapped in a blanket, and enjoying one of these moist, spiced muffins fresh from the oven. It’s the kind of simple joy we all crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
To make these Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins, you’ll need just a handful of wholesome ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat both work)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey for a slightly different flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup oat flour (or swap with more almond flour for lower carbs)
- 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder (optional, for extra protein)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Dark chocolate chips for a cozy treat
- A sprinkle of oats on top for bakery-style vibes
Step-by-Step Directions 👩🍳
Follow these simple steps and you’ll have fresh, golden-brown muffins ready in under 30 minutes.
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 6-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with coconut oil or nonstick spray.
Pro tip: Using parchment liners makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, pumpkin purée, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The cottage cheese may leave tiny curds, but that’s perfectly fine—it adds texture and creaminess.
3. Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Add in the almond flour, oat flour, protein powder (if using), pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your muffins tender.
4. Fill & Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the 6 muffin cups. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool & Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm, or store them for later.
Serving & Storage Tips 🥡
- Serve warm: Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for that just-baked coziness.
- Toppings: Spread with almond butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a little cream cheese for extra indulgence.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight or microwave straight from frozen.
Helpful Notes & Variations 🌟
One of the best things about these Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins is how adaptable they are. Here are a few ideas:
- Low-carb / Keto: Skip the oat flour and use all almond flour instead. Use a sugar-free maple syrup alternative.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free yogurt or coconut yogurt.
- Nut-free option: Replace almond flour with sunflower seed flour (note: it may turn slightly green when baked, but still tastes great).
- Extra protein boost: Add the optional protein powder or top with Greek yogurt when serving.
- Make it dessert-worthy: Mix in dark chocolate chips or swirl a little cream cheese into the batter before baking.
Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins – Cozy, High-Protein & Naturally Sweetened
- Yield: 6 muffins
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are high-protein, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened. Perfect for cozy fall mornings or meal prep.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
2 large eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup almond flour
1/4 cup oat flour (or more almond flour for lower carbs)
1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder (optional)
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 6 liners or lightly grease.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, pumpkin purée, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 3: Stir in Dry Ingredients
Add almond flour, oat flour, protein powder (if using), spices, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Step 4: Fill & Bake
Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy
Let cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm, or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Add chopped pecans or dark chocolate chips for extra texture.
Great for meal prep—store in fridge up to 4 days or freeze.
Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a warm, spiced breakfast.
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
FAQs ❓
1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! These muffins are designed for meal prep. Bake a batch, store in the fridge, and enjoy them throughout the week.
2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?
Yes, but make sure it’s well-drained and mashed smoothly. Canned pumpkin tends to be more consistent in texture and moisture.
3. Do I have to use protein powder?
Not at all! The muffins are still high in protein from the cottage cheese and eggs. The protein powder just adds an optional boost.
4. How do I know when the muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), they’re ready.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe easily doubles to make 12 muffins. Adjust baking time slightly if needed.
Nutritional Insight 🥗
Per muffin (based on 6 muffins, without add-ins):
- Calories: ~170 kcal
- Protein: ~10g
- Fat: ~9g
- Net Carbs: ~5g
- Gluten-Free & Refined Sugar-Free
This balance makes them an excellent breakfast or post-workout snack—keeping you full without the sugar crash of a typical muffin.
Final Thoughts 🍂
If you’ve been searching for a wholesome, cozy breakfast that feels indulgent but supports your health goals, these Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are the answer. They combine everything we love about fall—pumpkin spice, warmth, comfort—with a nourishing twist that makes them perfect for everyday life.
Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee, packing them for work, or pulling one from the freezer on a busy day, these muffins will bring a little joy (and a lot of flavor) to your routine.
👉 So go ahead—preheat that oven and treat yourself to a batch today. Once you taste them, you’ll wonder how you ever started your mornings without them.
Reader Favorites: Similar Recipes You’ll Also Love
If you’re loving these Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins, you’ll also enjoy these heartfelt, high-protein morning treats that feel like a warm hug from the inside:
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➡️ High-Protein Cottage Cheese Breakfast Biscuit – A savory, fluffy, low-carb biscuit perfect for busy mornings or breakfast sandwiches.
➡️ Fluffy Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels – Soft, chewy, keto-friendly bagels that feel indulgent yet nourishing.
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