Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins Recipe
Introduction
These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic treat. Packed with protein and fiber, they make a perfect breakfast or snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt.

Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener (erythritol, stevia, or sugar) for the cinnamon swirl
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl
- 4 ounces light cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sweetener (erythritol or confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or non-dairy) for the frosting
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for the frosting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, coconut flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, egg whites (or whole eggs), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener with 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl.
- Step 6: Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, then sprinkle a small amount of the cinnamon-sweetener mixture on top. Add more batter to fill each cup about three-quarters full, then sprinkle a little more cinnamon mixture on top. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter.
- Step 7: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Step 8: For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sweetener, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Step 9: Once muffins have cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top.
- Step 10: Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute egg whites with flax eggs and use plant-based protein powder.
- Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, reduce the milk amount slightly.
- Make the muffins more indulgent by drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sweetener and milk over the frosting.
Storage
Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy, let them come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. The cream cheese frosting will keep best when refrigerated.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of coconut flour?
Coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so substituting with regular flour may require adjusting the liquid quantities and could change the texture. It’s best to follow the recipe for the intended result.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted muffins in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins are a delicious and nutritious twist on classic cinnamon rolls, packed with protein and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, they combine rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, and a creamy cinnamon-spiced frosting to satisfy your sweet tooth while fueling your body.
Ingredients
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
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
Cinnamon Swirl
- 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener (erythritol, stevia, or sugar)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 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
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, coconut flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all dry ingredients.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, milk, egg whites (or eggs), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Create the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside.
- Layer the batter and swirl: Spoon half of the batter evenly into muffin cups. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Then add the remaining batter, followed by the rest of the cinnamon mixture on top. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for the classic cinnamon roll effect.
- Bake the muffins: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened light cream cheese with powdered sweetener, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the muffins: Once the muffins are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each muffin. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.
Notes
- You can use either whey or plant-based vanilla protein powder depending on dietary preferences.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream cheese with non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk and vegan cream cheese.
- Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste, especially if using sugar instead of erythritol or stevia.
- Ensure muffins are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting of the cream cheese.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon roll, protein muffins, high protein breakfast, healthy muffins, cinnamon protein snack

