Ingredients

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 cup cottage cheese (regular, lowfat or nonfat)
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375° F.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon. Set aside.

In an electric mixer bowl, combine cottage cheese, brown sugar and butter and beat until fully blended. Lightly beat eggs, then add to ingredients in electric mixer bowl and beat again until fully blended and creamy.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons of cinnamon and baking soda. Gradually add flour mixture to electric mixer bowl and beat on low speed just until mositened. If using raisins, remove bowl from electric mixer and manually stir in raisins.

Spoon batter into equal portions into 12 muffin pan cups either sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or lined with paper muffin cups. Evenly sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon of the Cinnamon Sugar Topping.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. Serve muffins warm topped with butter.