These Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are a cozy treat that blends soft dough with a sweet cinnamon filling. They’re fluffy and packed with yummy flavor, perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Fun fact: the cottage cheese makes them extra moist! I love slathering on some icing after they bake—it’s like a warm hug for your tastebuds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using small curd cottage cheese for moisture. It gives the rolls a rich texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider using dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut yogurt, though it may change the flavor a bit.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Just know the dough might be a little denser.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for both the dough and filling. If you want to cut back on calories, you could use unsweetened applesauce or a plant-based butter alternative.
Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can replace it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tbsp molasses per cup of sugar) to mimic the taste.
Nuts: I love adding walnuts or pecans for crunch. If you want a nut-free version, just skip them or replace with sunflower seeds for some texture.
How Do I Get the Perfect Rise on My Dough?
Getting the dough to rise well is key to fluffy rolls. Here’s how to ensure your dough doubles in size:
- Use fresh yeast! Old yeast can prevent rising. Check the expiration date before use.
- Keep your dough warm. A good spot is near your oven or in a turned-off microwave with just a cup of warm water.
- Cover the dough properly. A clean towel or plastic wrap helps trap warmth and moisture for a better rise.
- Be patient! Allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise until it’s doubled; it’s worth the wait.
Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp milk (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time, 2 to 2.5 hours for the dough to rise, and then 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 3 hours from start to finish, but most of that is hands-off time while the dough rises! Get ready for some delicious aromas filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready!
2. Mixing the Dough:
In a food processor or a mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, flour, remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, egg, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix or knead until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t be shy—add a little extra flour until it’s manageable.
3. First Rise:
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it has doubled in size. Patience is key, and your dough will be fluffy!
4. Making the Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter with the brown sugar and cinnamon until well blended. This is the delicious filling that will make your rolls irresistible!
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches. This will be the base for your filling!
6. Adding the Filling:
Spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top for some extra crunch!
7. Rolling the Dough:
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Then, cut the log into 8 equal slices—these will be your individual rolls!
8. Second Rise:
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each one. Cover them and let them rise again for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven. It’s going to get even better!
9. Baking the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
10. Making the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until you’ve got a smooth and creamy mixture. Adjust the milk according to how thick you want it!
11. Frosting the Rolls:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before slathering on the frosting generously. Trust me, this is the best part!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy the soft, tender texture and the delicious creamy sweetness on top. Perfect for breakfast or any time you need a little treat!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use a non-dairy cottage cheese alternative like almond or coconut yogurt. This can change the flavor slightly but will still result in delicious rolls.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, check if your yeast is fresh and hasn’t expired. Make sure the water was just warm, not hot, as too high a temperature can kill the yeast. Also, try placing the dough in a warmer spot to encourage rising.
Can I Freeze the Cinnamon Rolls Before Baking?
Absolutely! After cutting the rolls, place them in the baking dish and cover tightly before freezing. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then allow them to rise for 30 minutes before baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving!