Soft, gooey, and surprisingly protein-packed, these Easy Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat. Made without yeast, they come together in under an hour and use cottage cheese to keep the dough tender, moist, and subtly tangy. The result? Light, fluffy rolls filled with sweet cinnamon goodness and topped with a creamy glaze you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Perfect for a weekend breakfast, brunch, or sweet snack, these cinnamon rolls taste indulgent but offer a wholesome boost thanks to the cottage cheese.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Yeast Required – No rising time, no hassle—just mix, roll, and bake.
- Protein-Rich Dough – Thanks to cottage cheese, these rolls have added nutrients.
- Super Soft Texture – Moist and tender without being overly dense.
- Quick to Make – From mixing bowl to oven in under 15 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved – Sweet, satisfying, and fun to make together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 tbsp softened butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (or more for consistency)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Rolling pin
- 8- or 9-inch round baking dish
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese, egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Pour in the cottage cheese mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Knead lightly in the bowl or on a floured surface until the dough is soft and slightly sticky—about 1 minute. Avoid over-kneading.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Cut into 8–10 even pieces using a sharp knife or floss.
Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the greased baking dish.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before glazing.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
- Blend Well – A smooth cottage cheese mixture ensures a uniform dough.
- Don’t Overbake – Check at 22 minutes to keep the rolls soft and moist.
- Use Parchment Paper – Makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Make Them Ahead – Prepare the rolls and refrigerate unbaked overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Add Nuts or Raisins – Sprinkle chopped pecans or raisins into the filling for added texture.
Flavor Variations
- Cream Cheese Glaze – Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk for a tangy topping.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls – Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist – Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Orange Glaze – Add orange zest and juice to the glaze for a citrusy finish.
- Apple Pie Style – Add finely chopped apples to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- Weekend Brunch – Pair with fresh fruit, eggs, and coffee.
- Holiday Breakfast – A lighter, high-protein twist on classic cinnamon rolls.
- Afternoon Snack – Serve with a warm chai or tea.
- Dessert – Top with extra glaze and a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.
- Lunchbox Treat – Cool completely and pack as a surprise treat.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
- Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and warm before adding glaze.
Reheating:
- Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Cottage cheese gives a fluffier finish.
2. Are these rolls high in protein?
Yes—thanks to the cottage cheese and egg, each roll contains a good protein boost.
3. Can I make this dough gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary slightly in texture.
4. What if I don’t have a blender?
Mash the cottage cheese well and whisk with the wet ingredients until mostly smooth.
5. Can I make mini rolls instead?
Absolutely! Roll the dough thinner and slice smaller. Reduce bake time by 3–5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are everything you love about a classic sweet roll—warm, fluffy, and full of cinnamon flavor—made faster and a little more nutritious with the help of cottage cheese. No yeast, no waiting, just soft, sweet perfection in under an hour.
Whether you’re baking for brunch, dessert, or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe delivers every time. Try them today and see why you’ll be making them on repeat!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Roll, approx. 8 servings):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg

Easy Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Soft, gooey, and surprisingly protein-packed, these Easy Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat. Made without yeast, they come together in under an hour and use cottage cheese to keep the dough tender, moist, and subtly tangy. The result? Light, fluffy rolls filled with sweet cinnamon goodness and topped with a creamy glaze you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Perfect for a weekend breakfast, brunch, or sweet snack, these cinnamon rolls taste indulgent but offer a wholesome boost thanks to the cottage cheese.
Want more high-protein baked treats? Subscribe now and get delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
-
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
-
1 egg
-
¼ cup milk
-
3 tbsp melted butter
-
2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tbsp baking powder
-
¼ tsp salt
-
½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
-
2 tbsp softened butter
-
¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
-
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
-
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
For the Glaze:
-
½ cup powdered sugar
-
2 tbsp milk (or more for consistency)
-
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese, egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Pour in the cottage cheese mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Knead lightly in the bowl or on a floured surface until the dough is soft and slightly sticky—about 1 minute. Avoid over-kneading.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Cut into 8–10 even pieces using a sharp knife or floss.
Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the greased baking dish.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before glazing.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Blend Well – A smooth cottage cheese mixture ensures a uniform dough.
- Don’t Overbake – Check at 22 minutes to keep the rolls soft and moist.
- Use Parchment Paper – Makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Make Them Ahead – Prepare the rolls and refrigerate unbaked overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Add Nuts or Raisins – Sprinkle chopped pecans or raisins into the filling for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American