Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins Recipe
Delicious and healthy Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins packed with protein and a flavorful cinnamon swirl. These muffins offer the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls with a nutritious twist, made with oats, protein powder, and optional cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout fuel.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup egg whites (or 2 large eggs)
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener (erythritol, stevia, or sugar)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener (erythritol, stevia, or sugar)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients (Optional)
- 4 ounces light cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sweetener (erythritol or confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together rolled oats, protein powder, coconut flour, granulated sweetener, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add unsweetened applesauce, milk, egg whites (or eggs), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Some lumps are fine.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the oats to absorb liquid, resulting in a thicker batter and tender muffins.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix melted coconut oil, granulated sweetener, and cinnamon to create a smooth cinnamon paste.
- Assemble Muffins – First Layer: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the batter into each muffin cup, filling halfway.
- Add Cinnamon Swirl: Drizzle a generous amount of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter in each muffin cup.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl, filling the cups nearly full.
- Swirl Mixture: Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, keeping the swirl distinct without overmixing.
- Bake: Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and tops are golden brown.
- Cool: Let muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional): Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sweetener and vanilla extract, beating to combine. Slowly add milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Frost Muffins: Once completely cooled, frost muffins with cream cheese frosting using a knife, spoon, or piping bag.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy muffins warm or cold. Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Protein Powder choice affects texture: whey makes drier, plant-based may be denser.
- Adjust sweetener to taste for sweeter or milder muffins.
- Add nuts (pecans, walnuts) for extra texture and flavor.
- Include chocolate chips for a chocolate variation.
- Use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free muffins.
- For vegan version, use plant-based protein, non-dairy milk, flax eggs, and vegan cream cheese.
- Store muffins airtight at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerated for 5 days, or frozen up to 2 months.
- Warm muffins by microwaving 10-15 seconds or baking 5-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Avoid overbaking and overmixing to prevent dryness and density.
- Ensure baking powder freshness for proper rise.
- Use paper liners or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- If cinnamon swirl sinks, thicken batter with more coconut flour and avoid runny swirl mixture.
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins, Healthy Muffins, Protein Muffins, Cinnamon Swirl Muffins, Breakfast Muffins, Low Sugar Muffins, Vegetarian Muffins