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Fluffy Cottage Cheese Protein Cinnamon Rolls Easy Homemade Recipe with Creamy Frosting

cottage cheese protein cinnamon rolls - featured image

These fluffy cottage cheese protein cinnamon rolls with creamy frosting are a delicious and protein-packed twist on classic cinnamon rolls, perfect for a healthier breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese, well-drained (small-curd, low-fat recommended)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any milk)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 23 tablespoons milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough (15 minutes): In a large bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, eggs, almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to blend until mostly smooth but still a bit textured.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients (3 minutes): In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry (5 minutes): Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Adjust moisture with milk or flour as needed.
  4. Roll Out the Dough (10 minutes): Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Brush melted butter evenly over the surface.
  5. Spread the Filling (5 minutes): Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
  6. Form the Rolls (5 minutes): Roll the dough into a tight log from the long edge. Cut into 9 equal slices about 1 1/4 inch thick. Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.
  7. Let Rise (20 minutes): Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest at room temperature until slightly puffed.
  8. Bake (20-25 minutes): Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Bake rolls on middle rack until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Make the Frosting (10 minutes): Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then add milk until spreadable consistency is reached.
  10. Frost and Serve (5 minutes): Cool rolls for 10 minutes after baking. Spread frosting generously over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Drain cottage cheese well to avoid soggy dough. Use a serrated knife to cut rolls to prevent squashing. Warm cream cheese slightly before frosting for smooth spreading. Let rolls rise near a warm spot if kitchen is cold. Adjust baking time if adding fruits or nuts. Can be steamed or air fried as alternative cooking methods.

Nutrition

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