Protein Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These Protein Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious twist on the classic treat, packed with extra protein for a satisfying start to your day. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, they’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty snack without compromising on nutrition.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup flax meal (optional)
• 3/4 cup protein vanilla powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 large egg (whisked, room temperature)
• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (very soft)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk the flour, protein powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: Pour the milk into a microwave-safe bowl and add the cubed butter. Microwave for 45 seconds until the butter mostly melts and the mixture is warm to the touch (about 110°F), but not hotter. Whisk in the yeast until dissolved.
3. Step 3: Pour the milk and butter mixture over the flour mixture, add the whisked egg, and stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a dough forms. It should become shaggy and harder to stir. Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes, adding flour as needed if sticky. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 15 minutes until slightly puffed.
4. Step 4: Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 9×14-inch rectangle using a rolling pin.
5. Step 5: Spread the very soft butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, gently spreading with your hands.
6. Step 6: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a log shape. Gently squeeze the log on both ends to compact it slightly.
7. Step 7: Cut the log into 10-12 even rolls. Use unflavored dental floss for clean cuts or carefully saw with a sharp knife without pressing down hard.
8. Step 8: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size. Preheating your oven to the lowest temperature, then turning it off before placing the dough inside can create a perfect warm spot.
9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until the tops are light golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F. Let cool while preparing the icing.
10. Step 10: Combine cream cheese, protein powder, milk, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Mash with a fork, then whisk until smooth. Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
• Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar filling can add a warm, spicy twist.
• Use unflavored protein powder if you prefer a less sweet roll or want to customize the flavors.
• To make smaller rolls, cut the dough into more pieces, adjusting baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness. You can also freeze un-iced rolls wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw and warm before adding frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you will need to activate regular yeast in warm water before mixing it with the dry ingredients, which is not necessary with instant yeast.

Does the protein powder affect the texture of the rolls?

Protein powder adds density and a slight firmness, but the rolls remain soft and tender when properly kneaded and risen.

Protein Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 117 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Protein Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic, sweet cinnamon roll experience with a boost of protein, making them a deliciously satisfying treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with vanilla protein powder and enhanced with a creamy protein-packed frosting, these rolls offer a fluffy texture with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a smooth cream cheese glaze.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup flax meal (optional)
• 3/4 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 large egg (whisked, room temperature)

Filling

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (very soft)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk

---

Instructions

1. Prepare dry ingredients: Whisk together the all purpose flour, vanilla protein powder, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined.
2. Activate yeast: In a microwave-safe bowl, pour the milk and add the cubed butter. Microwave for 45 seconds until the butter mostly melts and the mixture is warm to the touch, about 110°F but not hotter. Whisk in the instant yeast until dissolved.
3. Combine dough: Pour the warm milk and butter mixture over the flour mixture. Add the whisked egg. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms and stirring becomes difficult. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes, adding flour if sticky. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 15 minutes in a warm spot.
4. Roll out dough: After the initial rise, turn dough onto a generously floured surface and roll into a 9 by 14-inch rectangle using a rolling pin.
5. Add filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border free around the edges. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter, then gently press to adhere.
6. Form roll: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Squeeze gently at both ends to compact the roll slightly.
7. Slice rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 10 to 12 even pieces using unflavored dental floss for a clean cut, or a serrated knife used carefully to avoid squashing the rolls.
8. Second rise: Place the rolls cut side up into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes until doubled in size. Preheating the oven to the lowest setting and turning it off creates a warm environment for proofing.
9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops are light golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190-200°F. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
10. Make frosting and finish: In a medium bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, vanilla protein powder, powdered sugar, and milk. Mash with a fork then whisk until smooth. Spread the frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.

Notes

• If flax meal is not available or preferred, it can be omitted without significantly affecting texture.
• Make sure the milk-butter mixture is warm but not too hot to prevent killing the yeast.
• Using dental floss to slice the rolls produces cleaner, neater cuts.
• Allowing the rolls to rise completely before baking ensures fluffier texture.
• Room temperature cream cheese is essential for smooth frosting without lumps.
• These protein cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: protein cinnamon rolls, protein breakfast, vanilla cinnamon rolls, healthy cinnamon rolls, protein baked goods