What is a game changer? When you were a kid, the smell of cinnamon rolls would fill your room. Now, you can’t help but remember those mornings. What’s a nostalgic comfort food? We’re talking gooey, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, but with a little something extra to it. What will keep you going? Think of it as the sophisticated (and much healthier) cousin of the classic cinnamon roll – the one you like the most. What is the best way to fuel your day instead of sugar rush?Protein Cinnamon Rolls.I want something comforting but don’t want to derail my healthy eating plan. So here are my go-tos. What are some of the best ice creams you’ve ever had?
What are protein cinnamon rolls?
So, what exactly are we talking about here? Protein Cinnamon Rolls –What is protein powder in cinnamon rolls? What are some sneaky ways to get protein in your breakfast? What is protein? What is it about creating a healthier dough that’s still incredibly soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor? What is cinnamon flavor? Is it a guilt-free indulgence? What is the beauty of these rolls? They still have that warm, comforting flavor that we all love. Without sugar and empty calories. Plus, the added protein helps keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer. It’s a win-win!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to fall in love with someone.Protein Cinnamon Rolls.What are some of my favorite flavors? The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet glaze, and that slight hint of vanilla from the protein powder. What is powder? Is it addictive? Second, don’t let the “protein” aspect of this recipe scare you—this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. I always do this on a Sunday for meal prep! How do I make a doughnut? Third, I’m all about budget-friendly recipes, and this one definitely fits the bill. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. What are some good ways to serve these rolls for breakfast, brunch or even as a dessert? What are some good sweets to serve with coffee in the morning or after dinner? What are some of the best crowd pleasers? They disappear in minutes whenever I make them for friends or family. What are some good banana bread recipes?
How do you make Cinnamon Rolls?
Quick Overview
Making these Protein Cinnamon Rolls.Is it easier than you think? We’re essentially making a slightly modified dough, adding cinnamon filling, rolling it. What are the best ways to bake a golden brown cake? Is the whole process therapeutic? Don’t be intimidated by the “protein” part – it’s just a matter of adding protein powder to the mix. I promise, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this recipe!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: How do I get the
* 1 cup all-purpose flour (you can use gluten-free blend too)
* 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (I use whey protein isolate, but your favorite kind works too)
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or your favorite sweetener)
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup milk (I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!)
* 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get organized. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). I find that’s the sweet spot. Grease a 9-inch baking pan. How do you make a roll that doesn’t stick? I always use parchment paper to clean my pans. I like it!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, protein powder, sugar, baking powder and baking soda. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. I always do this before adding the wet ingredients because it ensures that the baking powder and baking soda are properly mixed. How does baking soda help roll rise?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Set aside. If butter is too hot, make sure it isn’t too dry! Room temperature or slightly warm is perfect. I usually warm the milk a little too, just to help everything combine smoothly.
Step 4: Combine
How do you mix wet and dry ingredients? Do not overmix – a few lumps are fine. How can overmixing lead to tough rolls, and nobody wants that! What is the best way to make a sticky dough?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside. Make sure there are no clumps of brown sugar. I sometimes microwave butter for a few seconds to make sure it’s fully melted and easy to mix.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into an 8″ rectangle about 12×8 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough up tightly. Slice the roll into 9-12 equal pieces. Place the slices in the prepared baking pan. I use a serrated knife for clean cuts. Don’t worry if they look a little messy – they’ll bake up beautifully!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. What are the best ways to keep an eye on them – ovens can vary! A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the rolls cool in the pan for a few minutes before glazing. While they’re cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. How much milk should I add to my rolls? I like to let the glaze drip down the sides – it looks so pretty!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice and serve warm. These Protein Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. I like to dust them with a little extra cinnamon before serving.
What to Serve It With
These Protein Cinnamon Rolls are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas for taking them to the next level:
For Breakfast: Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a latte. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the rolls perfectly. I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon to my coffee for an extra touch of flavor.
For Brunch: Serve them as part of a larger brunch spread with fresh fruit, yogurt, and maybe even some scrambled eggs. They make a great addition to a brunch buffet. I love arranging them on a pretty platter with some fresh berries.
As Dessert: Enjoy them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm rolls and cold ice cream are a match made in heaven! A drizzle of chocolate sauce is also a great addition.
For Cozy Snacks: Curl up on the couch with a warm roll and a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They’re the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. My kids ask for this combo all the time! It’s perfect when you’re craving something sweet at 10pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Protein Cinnamon Rolls
Here are a few of my top tips for making the best Protein Cinnamon Rolls:
Protein Powder: Not all protein powders are created equal! I recommend using a vanilla-flavored whey protein isolate for the best flavor and texture. Avoid protein powders that are too gritty or have a strong aftertaste. I tested this with a vegan protein powder, and it still tasted amazing, but the texture was slightly different.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough rolls. Just mix until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. A few lumps are okay!
Swirl Customization: For a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the filling. You can also add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra texture.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can use mashed banana or Greek yogurt instead. These will both add moisture and sweetness to the dough.
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the rolls while they’re baking. Ovens can vary, so they might need more or less time. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, you can use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or almond extract for a different flavor.
I’ve learned this trick after years of making it – let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes before baking for an even fluffier roll!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Protein Cinnamon Rolls fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed within the first day for optimal freshness.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I find that they stay moist longer this way. Be sure to use an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the rolls individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the rolls, I recommend glazing them just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or melting during storage. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to warm them up before glazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Protein Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe – they’re a way to enjoy a classic treat without the guilt. They’re perfect for a weekend breakfast, a post-workout snack, or even a healthy dessert. The added protein helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, while the delicious cinnamon flavor satisfies your sweet tooth. I really believe that you will love this recipe. This disappeared in minutes at my house. Trust me on this one…
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other protein-packed treats! And I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!
Protein Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt
- 2 cups Protein Powder Vanilla flavored
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 0.5 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, protein powder, milk, and baking powder. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
