These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins are a tasty way to enjoy breakfast or a snack! Soft and fluffy, they are packed with the warm flavors of cinnamon and a hint of sweetness, making them a real treat.
I can’t resist the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen while they bake. And the best part? They are packed with protein to keep you feeling great throughout your day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oat Flour: This gives the muffins a lovely texture. If you don’t have oat flour, you can blend rolled oats in a blender until fine. It’s a great gluten-free option too! However, if gluten is not a concern, regular all-purpose flour will work fine.
Protein Powder: I like using vanilla-flavored protein powder for extra sweetness. If you prefer a dairy-free option, plant-based protein powders are excellent. You can also skip it entirely and use more flour, but the muffins will lose some protein punch.
Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and protein. You can substitute with regular yogurt or even applesauce for a dairy-free option. The muffins may be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Maple Syrup: It’s used to sweeten the muffins. Honey or agave syrup are good alternatives! For vegan options, just swap maple syrup for honey.
Coconut Oil: It adds a subtle flavor and moisture. You can replace it with unsalted butter or another neutral oil if you prefer.
How Do I Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Effect?
Swirling the cinnamon mixture into the batter needs a light hand for the best results. This makes it look good and enhances the flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter.
- Spoon in a small amount of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
- Add more batter on top until nearly full.
- Using a toothpick or a knife, gently drag it through the batter in a circular motion to create swirls. Be careful not to mix too much!
This technique brings those lovely cinnamon roll vibes into your muffins. Keep practicing, and you’ll be a pro!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 ½ cups oat flour (or blended rolled oats)
- 1 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted (optional)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar or sweetener of choice
- 1 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 18–22 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a little time mixing the ingredients and making the glaze. The total time, from start to finish, is about 30–35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s at the perfect temperature when your muffins are ready to go in. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it thoroughly to avoid sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even flavors!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then mix in the Greek yogurt, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil until the mixture is smooth and nicely blended.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together just until combined—be gentle! Avoid overmixing to keep your muffins fluffy.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil. This will create a sweet swirl element for your muffins.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter. Then, add a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Finally, add more batter until each cup is nearly full.
7. Create the Swirl:
Take a toothpick or a knife and gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter in each cup to create a marbled effect. This is what gives the muffins that lovely cinnamon roll look!
8. Add Optional Toppings:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of each muffin for extra texture and flavor.
9. Bake the Muffins:
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins should be a nice golden-brown color!
10. Make the Glaze:
While the muffins are cooling, whip up the glaze by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat it until smooth and creamy.
11. Drizzle the Glaze:
When the muffins are warm, drizzle the glaze over them. This adds a sweet finishing touch. Enjoy them warm or let them cool to room temperature!
These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a post-workout treat. They’re sure to satisfy your cravings while giving you a protein boost!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! While oat flour works wonderfully, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour, almond flour, or even all-purpose flour. Just note that using different flours may alter the texture slightly, so keep an eye on the consistency of the batter.
How Can I Make These Muffins Dairy-Free?
To make the muffins dairy-free, use almond or coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and opt for a dairy-free protein powder. Additionally, ensure the glaze uses a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a sweetener that suits your dietary needs.
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Add More Protein to This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to boost the protein content even further, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder or mixing in some chia seeds or hemp hearts. Just be aware that this might change the texture slightly, so adjust the liquid as needed.
