If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying breakfast or snack, these Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Muffins tick all the boxes. Made with just six ingredients, they come together in one bowl and are packed with just 143 calories 6g of protein per muffin—perfect to keep you full and energised throughout the day. Whether you’re rushing out the door or need something sweet but balanced for your afternoon snack, these are a great option.
Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient that makes these muffins so good for you. It adds moisture and richness without needing butter or oil and gives each muffin a protein boost—great for blood sugar balance and satiety. Combined with oats and dark chocolate, you get a balanced snack with fibre, antioxidants, and slow-release energy.
These muffins are also naturally gluten-free and refined sugar-free, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Bake a batch at the start of the week and enjoy them as a grab-and-go breakfast, post-workout bite, or something sweet after dinner that doesn’t leave you feeling sluggish. They’re inspired by one of my favourite pages, @hungryhappens, but with my usual Healthyfloflo twist to make them even more nourishing and accessible. These muffins are a great option if you want simple baking without the fuss. Using just six wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time with minimal equipment.
The best part? These muffins are foolproof—just blitz the ingredients, stir in the chocolate, and bake. No complicated steps, no mess, just pure baking joy. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, these muffins are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to let them cool completely—they’ll be easier to remove and even more delicious!
Why Cottage Cheese?
Using cottage cheese in baking might sound unusual at first, but it’s one of my favourite healthy swaps—and it works beautifully in these muffins. Here’s why:
- Naturally high in protein: Cottage cheese adds a serious protein boost to these muffins (6g per serving!), which helps keep you full, satisfied, and energised without needing protein powder.
- Adds moisture without butter or oil: It gives these muffins a soft, fluffy texture without the need for added fats—making the recipe lighter but still rich and satisfying.
- Low in fat and sugar: Especially if you use a low-fat version, cottage cheese keeps the muffins nutritious without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Mild flavour: It blends easily into the mix and takes on the sweetness of the chocolate and maple syrup, so you don’t even taste it—but your body will thank you for the nutrients.
- Supports blood sugar balance: High-protein snacks help slow down sugar absorption, which makes these a great option for steady energy, especially for a breakfast on-the-go.
If you’ve never baked with cottage cheese before, these muffins are the perfect place to start—easy, wholesome, and absolutely buonissimo.
Tips
- Don’t over-blend the batter — just blitz a few seconds to combine ingredients. Overmixing can make muffins dense.
- Let muffins cool completely before removing from the tin to keep them intact and avoid sticking. A cooling rack works best.
- For extra texture, add the chocolate chips last and save some for the topping to get that melty chocolate on top.
Swaps
Cottage cheese: Greek yoghurt or ricotta (similar moisture and protein) should work instead of cottage cheese but I haven’t tested these options.
Oats: I use rolled oats for this recipe. Use a gluten-free version if you have a dietary requirement.
Maple syrup: Honey or agave nectar work great.
Chocolate: I love to use dark chocolate chips for all of my baking, with 70% dark chocolate for a much healthier option. Any dark chocolate 50% and above will do. You can also try to swap the chocolate chips with chopped dried fruit.
Storage
Fridge: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to3- 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
More Healthy Muffins
- Plant-Packed Breakfast Muffin
- Healthy Double Chocolate Muffins
- Healthy Peach & Raspberry Muffins
- 5-Ingredient Healthy Almond & Banana Muffins
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Muffins
Ingredients
- 300 g cottage cheese
- 50 g chocolate + 10g for the topping
- 100 g oats
- 2 eggs
- 30 ml maple syrup
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- In a food processor add cottage cheese, oats, 2 eggs, baking powder and maple syrup.
- Blitz only a few seconds.
- Add the chocolate chips and giving it a good stir.
- Pour the mixture into a muffin tin and add the remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes