- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups. 
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, and softened butter until smooth and well combined. 
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. 
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. 
- Gently fold in the chopped apples, and add optional nuts or raisins if desired. 
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. 
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.