Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper or silicone liners, or grease thoroughly.
- Prepare Apples: In a small bowl, toss diced apples with 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 Tbsp sugar. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Prepare Wet Base: Blend the cottage cheese in a separate bowl until completely smooth. Whisk in eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the ingredients together just until no dry streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the prepared cinnamon apples.
- Fill Tins: Divide batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle the tops lightly with optional Turbinado sugar for crunch.
- Bake: Bake for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then immediately reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) without opening the door. Continue baking for 15–19 minutes more, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.