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Protein Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Protein Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 19 reviews

These Protein Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic treat, incorporating vanilla protein powder and optional flax meal for added nutrition. Soft, fluffy dough is filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, baked until golden, and topped with a creamy protein-packed frosting. Perfect for a morning boost or delightful snack.

Ingredients

Scale

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. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, optional flax meal, vanilla protein powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
  2. Prepare Yeast Mixture: Pour the milk into a microwave-safe bowl, add the cubed unsalted butter, and microwave for 45 seconds until the butter mostly melts and the mixture is warm (about 110°F). Stir in the instant yeast until dissolved.
  3. Create Dough: Pour the warm milk and butter mixture over the dry ingredients and add the whisked egg. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead with floured hands for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour as needed to avoid stickiness.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 15 minutes in a warm spot until it puffs up slightly but doesn’t double.
  6. Roll Out Dough: On a generously floured surface, roll the dough into a 9×14-inch rectangle using a rolling pin.
  7. Add Filling: Spread the very soft butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Sprinkle evenly with the light brown sugar and cinnamon, then gently spread to cover.
  8. Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use your hands to gently squeeze the log to compact it slightly.
  9. Cut Rolls: Slice the log into 10-12 even rounds using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife, taking care not to squish the edges.
  10. Second Rise: Arrange 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 or until doubled. An oven preheated to low then turned off makes a perfect rising spot.
  11. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top and an internal temperature of 190-200°F is reached. Allow to cool slightly before frosting.
  12. Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, vanilla protein powder, powdered sugar, and milk. Mash with a fork then whisk until smooth and creamy.
  13. Frost Rolls: Spread the protein frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.

Notes

  • You can omit the flax meal if unavailable or substitute with additional flour.
  • Ensure milk and butter mixture is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Use unflavored dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
  • For fluffier rolls, avoid over-kneading the dough.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: protein cinnamon rolls, healthy cinnamon rolls, protein powder baked goods, cinnamon roll recipe, high protein breakfast

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