Easy Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a warm, gooey treat that feels indulgent but packs a little protein punch, these Easy Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are your answer. Soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon swirl, these rolls come together without yeast, without rising time, and with the help of protein-rich cottage cheese in the dough. Perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or a cozy brunch spread.

Whether you’re baking for the family or treating yourself, these cinnamon rolls deliver all the flavor and comfort of the classic version—with a quick and healthier twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Yeast, No Rise Time – Just mix, roll, and bake.
• High-Protein Dough – Thanks to the creamy addition of cottage cheese.
• Soft & Tender Texture – Moist and fluffy every time.
• Naturally Sweet – Perfectly spiced cinnamon-sugar filling without going overboard.
• Simple Ingredients – No complicated steps or specialty tools required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Rolling pin
• Knife or dental floss (for slicing)
• 8×8-inch baking dish or round cake pan
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, milk, oil, sugar, and vanilla.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the dry ingredients.
Stir gently with a spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
If needed, sprinkle in 1–2 tbsp extra flour to make it workable.

Step 4: Roll the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches and ¼ inch thick.

Step 5: Add Cinnamon Filling
Spread softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 6: Roll & Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into 8–10 equal slices.
Place the rolls into the greased pan, spacing them slightly apart.

Step 7: Bake
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
Let cool for a few minutes before glazing or serving.

Step 8: Add the Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls just before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Blend the Cottage Cheese – For a smoother dough, blend cottage cheese until creamy.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Keep the Dough Soft – It should be soft but manageable, not dry.
• Slice Cleanly – Use unflavored dental floss to cut even slices without squishing the dough.
• Glaze While Warm – This allows the glaze to melt slightly into the rolls for extra gooeyness.

Serving Suggestions

• With Hot Coffee or Tea – A cozy pairing for mornings.
• For Brunch: Serve alongside eggs, fruit salad, or yogurt for a balanced spread.
• As a Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.
• Holiday Treat: A fast and festive alternative to traditional yeast rolls.

Flavor Variations

• Maple Glaze: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the glaze for a deeper flavor.
• Nutty Swirl: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling.
• Apple-Cinnamon: Add finely diced apples before rolling.
• Choco-Love: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling.
• Lemon Zest: Mix lemon zest into the dough or glaze for a citrusy touch.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

Freezing:
You can freeze baked rolls (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before glazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to blend the cottage cheese?
Yes, blending ensures a smooth dough and avoids lumps. It creates a more traditional cinnamon roll texture.

2. Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare and slice the rolls, then refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.

3. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and check that your baking powder is gluten-free.

4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different—still moist and delicious!

5. Are these sweet enough for dessert?
Yes! They’re perfectly balanced for breakfast or dessert, especially with the glaze

Final Thoughts
These Easy Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are soft, warm, and packed with that classic cinnamon swirl flavor—but with less effort and a protein boost. With no yeast and no rising required, they’re perfect for when you want homemade cinnamon rolls fast.

Whether you’re baking for your family or treating yourself, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Try them once, and they’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Roll):
Calories: 215 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 27g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Sodium: 230mg

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