Spiced Protein Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, protein powder, rolled oats, ground flaxseed, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, and almond milk until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using raisins or nuts, fold them in gently at this point.

5. Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

7. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Enjoy: These muffins are great on their own or with a bit of nut butter spread on top. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste or add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit. Enjoy your nutritious and tasty muffins!