Name: Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 eggs; 1½ cups all-purpose flour (or oat flour as substitute); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp pumpkin spice; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold; ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 79 reviews

If you are looking to brighten your morning or snack time with a delightful twist on classic pumpkin muffins, this Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the natural creaminess and protein boost from cottage cheese with the rich, warming flavors of pumpkin and pumpkin spice, these muffins deliver moist, tender bites topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. Whether you want a wholesome breakfast or a comforting treat, these muffins are a scrumptious way to bring warmth and joy to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows twelve golden-brown muffins on a cooling rack placed over a white marbled surface, with each muffin topped with a crumbly, light beige streusel layer that looks soft and slightly crisp. The muffins have an even texture and rise, each wrapped in a crinkled white paper liner. The background features a tiled wall in light, neutral colors, softly lit, which highlights the warm tones of the muffins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor wave in your mouth — from the protein-packed cottage cheese to the fragrant pumpkin spice. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up these sensational muffins.

1 cup pumpkin puree: Provides moistness, vibrant color, and that signature pumpkin flavor.
1 cup cottage cheese: Adds a creamy texture and protein that makes these muffins satisfying and nutritious.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the muffins rise beautifully.
1½ cups flour: The base that forms the structure of the muffin; oat flour can be used for a gluten-free twist.
½ cup sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough to highlight the spices and pumpkin’s natural earthiness.
1 tsp baking powder: Ensures a light, fluffy crumb by giving the muffins a good lift during baking.
1 tsp pumpkin spice: The magical blend that brings warmth with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

For the streusel topping:

¼ cup flour: Forms the crumbly base of the streusel topping.
¼ cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and moisture.
2 tbsp butter: Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the streusel.
½ tsp cinnamon: Sprinkles in a cozy spice to complement the pumpkin spice inside.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Wet Ingredients

Start by combining 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 cup cottage cheese, and 2 eggs in a blender or food processor. Blend these ingredients until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This step ensures the cottage cheese is fully incorporated, lending the muffins a tender, moist crumb.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp pumpkin spice. Mixing these ahead prevents clumping and evenly distributes the leavening and spices so every bite bursts with warm flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slight lumpy batter will yield the fluffiest muffins.

Step 4: Prepare Muffin Tin and Spoon Batter

Line or grease your muffin tin, then evenly spoon the batter into each cup, filling about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. This helps your muffins bake up perfectly without overflowing.

Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces), and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to crumble and mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This topping adds a delightful crunch and cinnamon aroma to each muffin.

Step 6: Sprinkle Streusel and Bake

Sprinkle the streusel mixture generously over the muffin batter. Place the tin in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe

A close-up of a single muffin with a crumb topping dusted with powdered sugar, the muffin has a golden brown color with a textured crumb layer on top that looks soft and slightly rough. The muffin liner is white and partially peeled down, revealing the moist inner cake, sitting on a dark wooden surface with two other muffins blurred in the background. Small crumbs and a cinnamon stick are scattered around, enhancing the cozy, baked look, with a white marbled texture as the surface behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make these already delightful muffins extra special, consider lightly dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple glaze made from maple syrup and a touch of vanilla. A little dollop of whipped cream cheese on the side also complements the creamy cottage cheese base beautifully.

Side Dishes

These muffins are fantastic paired with a hot cup of spiced chai, coffee with nutty undertones, or even a smooth latte. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a vibrant, balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make a charming autumn brunch spread? Arrange the muffins on a rustic wooden tray garnished with cinnamon sticks, small pumpkins, and fall leaves. Layer them with warm soft cheeses and a selection of nuts for a cozy gathering vibe. You could also slice the muffins and add them into a breakfast parfait with vanilla yogurt and granola for a layered treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they will last about a week without losing moisture.

Freezing

These Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe leftovers freeze wonderfully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months, perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or microwave them for about 20 seconds until warm and soft. You can also toast them lightly to revive the streusel’s crunchiness and warm the pumpkin aroma anew.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cottage cheese with something else?

Yes! If you prefer a smoother texture or don’t have cottage cheese on hand, plain Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese works well, offering similar moisture and protein content.

Is it okay to use canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely. High-quality canned pumpkin puree is perfectly fine and can save time; just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular flour for an equal amount of oat flour or a gluten-free baking blend. The muffins remain soft and delicious with this easy substitution.

How long do these muffins keep fresh at room temperature?

You can expect them to stay moist and delicious for up to two days at room temperature when stored in a sealed container. For longer storage, refrigeration is best.

Is the streusel topping necessary?

While the streusel adds delightful texture and sweetness, the muffins are tasty on their own. The topping makes them extra special and festive, especially for fall occasions.

Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe is genuinely one of those kitchen gems that beautifully marries healthful ingredients with fantastic fall flavors. Moist, tender, and bursting with cozy spices, these muffins are perfect for any occasion, from a casual breakfast to an afternoon treat. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find a new favorite baking staple to enjoy all season long!