These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins are fluffy and packed with goodness! With hints of cinnamon, they make a tasty treat that’s also healthy.
I’m a big fan of enjoying these muffins for breakfast. Plus, they whip up quickly, so there’s no excuse not to have a yummy start to your day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Flour: A great gluten-free option, almond flour makes the muffins moist. If you can’t find it, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture and taste may change slightly.
Vanilla Protein Powder: I love using vanilla protein powder here for added flavor and nutrition. If you’re dairy-free, opt for pea protein or a plant-based blend. You can also swap it out for more flour if you prefer a plain muffin.
Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and protein. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt works well. You can also use applesauce for a lighter option, but it’ll change the flavor a bit.
Coconut Sugar: Great for creating that lovely cinnamon swirl. If you don’t have it, brown sugar or white sugar can work in a pinch. However, coconut sugar has a more caramel-like flavor.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! Feel free to adjust based on your taste. You can even experiment with a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra kick.
How Do You Get A Perfect Cinnamon Swirl in Muffins?
Creating that beautiful cinnamon swirl can make your muffins look as good as they taste! Here’s how to master it:
- Prepare your cinnamon mixture by combining coconut sugar, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil.
- Fill your muffin cups halfway with the batter to start. This ensures a base to hold the cinnamon filling.
- Place a teaspoon of the cinnamon mixture on top of the batter in each muffin cup.
- Top with the remaining muffin batter. Don’t overfill! You need room for rising.
- Use a toothpick or skewer and gently swirl the batter where you added the cinnamon to create that lovely design.
Remember, don’t overdo the swirling; you want it mixed without losing the layers!
What’s the Best Way to Make the Glaze?
Making a drizzle-worthy glaze is simple! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. If it’s cold, it will be harder to mix smooth.
- Add in powdered sugar slowly, mixing until combined.
- Stir in your vanilla extract and enough milk until you reach your desired consistency. A thicker glaze is lovely, but thin enough to drizzle is key!
- Drizzle generously over the warm muffins for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Let the glaze set a bit before serving so it clings nicely to your muffins!
Delicious Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins Recipe
Ingredients Overview:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (or any flour of choice)
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Components:
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk to thin the glaze
Time Estimate:
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time, followed by 18-22 minutes of baking time. After baking, let the muffins cool for a few minutes before adding the glaze. Total time from start to finish is around 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows your muffins to bake evenly. While the oven heats, you can prepare your muffin tin—grease it or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, salt, and 1 tsp of ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to mix them together well, ensuring there are no lumps and everything is evenly distributed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, crack in the eggs and beat them gently. Next, add the Greek yogurt, unsweetened almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir them together until just combined—don’t overmix, or your muffins might turn out dense!
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix the coconut sugar, additional ground cinnamon, and melted coconut oil or butter. This will create the sweet swirl that gives the muffins their cinnamon roll flavor.
6. Assemble the Muffins:
Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter. Add about a teaspoon of the cinnamon mixture on top of the batter in each cup. Finish by topping with the remaining muffin batter. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for a beautiful cinnamon roll effect.
7. Bake the Muffins:
Once assembled, place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes. Check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean when they’re fully baked.
8. Make the Glaze:
While the muffins are cooling for a few minutes, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
9. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the muffins are slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops. This adds a deliciously creamy finish! Enjoy your protein-packed cinnamon roll muffins!
These muffins are a delightful combination of sweetness and spice, perfect for breakfast or a snack anytime. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! While almond flour makes these muffins gluten-free and moist, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may differ slightly.
How Can I Make These Muffins Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt) in place of Greek yogurt. Also, select a dairy-free milk alternative such as almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
Can I Sweeten These Muffins More or Less?
Absolutely! The amount of honey or maple syrup can be adjusted according to your sweetness preference. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you can reduce the amount or use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them up in a toaster oven!
