Name: Chocolate Cottage Cheese Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups old fashioned oats (use gluten-free if needed); ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup cocoa powder (spooned and leveled); 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp instant espresso powder; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup low fat cottage cheese (2% fat recommended); ½ cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ⅓ cup oil (avocado oil used, canola or vegetable oil also work); ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for sprinkling on top)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 13 reviews

If you’ve been on the hunt for a muffin that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome goodness, you’re in for a treat with the Chocolate Cottage Cheese Muffins Recipe. These muffins bring together the rich, deep flavor of cocoa with the surprising creaminess of cottage cheese, creating a moist, tender crumb that just melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a guilt-free dessert, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into irresistibly chocolatey bites that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear blender container is filled with a smooth, thick chocolate batter as the base layer, dark brown and creamy in texture. On top, there is a pile of dark chocolate chips that are slightly glossy and round, scattered in the center. The blender jar sits on a white marbled texture surface. Around the blender, there are broken eggshells placed in a white flower-shaped dish at the top left, a small clear glass jug with white liquid at the bottom left, a white bowl with a speckled texture and some white residue inside at the top right, and an open glass jar filled with rolled oats with some oats spilled next to it on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and heartiness of your muffins. From the oats that add a wholesome base to the espresso powder that intensifies the chocolate notes, every component is essential.

2 ¼ cups old fashioned oats: Gives these muffins a hearty texture and wholesome body; gluten-free oats work just as well.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffin gently without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
½ cup cocoa powder: (spooned and leveled) Provides that rich chocolate backbone; go for unsweetened and good quality.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
½ tsp baking soda: Enhances the rise and balances the acidity from the cocoa.
1 tsp instant espresso powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle complexity.
¼ tsp salt: Elevates all the flavors, balancing sweetness and bitterness.
1 cup low fat cottage cheese (2% recommended): Adds moisture, protein, and a tender crumb that’s utterly delightful.
½ cup milk: Incorporates the batter smoothly and keeps the muffins soft.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together, giving structure and richness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the chocolate.
⅓ cup oil (avocado, canola or vegetable): Keeps muffins moist and adds a gentle richness.
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bursting pockets of melty chocolate for pure happiness, plus a few extra for sprinkling on top.

How to Make Chocolate Cottage Cheese Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Getting Ready

Start by positioning your oven rack to the middle and preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper or silicone liners; this will ensure your muffins pop out easily and keep their shape perfectly.

Step 2: Blend the Batter

Place all your ingredients except the chocolate chips into a blender. The oats really do need to be blended smooth to create this lovely, creamy muffin base. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, pausing once or twice to scrape down the sides so everything mixes perfectly.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips

Now fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently by hand. These little gems will melt into pockets of chocolate throughout your muffin, making every bite a delight.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared muffin pan. This ensures every muffin bakes uniformly. Feel free to sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of each muffin to add texture and beauty.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the muffins for 17 to 22 minutes. They should be set and spring back lightly when touched. The best way to confirm is by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up just right. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm if you can’t wait!

How to Serve Chocolate Cottage Cheese Muffins Recipe

A stack of three rich chocolate muffins is shown on a white marbled surface, with the top muffin having a bite taken out, revealing a dense and moist dark brown interior speckled with melted chocolate chunks. Each muffin has a smooth, slightly shiny top with a few chocolate chips embedded, and the muffins are wrapped in light brown paper liners with vertical ridges. In the background, more muffins are faintly visible with soft focus, alongside a blurred glass jar and a glass of milk, all set against a soft, warm white backdrop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate your muffins from everyday to special occasion-worthy. A sprinkle of crushed nuts or toasted coconut adds a lovely crunch contrast as well.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or snack. A hot cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate also complements the chocolatey goodness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these muffins with a smear of peanut or almond butter and sliced bananas on the side for an extra comforting touch. You can also slice them in half, toast lightly, and top with cream cheese for a unique twist that’s sure to delight guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, these muffins keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They maintain their moist texture and chocolatey flavor, ready whenever you want a quick treat.

Freezing

Chocolate Cottage Cheese Muffins freeze wonderfully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, perfect for meal prep or surprise treats.

Reheating

To bring your muffins back to life, simply microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds or warm in a toaster oven until soft and fragrant. Leftover chocolate chips inside will taste freshly melted, just like newly baked!

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oats?

While oats give these muffins their unique hearty texture and fiber, you can substitute with whole wheat or all-purpose flour if needed. Adjust liquid slightly as flour absorbs differently.

Is it necessary to use cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese adds moisture and protein, giving these muffins their tender crumb. You can try Greek yogurt as a substitute, but it may slightly change the texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk and dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives if available. Choose non-dairy chocolate chips to keep it fully vegan and dairy-free.

What makes the espresso powder important?

Espresso powder might seem unusual, but it enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste, making your muffins taste richer.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the batter?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cherries make fantastic additions. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking for extra texture and bursts of flavor.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with the Chocolate Cottage Cheese Muffins Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both comforting and a little special, perfect for sharing with loved ones on lazy mornings or for packing into lunchboxes. Give it a try, and watch how these moist, chocolatey muffins become your new go-to snack that you’ll want to make again and again.