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.
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Ingredients
For the Dough:
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1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
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1 egg
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¼ cup milk
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3 tbsp melted butter
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2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
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2 tbsp softened butter
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¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
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1½ tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
For the Glaze:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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2 tbsp milk (or more for consistency)
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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