These Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are a tasty twist on a classic treat! Soft, fluffy rolls are filled with sweet cinnamon and a touch of creaminess from the cottage cheese.
Honestly, who can resist warm rolls fresh from the oven? I love serving these with a cup of coffee for a cozy breakfast. You might want to make extra; they disappear fast! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the recipe! It adds moisture and a unique creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese. Greek yogurt is also a great substitute for a similar texture.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is essential for the rolls to rise beautifully. If you have instant yeast, you can use that without the proofing step, making the process even quicker!
Brown Sugar: For sweetness and flavor, brown sugar is great. If you’re out, you can use granulated sugar, but your rolls will lack that caramel-like depth. Adding a little molasses to granulated sugar can mimic brown sugar.
Butter: Unsalted butter is what I recommend for better control over salt levels. If you need a dairy-free version, try using coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add crunch, but you can skip them or swap in any nut you like. Sunflower seeds are a good nut-free alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Soft, Fluffy Rolls?
The magic of these cinnamon rolls lies in the dough-making technique. Here are some tips to help you create perfectly soft rolls:
- ***Kneading:*** Knead your dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, which gives your rolls their soft texture. Don’t rush this step – about 5-7 minutes should do the trick!
- ***First Rise:*** Give the dough enough time to rise. It should double in size! Keep it in a warm, draft-free spot; the oven (turned off) works well.
- ***Second Rise:*** After shaping your rolls, let them rise again until puffy. This step helps create that fluffy texture everyone loves in cinnamon rolls.
- ***Baking:*** Make sure your oven is fully preheated. This helps the rolls puff up and brown nicely. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress with their soft and fluffy goodness!
Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one 0.25 oz packet)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 3 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2.5 to 3 hours total. You’ll spend about 20-30 minutes on preparation, followed by a couple of rising times totaling around 2 hours, and then about 30 minutes of baking. The result will be warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls that are worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Proof the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and allow the mixture to stand until it’s foamy, which takes about 5-10 minutes. This step helps activate the yeast!
2. Prepare the Dough Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together cottage cheese, softened butter, remaining sugar, egg, and salt until everything is well combined. Then, add in the yeast mixture from the previous step.
3. Add Flour:
Gradually add in 3 cups of flour, mixing after each addition until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl and feels slightly sticky. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour if necessary, until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm place. Let it rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Prepare the Filling:
While you wait for the dough to rise, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. If you’re using nuts, chop them and set aside.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 16×12 inches in size.
7. Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough rectangle. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the top. If you’re using nuts, add them too!
8. Form the Rolls:
Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
9. Cut the Rolls:
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 9 equal rolls. Try to be gentle to keep their shape intact!
10. Second Rise:
Place the rolls in a greased 8×8 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover, and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes until they are puffy and have started to touch.
11. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
12. Make the Icing:
While your rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream until smooth to create the icing.
13. Glaze and Serve:
Once the rolls are done baking, drizzle the icing over them while they’re still warm. Serve immediately for the freshest taste experience!
Enjoy your soft, flavorful cottage cheese cinnamon rolls – a perfect creamy and sweet treat for any time of day!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese! It will still provide the creaminess you need for the rolls, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different from using whole cottage cheese.
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the point of the first rise, then refrigerate it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. You can also shape the rolls and place them in the fridge overnight; just allow them to rise for about 1 hour before baking.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar as a substitute. For a similar flavor, try adding 1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of granulated sugar, or mix some honey or maple syrup in for some unique sweetness!