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Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins Recipe

4.9 from 58 reviews

These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins offer a delicious and healthy twist on classic cinnamon rolls. Packed with protein and infused with a gooey cinnamon swirl, they are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout fuel. With an optional cream cheese frosting, these muffins balance indulgence and nutrition, making them a guilt-free treat that’s soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Muffin Batter

  • 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
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener (erythritol, stevia, or sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting (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

Instructions

  1. 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 it generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rolled oats, protein powder, coconut flour, granulated sweetener, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add unsweetened applesauce, milk, egg whites (or eggs), and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep muffins tender. Some lumps are okay.
  4. Let Batter Rest: Allow the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes so the oats can absorb liquid, thickening the batter for a tender muffin texture.
  5. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix melted coconut oil, granulated sweetener, and cinnamon until smooth to create the cinnamon swirl paste.
  6. Assemble Muffins: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter into each muffin cup, filling halfway. Drizzle a generous amount of cinnamon swirl over the batter. Top with remaining batter, filling almost to the top.
  7. Create the Swirl: Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter without overmixing, preserving the swirl pattern.
  8. Bake Muffins: Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool Muffins: Let muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional): Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sweetener and vanilla extract, beating until combined. Gradually add milk to reach desired consistency.
  11. Frost and Serve: Once muffins are fully cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting using a knife, spoon, or piping bag. Enjoy immediately or store as instructed.

Notes

  • Protein Powder: Whey protein produces a drier muffin, while plant-based may be denser. Experiment to find your preference.
  • Sweetener: Adjust amount to taste for sweetness.
  • Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to batter or as topping for texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Add to batter for a chocolatey twist.
  • Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
  • Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk and protein powder, and vegan cream cheese for frosting.
  • Storage: Store airtight at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerated for up to 5 days, or frozen up to 2 months.
  • Warming: Microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to warm.
  • Troubleshooting: Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness; ensure fresh baking powder; prevent swirl sinking by slightly thickening batter with more coconut flour.

Keywords: Cinnamon roll protein muffins, healthy protein muffins, cinnamon swirl muffins, protein breakfast muffins, low sugar muffins, easy baking recipes