Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
If you love cinnamon rolls but want a more nourishing option, these Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are for you. They’re soft, gooey, and packed with protein without sacrificing the cozy flavors we all crave. The secret ingredient? Cottage cheese! It keeps the rolls tender and adds a protein boost, making them a more balanced treat you can feel good about enjoying.
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Recipe Tips
Blending the Cottage Cheese: For the smoothest texture, blend the cottage cheese well before adding it to the dough. This ensures there are no lumps and that the dough incorporates evenly.
Flour Choice: You can use whole wheat flour for more fiber, but it may result in a slightly denser texture. If you prefer a lighter texture, use a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
Rolling the Dough: When rolling out the dough, try to keep it as even as possible. An uneven thickness can lead to some rolls baking faster than others.
Make-Ahead Tip: If you want fresh cinnamon rolls in the morning without the prep, prepare the dough, roll and cut the rolls, and store them covered in the fridge overnight. Just pop them in the oven the next day.
Customizable Filling: Get creative with your filling! Add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a little bit of shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on your rolls in the oven. Since oven temperatures can vary, check them around the 18-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake.
Extra Gooey Rolls: If you love extra gooey cinnamon rolls, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk over the rolls before baking. This helps keep them soft and moist.
Perfect Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the perfect drizzle consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered monkfruit sweetener.
Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
Freezing: Freeze baked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them up in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes before serving.
More High Protein Recipes:
Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Base:
- 4 1/4 cup all purpose flour or 1:1 gluten free flour
- 1 packet instant yeast 2 1/4 tsp
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese blended
Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup monkfruit sweetener granulated
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Icing:
- 1 cup powdered monkfruit sweetener
- 2-3 tbsp milk plant based or regular
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F° and line a
- In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients for the dough and mix it well to incorporate
- Add the cottage cheese and your water (or milk) and mix with a wooden spoon to incorporate (more water or flour may be needed depending on the protein content of the flour as well as the humidity of the kitchen)
- Knead the dough either by hand or in a stand mixer for about 8 minutes (dough should still be stretchy but slightly sticky)
- Form a ball with the dough and cover with a towel
- Place dough in a warm place (oven with the light on or microwave with warm water next to the bowl) and allow dough to rise for up to 90 minutes
- Mix the fill-ins together and set aside
- Punch down the dough and lightly flour an 8×13 pan and place the dough on top
- Roll out the dough into an even rectangle using a rolling pin or a smooth cup
- Brush water on top of the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon filling mixture on top and spread evenly
- Begin rolling the dough from the short end until you have what looks like a long roll or log
- Using a string (I used an unused ponytail and cut it) or dental floss (make sure it’s flavorless), cut the dough into individual rolls
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet (swirl side up) and allow to rise for another 20 minutes
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown
- Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and while they’re still warm, brush them with butter
- Drizzle your icing on top and enjoy!
