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High Protein Cinnamon Rolls with Cottage Cheese Recipe

5 from 120 reviews

These High Protein Cinnamon Rolls with Cottage Cheese are a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, packed with extra protein to satisfy your cravings while keeping you fueled. Using cottage cheese and Greek yogurt in the dough creates a moist, tender texture, while the protein powder in the filling boosts the protein content without sacrificing flavor. Finished with a creamy frosting made from cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and maple syrup, these rolls are perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute whole wheat flour)
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • ¾ cup cottage cheese, blended (can substitute ricotta cheese)
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt/dairy-free coconut or almond yogurt)
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey, agave syrup, or sugar-free sweetener)

Filling

  • ¼ cup light brown sugar (or coconut sugar, dark maple sugar)
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp vanilla-flavored protein powder (or unflavored protein powder)

Glaze

  • 2 tbsp cream cheese (can use low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese)
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or any plant-based yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (or any other sweetener)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Container: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an oven-safe meal prep container with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder thoroughly.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the blended cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and maple syrup to the flour mixture. Stir with a spoon until a thick dough forms, then use your hands to incorporate the ingredients completely when the dough becomes too sticky to mix with a spoon.
  4. Roll Out Dough: Sprinkle flour on a clean surface and on top of the dough to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape approximately 7 to 12 inches wide.
  5. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and protein powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the cinnamon and protein.
  6. Spread Filling: Evenly cover the rolled-out dough with the cinnamon sugar filling mixture, leaving about two inches clear along the edges to allow sealing.
  7. Roll and Cut: Tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Using dental floss or thread, cut the log into 8 equal rolls, each around 1.5 inches thick. Moisten your fingers with water and press along the edges of each roll to ensure they stick together and won’t open while baking.
  8. Arrange and Bake: Place the cinnamon rolls in the prepared meal prep container. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  9. Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
  10. Cool and Frost: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool completely inside the container. Once cooled, generously spread the prepared glaze over the rolls before serving.

Notes

  • For a healthier twist, substitute white flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  • The protein powder adds extra nutrients; vanilla-flavored is recommended for a complementary taste.
  • Using a thread or dental floss to cut the rolls gives cleaner edges without squashing the dough.
  • If you prefer a sweeter glaze, adjust the maple syrup quantity to your taste.
  • These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, warm them briefly in the oven or microwave for a soft, fresh-baked experience.

Keywords: high protein cinnamon rolls, cottage cheese cinnamon rolls, healthy cinnamon rolls, protein packed dessert, baked cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls