These Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are a twist on a classic treat! Packed with creamy cottage cheese and warm cinnamon, they’re soft, fluffy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Making these rolls is super fun—who doesn’t love messy hands from dough? 😊 When they come out of the oven, the sweet smell will make your whole kitchen feel cozy!
I love to enjoy them fresh and warm, sometimes with a drizzle of icing. They’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack—your choice! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient adds moisture and richness to the dough. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use ricotta cheese instead. Just make sure it’s well-drained, like cottage cheese, for the best texture.
Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast can be a substitute, though you’ll need about double the amount. Alternatively, instant yeast works too; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without activating it first.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tbsp molasses per cup of sugar). This gives a similar flavor profile.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, but feel free to skip them if you need a nut-free option. You can also use dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a different twist!
How Do I Knead Dough to Perfection?
Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, leading to soft, airy rolls. Start by transferring your dough to a floured surface. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Stretch the dough away from you, fold it back over itself, and rotate it. Repeat this motion.
- Keep your hands floured to prevent sticking. If it gets too sticky, add small amounts of flour (about a tablespoon) as needed.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes or until the dough feels smooth and elastic. A good test is to poke it; it should bounce back slightly!
With these tips, you’ll have perfect cinnamon rolls that are fluffy and delicious!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup smooth cottage cheese (well-drained)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp softened unsalted butter
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (or cream)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 2-2.5 hours in total. You’ll spend about 30 minutes preparing and assembling the rolls, with two rising periods totaling about 2 hours. Once they’re in the oven, they will bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll also need a little time for mixing the icing and letting the rolls cool before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, a teaspoon of sugar (from your total sugar amount), and the yeast. Stir it gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise!
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, well-drained cottage cheese, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix everything until it starts to combine into a dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for around 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle in a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable.
4. First Rise:
Put the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it’s about doubled in size. A good warm corner of your kitchen usually works best!
5. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough rises, grab a small bowl and mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set this delicious mixture aside.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle, about 12×15 inches in size. Aim for an even thickness to get uniform rolls.
7. Add the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. If you’re using walnuts or pecans, sprinkle them over the cinnamon sugar now!
8. Form Rolls:
Starting from one long edge of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Make sure to pinch the seam to keep it sealed.
9. Cut Rolls:
Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the rolls into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, cut side facing up. Make sure to leave some space between them so they have room to rise.
10. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy. It’s exciting to watch them grow!
11. Preheat the Oven:
As the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that oven nice and warm for baking!
12. Bake:
Time to bake! Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and they are cooked through.
13. Make Icing:
While the rolls are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk depending on how thick or runny you want your icing!
14. Ice the Rolls:
Once the rolls are out of the oven and have cooled for about 5 minutes, spread the icing generously over them while they’re still warm. Let the icing gently seep into the rolls for extra yumminess.
15. Serve Warm:
Finally, serve your creamy, soft, and spicy Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy! They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!
Can I Use Low-Fat or Non-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese! However, using full-fat cottage cheese will give a richer flavor and texture to the rolls. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make vegan cinnamon rolls, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes). Use vegan butter and replace the milk with plant-based milk like almond or soy milk. The cottage cheese can be swapped with a non-dairy yogurt or silken tofu.
Can I Freeze the Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the rolls either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. If baked, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before icing and serving.
Is It Possible to Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and complete the second rise before rolling out and adding the filling.
