Cottage cheese adds a tender, slightly tangy richness to these cinnamon rolls, keeping the dough soft and moist without using yeast. The rolls bake up golden with a sweet cinnamon ribbon inside and a smooth powdered-sugar glaze on top. They smell warm and spicy while baking, and the texture is soft and slightly cakey — easy to enjoy for breakfast or an afternoon treat. If you enjoy cottage-cheese-based bakes, try a similar idea like a warm blueberry cottage cheese bake for another simple, comforting option.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 rolls
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 380 kcal
- Protein: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 44 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Why Make This Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls are a quick, no-yeast alternative to classic rolls. The cottage cheese keeps the dough tender and gives a mild tang that balances the sweet filling. They bake faster than yeast rolls and still deliver the warm cinnamon aroma and soft texture you crave. They work great for a weekend brunch, a cozy snack, or when you want a simple homemade pastry without extra rising time.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe moves quickly: you mix the cottage cheese into the dough, roll it out, fill it, slice, and bake. The dough is soft and slightly sticky but easy to work with on a floured surface. The baking time is short, so watch for a golden top and a set center. Finish with a simple powdered sugar icing and serve warm.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for filling)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish so the rolls do not stick. Measure and have all ingredients ready. This step sets you up to work quickly once the dough is mixed.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, mix together cottage cheese, sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough will be soft but should hold together; add a light dusting of flour if it is too sticky to handle.
Step 3: Rolling and Baking
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then spread this mixture evenly over the rolled dough. Sprinkle with raisins if desired. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into individual rolls. Place the rolls in the greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set in the center. The rolls should look puffed and smell fragrant when done.
Step 4: Finishing
For icing, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls before serving. Let the rolls cool a few minutes so the icing sets slightly but remains soft and glossy.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. These rolls pair well with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs. Garnish with a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a few extra raisins on top for appearance.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Keep chilled if your kitchen is warm because of the cottage cheese.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15–25 seconds or in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) until warmed through.
- Freezer: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
- Drain large curds: If your cottage cheese has big curds, gently press some whey out with a sieve or paper towel to avoid excess liquid in the dough.
- Keep dough slightly chilled: If the dough gets too sticky, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before rolling.
- Even filling spread: Press the cinnamon-sugar filling lightly into the dough so it stays put while rolling.
- Uniform slices: Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to slice the roll log cleanly without squashing.
- Watch the oven: Because these are quick-bake rolls, check at 18 minutes. Remove when golden and set to avoid drying.
Delicious Variations
- Apple-cinnamon: Add 1 cup finely chopped apple to the filling and reduce raisins. The apples turn soft and jammy while baking.
- Nutty crunch: Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans over the filling for texture.
- Cream cheese glaze: Replace powdered sugar icing with a simple cream cheese glaze (2 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk).
- Lemon twist: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the icing for a bright contrast to the cinnamon.
- Chocolate chip: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips in the filling for a sweeter treat loved by kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use low-fat or nonfat cottage cheese?
A: Yes. Low-fat cottage cheese works fine. The rolls may be slightly less rich but still tender. If using very watery cottage cheese, drain a bit before mixing.
Q: Do I have to use raisins?
A: No. Raisins are optional. Substitute chopped dried apricots, currants, or omit them for a plain cinnamon roll.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: You can mix the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before rolling so it is easier to work with.
Q: How can I make these dairy-free?
A: For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cottage-cheese alternative (if available) or substitute plain unsweetened mashed tofu for cottage cheese, vegan butter for butter, and a non-dairy milk for the icing. Texture will change slightly.
Q: Why is my dough crumbly or dry?
A: Crumbly dough can mean too much flour or not enough moisture. Check that you measured flour correctly (spoon and level). If the dough is dry, add 1 tablespoon milk or water at a time until it comes together.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes. Double all ingredients and bake in two pans or a larger pan if needed. Allow a bit more bake time if the pans are crowded.
Conclusion
These cottage cheese cinnamon rolls make a quick, comforting bake with a tender crumb and warm cinnamon flavor. They are an easy alternative to yeast rolls and work well for casual brunches or a sweet weekend treat. For another cottage-cheese-based idea to try next, see the Jar Of Lemons cottage cheese cinnamon rolls recipe for inspiration and a slightly different take on this classic flavor. Enjoy the aroma as they bake, and serve them warm for the best experience.
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Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cottage cheese cinnamon rolls are a quick, no-yeast alternative to classic rolls with a soft, cakey texture and a sweet cinnamon filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for filling)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together cottage cheese, sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then spread it evenly over the rolled dough. Sprinkle with raisins if desired.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into individual rolls. Place rolls in the greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
- For icing, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. Can be stored for up to a day at room temperature or up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
