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Protein Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 105 reviews

These Protein Cinnamon Rolls offer a delicious and healthier twist on the classic treat by incorporating protein powder into the dough and frosting, delivering fluffy, soft rolls with a sweet cinnamon filling and protein-rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect as a high-protein breakfast or dessert, they balance sweetness and texture while supporting your nutritional goals.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) protein powder (casein, pea, or brown rice recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar or substitute (e.g., allulose)
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk, warmed
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) butter, softened
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (active dry yeast)
  • 1 large egg

Filling:

  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon (60 g) brown sugar or substitute
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Frosting:

  • 2/3 cup (65 g) vanilla protein powder (sweetened)
  • 6 ounces (170 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, protein powder, salt, and sugar until well combined to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
  2. Activate Yeast: Warm the milk and butter in the microwave until the butter is softened but the mixture is not too hot. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for a few minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet milk and yeast mixture along with the egg to the dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly to form a dough.
  4. Knead and Rest Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes to begin rising.
  5. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the cinnamon filling mixture.
  6. Shape Rolls: Roll the dough out into a 15 by 6-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces.
  7. Rise Before Baking: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise in a warm place for 45 minutes until puffy and doubled in size.
  8. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
  9. Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, whisk together the vanilla protein powder, softened cream cheese, and milk until smooth and creamy to create the protein-rich frosting.
  10. Frost and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly after baking, then spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, tightly covered.
  • Freeze cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Defrost before reheating.
  • For make-ahead convenience, shape rolls and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking.
  • Use casein, pea, or brown rice protein powder for best texture and moisture retention in baking.
  • Substitute brown sugar and sugar with allulose or other low-calorie sweeteners to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
  • You can swap cream cheese frosting for Greek yogurt mixed with protein powder for a lighter topping.

Keywords: Protein cinnamon rolls, healthy cinnamon rolls, high protein dessert, protein baking, cinnamon roll recipe, protein powder baking

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/protein-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/