These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins are a tasty way to start your day! Packed with protein and a hint of cinnamon, they’re soft, sweet, and super easy to make.
Picture this: warm muffins that taste just like your favorite cinnamon rolls, but healthier! I love enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee—you can’t beat that cozy combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oat Flour: This is a great healthier alternative to regular flour. You can easily make your own by blending rolled oats until fine. If you don’t have oat flour, you can use whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour as well.
Protein Powder: I often use vanilla protein powder for an added sweetness. If you’re sensitive to dairy, opt for a plant-based protein powder like pea or hemp. For a fun twist, chocolate protein powder can also work, just adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Greek Yogurt: It adds moisture and protein. You can substitute with non-dairy yogurt or applesauce for a dairy-free or lower fat option. I recommend plain yogurt for a neutral flavor; flavored yogurts may alter the taste.
Maple Syrup: This sweetener works perfectly, but you could also use honey or agave syrup. For a lower-calorie option, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener, adjusting amounts to taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
The cinnamon swirl is what makes these muffins special! To achieve the best swirl, mix your brown sugar and cinnamon with melted butter thoroughly. This ensures even distribution throughout the batter without clumping.
- Fill muffin cups halfway with batter.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon mixture directly over the center.
- Top off with remaining batter to ensure the swirl stays inside, and use a toothpick to gently swirl it, creating that lovely, marbled effect.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Fluffy Muffin Texture?
To keep your muffins light and fluffy, be careful not to overmix when combining the wet and dry ingredients. A few lumps are totally fine; overmixing can lead to denser muffins. Also, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh; old leavening agents may not provide the lift needed for perfect muffins!
Delicious Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt
- 1/3 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 3 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
For the Drizzle (optional):
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp milk (or as needed)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 18-22 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before adding the optional drizzle. Altogether, you can have these delicious muffins ready in under 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick mixture.
6. Assemble the Muffins:
Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Add about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture in the middle of each muffin, then top with more batter until the cups are about 3/4 full. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter for that lovely cinnamon roll effect.
7. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!
8. Make the Drizzle (optional):
While the muffins are baking, you can prepare the drizzle. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve your desired drizzle consistency.
9. Cool and Drizzle:
Once the muffins are baked, allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle with the cream cheese glaze once they are slightly cooled.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
These delightful muffins are best served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them as a nutritious breakfast or a satisfying snack throughout the day!
These protein-packed cinnamon roll muffins are not only delicious but also a great way to fuel your day with wholesome ingredients!
Can I Substitute the Oat Flour?
Absolutely! If you don’t have oat flour, you can use whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour as a substitute. If using regular flour, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as oat flour absorbs more moisture.
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Yes! You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave syrup, or even a sugar-free sweetener like stevia. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to your taste preference.
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Muffins?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to add some variety. Just keep in mind that this may slightly change the texture and sweetness of the muffins.
