Description
Healthy Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites are a guilt-free snack perfect for any time of the day. These bite-sized muffins combine creamy cottage cheese, rolled oats, warm cinnamon, and sweet apple flavors for a nutritious and delicious treat. With added wholesome ingredients like nuts, chia seeds, and a hint of natural sweetener, they provide a balanced snack with fiber, protein, and a touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (or substitute with ricotta)
- 1 cup Rolled Oats (or use quick oats for softer texture)
- 1/2 cup Applesauce (or grated apple)
- 1 large Egg (to bind ingredients)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (or use nutmeg for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Honey or Maple Syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (ensure freshness)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup Chopped Nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup Mini Chocolate Chips or Raisins (for added sweetness)
- 1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds or Ground Flaxseed (for extra fiber)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a mini muffin pan by greasing it or lining it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, rolled oats, applesauce (or grated apple), egg, cinnamon, optional honey or maple syrup, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Rest Batter: Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes to let the oats absorb moisture and thicken the mixture slightly, which helps with texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Scoop the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup almost to the top to ensure nicely rounded bites.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the bites are set and lightly golden on top, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Let the bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up and prevents sogginess.
Notes
- Substitute ricotta for cottage cheese for a slightly creamier texture.
- Use quick oats instead of rolled oats if you prefer softer bites.
- The sweetener is optional depending on your sweetness preference and the sweetness of your applesauce or grated apples.
- Pumpkin puree can be added for seasonal flavor and extra moisture.
- Chopped nuts add a nice crunch, but they can be omitted or replaced with seeds for nut-free options.
- Mini chocolate chips or raisins offer a natural sweet contrast but can be left out for a simpler flavor.
- Store baked bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- These bites make an excellent protein-packed snack suitable for breakfast or between meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American