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Homemade Protein Cinnamon Rolls recipe photo

Protein Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, protein-fortified cinnamon rolls with a creamy protein frosting.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup protein powder see notes
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar see notes
  • 3/4 cup milk I used non-fat milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter for dough
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons butter softened, for filling
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar plus 1 tablespoon; see notes
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup vanilla protein powder must be sweetened, for frosting
  • 6 ounces cream cheese softened, for frosting
  • 1/4 cup milk for frosting

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Microwave-safe Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • greased 9-inch cake pan or baking dish
  • knife or dental floss for slicing
  • Small Bowl
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup protein powder, salt, and 1/4 cup sugar in a large bowl until evenly combined.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 3/4 cup milk with 3 tablespoons butter for 30–40 seconds until the butter softens; whisk until combined, then stir in the yeast.
  3. Add the wet mixture and 1 large egg to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
  4. Lightly flour a work surface and knead the dough for 2–3 minutes until smooth, then place it in a greased bowl and let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
  6. Roll the dough on a floured surface into a 15 x 6-inch rectangle.
  7. Spread the softened 3 tablespoons butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
  8. Tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces using a knife or unflavored dental floss.
  9. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased cake pan or baking dish, cover with a dish towel, and let them rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
  10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the risen rolls for 25 minutes or until golden at the edges.
  11. While the rolls bake, make the frosting by whisking together 2/3 cup vanilla protein powder, 6 ounces softened cream cheese, and 1/4 cup milk until thick and fluffy.
  12. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then spread the protein frosting over them and serve warm.

Notes

  • For Greek yogurt frosting, whisk 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
  • Use casein, brown rice, or pea protein powder for best dough texture.
  • Whey protein may dry out the dough and is not recommended.
  • For sugar-free versions, substitute allulose and appropriate brown and powdered sugar replacements.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze for longer storage up to 6 months.