When you’re craving something soft, sweet, and straight-from-the-oven comforting, there’s nothing quite like these Easy Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls. With a tender, fluffy dough made extra rich (and secretly protein-packed) with creamy cottage cheese, these rolls are the ultimate feel-good treat—no yeast, no fuss.
This quick twist on the classic cinnamon roll gives you all the warm, gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness with a soft bite and slightly tangy finish that sets them apart. Perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or spontaneous dessert cravings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Yeast-Free – No proofing time needed. Just mix, roll, bake!
- Protein Boost – Thanks to cottage cheese, they’re soft and secretly nourishing.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Light, fluffy rolls with gooey cinnamon filling.
- Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is probably already in your fridge.
- Perfect for Brunch or Dessert – Crowd-pleasing and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish or 8×8 pan
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula or pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Pour it into a mixing bowl and whisk in sugar, egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead briefly if needed.
Step 3: Roll & Fill
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
Gently roll the dough into a log and slice into 8–10 pieces. Arrange rolls in the greased baking dish.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and baked through.
Step 5: Glaze & Enjoy
While warm, drizzle with the vanilla glaze. Serve fresh and gooey—perfect with coffee or tea.
Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
- Blend Cottage Cheese Smooth – For the best texture, don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overbake – They should be soft and fluffy, not dry.
- Glaze While Warm – Let the glaze melt slightly over the rolls for a dreamy finish.
- Add Chopped Nuts or Raisins – For texture and variety.
Serving Suggestions
- With fresh fruit and coffee for brunch
- Warmed up with ice cream for dessert
- Packed as a snack for on-the-go sweetness
- Paired with chai or cinnamon-spiced tea
How to Store & Reheat
Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4–5 days.
Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked rolls (after slicing) or baked rolls without glaze for up to 1 month. Thaw and bake or reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Just make sure it’s full-fat for the best results.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a 9×13 pan and bake a few extra minutes.
Is the dough sweet?
It’s mildly sweet, but the filling and glaze bring all the decadence!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Print
Easy Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
When you’re craving something soft, sweet, and straight-from-the-oven comforting, there’s nothing quite like these Easy Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls. With a tender, fluffy dough made extra rich (and secretly protein-packed) with creamy cottage cheese, these rolls are the ultimate feel-good treat—no yeast, no fuss.
This quick twist on the classic cinnamon roll gives you all the warm, gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness with a soft bite and slightly tangy finish that sets them apart. Perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or spontaneous dessert cravings!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
-
1 cup cottage cheese
-
¼ cup granulated sugar
-
1 large egg
-
¼ cup milk
-
2 tablespoons melted butter
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tablespoon baking powder
-
¼ teaspoon baking soda
-
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
-
⅓ cup brown sugar
-
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
-
2 tablespoons softened butter
For the Glaze:
-
¾ cup powdered sugar
-
2 tablespoons milk
-
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Pour it into a mixing bowl and whisk in sugar, egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead briefly if needed.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
Gently roll the dough into a log and slice into 8–10 pieces. Arrange rolls in the greased baking dish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and baked through.
While warm, drizzle with the vanilla glaze. Serve fresh and gooey—perfect with coffee or tea.
Notes
With fresh fruit and coffee for brunch
Warmed up with ice cream for dessert
Packed as a snack for on-the-go sweetness
Paired with chai or cinnamon-spiced tea
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American