If you love soft cinnamon rolls but don’t love waiting hours for dough to rise, this one’s for you. These cottage cheese cinnamon rolls are fluffy, lightly sweet, and packed with protein. They taste cozy and homemade, but they’re way easier than classic rolls.
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made these, I just wanted cinnamon rolls without the long rise time. I didn’t expect them to be this soft. But the cottage cheese makes them tender and a little richer without feeling heavy.
Why I keep making them:
- They’re done in under an hour
- No yeast and no waiting
- Extra protein from cottage cheese
- Soft center with golden edges
- Perfect for weekend mornings or cozy nights
Servings & Time
Servings: 8 cinnamon rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 22–25 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 3 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Wet Dough Ingredients
In a bowl, add 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Blend until the mixture looks smooth and creamy with very small curds.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Add 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt to the creamy mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. The dough should look slightly sticky but hold together.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour the surface with 1 tablespoon flour. Place the dough on top and roll into a 10×12 inch rectangle about ½ inch thick.
Step 4: Add Butter and Cinnamon Filling
Brush 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle ⅓ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon evenly on top. The surface should look glossy with butter and evenly coated with cinnamon sugar.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 8 equal rolls using a sharp knife. Each slice should show a clear cinnamon swirl.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Place the 8 rolls into a round white ceramic baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 22–25 minutes until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
In a bowl, mix 3 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons melted butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Glaze the Rolls
Pour the glaze over the warm baked rolls. The glaze should melt slightly and drip into the swirls.
Macros Information (Per Roll)
Calories: ~210
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese adds moisture and protein, which keeps the rolls soft.
Baking powder gives lift right away, so you don’t need yeast.
Melted butter in the filling helps the cinnamon sugar melt and create that gooey swirl.
Cream cheese glaze adds fat and smoothness, which balances the warm spice.
Common Mistakes
Overmixing the dough can make the rolls dense. Mix just until combined.
Adding too much flour can dry them out. The dough should be slightly soft.
Skipping the glaze while hot. The warmth helps it melt into the swirls.
Rolling the dough too thin. Keep it about ½ inch thick for fluffy rolls.
What to Serve With
Fresh berries
Hot coffee or chai
Scrambled eggs
A smoothie for extra protein
Vanilla Greek yogurt
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but full-fat gives better texture and flavor.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Bake them, then warm and glaze before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze without glaze. Add glaze after reheating.
Do they taste like cottage cheese?
No. Once baked, they just taste rich and soft.
Final Thoughts
These cottage cheese cinnamon rolls are simple, cozy, and surprisingly fluffy. They give you that classic cinnamon roll vibe without the long wait. Once you try them, they might become your go-to quick cinnamon roll recipe.
