In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar (or honey), applesauce, melted butter (or oil), vanilla extract, and cottage cheese until smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Apples:
Fold in the diced apple pieces gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Fill Cupcake Liners:
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake tins, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops of the cupcakes should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving:
These cupcakes are perfect served as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat. They can be enjoyed as-is, or you can top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
