Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins! High-Protein Breakfast Treat!

Wholesome, energizing, and irresistibly sweet, these Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins deliver all the indulgent flavor of a bakery-fresh cinnamon roll, without the sugar crash. Perfect for busy mornings or post-workout snacks, they combine the nostalgic warmth of cinnamon swirls with a satisfying dose of protein to keep you fueled for hours.

Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Calories: 190 per muffin

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups oat flour
  • 1 scoop (about 30g) vanilla whey protein powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (plain, nonfat)
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl Filling

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon melted butter or coconut oil

Optional Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon milk (any kind)
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, almond milk, Greek yogurt, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
  5. In a small dish, mix the cinnamon swirl ingredients to form a paste.
  6. Fill muffin cups halfway, add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon swirl mixture, then top with remaining batter. Swirl gently with a toothpick.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool muffins on a wire rack. Drizzle with optional glaze before serving.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

  • Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oat flour and ensure your protein powder is gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use plant-based protein powder.
  • Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
  • Low-Sugar: Use monk fruit or erythritol instead of maple syrup and sugar in the swirl.

Chef’s Pro Tips

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing and better muffin rise.
  • Don’t overmix, this keeps the muffins tender and fluffy.
  • For bakery-style domes, fill muffin cups almost to the top and bake at 375°F for the first 5 minutes, then reduce to 350°F.
  • Fold in extras like chopped walnuts or a spoonful of protein frosting for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins are ideal for meal prep. Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, wrap individually and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

  • Dry muffins? You may have added too much protein powder or overbaked. Reduce baking time by 1–2 minutes next time.
  • Flat tops? Check baking powder freshness and don’t overfill the cups.
  • Bland flavor? Increase cinnamon or use a flavored protein powder for more depth.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins with a cappuccino, vanilla cold brew, or chai latte. They also pair beautifully with fruit spreads, almond butter, or a dollop of whipped Greek yogurt.

Pairing Recipes From Our Website

FAQs

Can I use casein or plant-based protein powder? Yes, though texture may vary, plant protein tends to make muffins denser. How do I make them extra moist? Add an extra tablespoon of yogurt or a mashed banana to the batter. Can I skip the glaze? Absolutely. The muffins are naturally sweet enough without it. What’s the best flour substitute? Whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour (adjust liquid slightly). Do these taste like real cinnamon rolls? They capture the same cinnamon sweetness and soft crumb, without the frosting overload. Can I bake them in a mini muffin pan? Yes, reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes.

Close-up of cinnamon swirl texture inside protein muffin

Conclusion

Whether you’re chasing a healthy breakfast or a guilt-free afternoon treat, Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins blend comfort and nutrition beautifully. With balanced sweetness, warm cinnamon spice, and a protein-packed punch, they’re proof that you can have your muffin, and eat it too. Bake a batch today and make every bite count.

For more on baking safety and ingredient substitutions, see authoritative guides from the USDA Food Safety and FDA Food Resources.

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