Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Cottage Cheese Muffins are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. These muffins combine the protein-packed goodness of cottage cheese with zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds, making them a perfect breakfast or snack option!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or honey)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Timing

Making Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Cottage Cheese Muffins takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

1. Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Tin

1. Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Cool Muffins: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Cottage Cheese Muffins (per muffin, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	5g
Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	8g

Tips for Customization

• Add Blueberries: Incorporate fresh or frozen blueberries for an additional burst of flavor.
• Glaze Option: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice) over the cooled muffins for extra sweetness.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Cottage Cheese Muffins are a delightful and nutritious treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. With their bright lemon flavor and fluffy texture, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!