These Cinnamon Roll Protein Bites are like tiny hugs for your taste buds! Packed with protein and flavors that remind you of warm cinnamon rolls, they make a perfect snack.
They’re super easy to make—just mix, roll, and chill! I love grabbing a few for an afternoon pick-me-up. They satisfy that sweet tooth without the guilt. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Using rolled oats is a fantastic base. If you don’t have oat flour, just blend whole rolled oats until fine. For those gluten-free, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Protein Powder: Vanilla or cinnamon protein powder adds flavor and nutrition. If you’re not a fan of protein powder, you can use ground almonds or leave it out, but the texture will change a bit.
Nut Butters: I love almond butter for its creamy texture, but good old peanut butter works just as well. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both add sweetness and moisture. If you’re after a lower sugar option, try using agave syrup or a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Protein Bites?
The texture is key for these bites. Start by blending your oats into a fine flour, which helps bind the mixture. When mixing in your wet ingredients, be careful not to add too much milk at once. You want the mixture to be sticky but hold together when rolled into balls.
- Mix dry ingredients well before adding wet ingredients to ensure even flavor distribution.
- When rolling, wet your hands slightly to stop them from sticking to the mixture.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a tiny bit more milk. If too wet, you can fold in a bit more oat flour.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Protein Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (blended into oat flour)
- 1/2 cup vanilla or cinnamon protein powder
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp almond milk or any milk, as needed for consistency
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar or powdered erythritol (for low sugar)
- 1-2 tbsp cream cheese or Greek yogurt, softened
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare—the perfect amount for a quick and tasty snack! After that, allow for about 30 minutes in the fridge to let the bites firm up. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oats:
Start by pulsing the rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they are finely ground into a powder. This will be your oat flour and helps create a soft texture in the protein bites.
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, protein powder, ground flaxseed or chia seeds, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Stir everything together so the spices are dispersed evenly.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything until well combined. It will start to get thick, which is great!
4. Adjust the Consistency:
Now, slowly add the almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is nice and slightly sticky, yet still holds shape when you roll it into balls. You might not need all the milk, so go slow!
5. Roll the Bites:
With clean hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place these on a lined baking sheet or plate as you go.
6. Make the Glaze:
In a separate small bowl, prepare your glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and a bit thick. This will give you that delicious, creamy topping!
7. Drizzle the Glaze:
Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the glaze over each protein bite. This is where it gets fun and fancy!
8. Chill and Enjoy:
Now, pop the bites into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. Trust me, they’re worth the wait!
9. Store Your Treats:
Once set, you can store any leftover protein bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—or you might just eat them all in one go!
These bites perfectly blend the flavors of cinnamon rolls with protein goodness and a creamy glaze. Enjoy them cold or warmed up; either way, they’re a delightful treat!
Can I Use Different Protein Powder?
Absolutely! While vanilla or cinnamon protein powder works best, you can use any flavor you prefer, such as chocolate or unflavored. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the taste of the bites.
Can I Make These Bite-Sized Treats Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup and use a plant-based yogurt for the glaze instead of cream cheese.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover protein bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them! Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add mix-ins like chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust the wet ingredients slightly if the mixture becomes too dry.