Introduction

These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins are a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic treat. Packed with protein and whole grains, they make a perfect guilt-free breakfast or snack. Enjoy the warm cinnamon swirl flavor in every bite.

A close-up view of a single cinnamon roll muffin with a bite taken out of the front, showing a soft, fluffy inside with a golden-brown crust around the edges. The top layer is a thick swirl of cinnamon filling with a glossy light brown icing drizzled on top, slightly melting into the cinnamon. The muffin sits on a plain white plate with a smooth surface, placed on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats (or oat flour for smoother texture)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (plant-based option works too)
1 cup unsweetened applesauce (can substitute mashed bananas)
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy such as almond or oat milk)
3 egg whites (or 2 large whole eggs)
1/2 cup coconut flour (can substitute almond flour, adjust quantity)
1/2 cup granulated sweetener (choose based on dietary preferences)
1 tbsp baking powder (ensure it’s fresh)
2 tsp cinnamon (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract (fresh vanilla beans add deeper flavor)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup melted coconut oil (can swap for melted butter)

For the glaze (optional):

4 oz cream cheese (light, softened; Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative)
1/2 cup powdered sweetener (adjust sweetness as desired)
2 tbsp milk (or non-dairy alternative)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, unsweetened applesauce, and milk. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Add the egg whites and melted coconut oil to the bowl, stirring until the batter is smooth.
Step 4: Gently fold in the coconut flour, granulated sweetener, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix carefully to avoid overmixing.
Step 5: To make the cinnamon swirl, mix additional granulated sweetener with a bit of cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 6: Spoon half of the muffin batter into the prepared tin. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter, then cover with the remaining batter.
Step 7: Bake for about 20 minutes until muffins turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8 (optional): For the glaze, blend the cream cheese, powdered sweetener, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 9: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over cooled muffins if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use oat flour instead of rolled oats for a finer muffin texture.
Swap applesauce with mashed bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
Try almond flour in place of coconut flour, but reduce quantity slightly as almond flour is denser.
Choose your preferred sweetener to keep the recipe suitable for your diet, such as stevia or coconut sugar.
Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for additional texture and flavor.

Storage

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat muffins briefly in the microwave or oven for a warm, fresh taste.

How to Serve

A close-up of a single cinnamon roll muffin with one bite taken out, showing its soft, fluffy, light beige inside with cinnamon swirls throughout. The top layer is thick with shiny, creamy light brown frosting swirled over the darker cinnamon sugar filling that peeks through. The muffin’s edges have a golden brown, lightly crisp texture. It sits on a simple white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. In the blurred background, more cinnamon roll muffins are slightly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Yes, you can substitute 3 egg whites with 2 large whole eggs. This may slightly change the texture and increase richness.

Is it necessary to add the glaze?

No, the glaze is optional. The muffins are flavorful and moist on their own, but the glaze adds a creamy, sweet finishing touch resembling a traditional cinnamon roll.