Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Cups

There’s something deeply comforting about the warm aroma of cinnamon gently filling your kitchen. It signals cozy mornings, slow weekends, and simple recipes that nourish both body and soul. These Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Cups deliver exactly that kind of comfort — soft, lightly sweet, perfectly spiced little custard-like bites that feel indulgent but are secretly packed with protein.

Whether you enjoy them fresh and warm straight from the air fryer or chilled for a grab-and-go breakfast, these creamy cups are a delicious balance of richness and lightness. With minimal prep and wholesome ingredients, they’re ideal for busy mornings, post-workout snacks, or even a healthy dessert when you’re craving something sweet but satisfying.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

• ✔️ High in protein and naturally satisfying
• ✔️ Lightly sweet with warm cinnamon flavor
• ✔️ Air fryer and oven friendly
• ✔️ Creamy, smooth custard-like texture
• ✔️ Ready in just 21 minutes
• ✔️ Perfect for meal prep
• ✔️ Simple, everyday ingredients

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Ingredients (With Exact Amounts)

• 1 cup full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese – Creates the creamy, protein-rich base of the cups.

• 1 large egg – Binds everything together and gives structure.

• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or granulated sweetener of choice – Adds balanced sweetness.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the warm, comforting flavor.

• ½ – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (to taste) – Provides cozy spice and aroma.

• Pinch of salt (optional) – Balances and deepens the sweetness.

• Cooking spray or oil for greasing – Prevents sticking and ensures easy release.

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Step-By-Step Instructions (Detailed)

1️⃣ Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). Preheating ensures even cooking from the moment the cups go in, which helps them rise properly and set evenly.

Lightly grease 2–3 silicone molds or oven-safe ramekins (about 4–6 ounces each) with cooking spray or oil. Be thorough, especially around the edges, to make sure the cups release easily after cooking. Silicone molds work beautifully because they flex, but ramekins also work well.

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2️⃣ Make the Mixture

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, egg, sweetener, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt (if using).

Blend until completely smooth. This step is essential — blending removes the natural curds of the cottage cheese and transforms the mixture into a silky batter. You’re looking for a thick, pourable consistency similar to pancake batter but slightly creamier. If using an immersion blender, blend directly in a deep bowl until no lumps remain.

The smoother the batter, the more custard-like and elegant the final texture will be.

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3️⃣ Pour and Arrange

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cups, filling each about ¾ full. Leave a little space at the top, as the mixture will rise slightly during cooking.

Carefully place the cups into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching and that there is space between them for proper air circulation. Good airflow ensures even cooking and prevents undercooked centers.

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4️⃣ Air Fry

Cook for 14–16 minutes at 325°F (160°C).

You’ll know they’re ready when:

• The tops are set and slightly firm to the touch
• The centers no longer jiggle when gently shaken
• The edges look lightly golden

They will puff up slightly while cooking — this is completely normal. Avoid opening the air fryer too frequently, as sudden temperature changes can affect the rise.

If unsure, gently tap the side of a cup. If the center barely moves, they’re done.

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5️⃣ Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cups carefully and let them cool for at least 10 minutes. During this time, they will deflate slightly and continue to firm up. This resting period is important for achieving the perfect texture.

You can enjoy them:

• Warm and soft
• At room temperature
• Chilled straight from the refrigerator for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture

For best flavor, allow them to cool completely before refrigerating if you plan to store them.

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🏠 Oven Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Place the filled ramekins in a baking dish and pour hot water around them until it reaches halfway up the sides (water bath method). This gentle cooking technique prevents cracking and keeps the texture silky.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the centers are set and no longer jiggle. Cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Variations & Customizations

1. Extra Cinnamon Swirl

Before baking, lightly sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top and swirl it gently with a toothpick for a marbled look and deeper spice flavor.

2. Sweeter Dessert Version

Use the full 2 tablespoons of sweetener for a more dessert-like profile, especially if serving chilled.

3. Cheesecake-Style Chill

Let the cups chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. The texture becomes denser and more cheesecake-like.

4. Meal Prep Friendly

Make a double batch and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully or can be eaten cold.

5. Slightly Firmer Texture

Cook for the full 16 minutes if you prefer a firmer, sliceable texture rather than soft and custardy.

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FAQ

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, both full-fat and low-fat cottage cheese work well. Full-fat gives a richer texture, while low-fat makes the cups lighter but still creamy.

2. Why did my cups deflate after cooking?

This is completely normal. They rise due to the egg expanding during cooking and settle slightly as they cool. The final texture will still be perfectly creamy.

3. How do I know they are fully cooked?

Gently shake the cup — if the center barely jiggles and the top feels set, they’re done. Overcooking can make them slightly dry, so watch closely after 14 minutes.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. They store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, many people prefer the chilled texture.

5. Do I need a blender?

Blending ensures a smooth texture. Without it, the cottage cheese curds will remain visible and the texture will be more rustic rather than custard-like.

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Nutrition & Time Table

Detail	Amount
Prep Time	5 minutes
Cooking Time	16 minutes
Total Time	21 minutes
Calories	150 kcal per serving
Protein	~14g
Carbohydrates	~8g
Fat	~7g

Nutrition values are approximate and depend on sweetener choice and cottage cheese type.

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