These Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious. Made with a unique cottage cheese dough that creates a tender and slightly tangy base, and filled with the classic cinnamon-sugar goodness, they’re a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re a cinnamon roll fan or looking for a twist on the traditional recipe, these are sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and fluffy – Thanks to the cottage cheese in the dough, these rolls are incredibly soft and moist.
Sweet and fragrant – The cinnamon-sugar filling brings the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Perfectly baked – These rolls bake up golden brown with a slight crisp on the outside and a soft, gooey center.
Great for any occasion – Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a delightful dessert to share with friends and family.
Easy to make – With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, these cinnamon rolls are simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to serve at special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bread Dough:

4 cups bread flour (480 g), sifted and leveled – The perfect base for soft and airy rolls.
2 tsp instant yeast – To help the dough rise and become fluffy.
3 Tbsp sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
1 tsp salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
1 ½ cup low-fat small curd cottage cheese (12 oz / 340g) – Provides moisture and a tender crumb.
½ cup water (118 g), or milk of choice – To hydrate the dough.

For the Filling:

3 Tbsp brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
1 Tbsp cinnamon powder – Gives that warm, fragrant spiciness we love in cinnamon rolls.

For the Powdered Sugar Topping:

½ cup powdered sugar (of choice) – For a sweet finish on top of the rolls.

Directions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.

2. Add Cottage Cheese and Water:

Add the cottage cheese and water to the dry ingredients. Start kneading the dough on a low setting (speed 2), adding more water if needed until the dough comes together.

3. Knead the Dough:

Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a slightly sticky, stretchy dough.

4. Let the Dough Rise:

Remove the dough from the mixer and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

5. Prepare the Filling:

While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon powder in a small bowl. Set aside.

6. Roll Out the Dough:

Punch down the dough and remove it from the bowl. Place it on a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 18 x 10 inches.

7. Add the Filling:

Spray or brush a thin layer of water or almond milk onto the dough to help the filling stick.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.

8. Shape the Rolls:

Starting from the end of the dough, roll it up tightly into a log and pinch the seams to seal.
Use a string or dental floss to cut the dough into 12-16 pieces, depending on how large you want the rolls.

9. Arrange the Rolls:

For wider rolls, cut into 16 pieces and arrange them 1 inch apart on a half-sized (8″x13″) pan.
For regular rolls, cut into 12 pieces and space them about ½ inch apart in a 9″x12″ rectangular pan.

10. Second Rise:

Let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes, until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

11. Bake the Rolls:

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and fully cooked through.

12. Top with Powdered Sugar:

Once the rolls have cooled to room temperature, sift powdered sugar over the top for a sweet finishing touch.

13. Serve:

Serve and enjoy your delicious, homemade cinnamon rolls!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: 202 kcal per roll

Variations & Tips

Add-ins – For an extra flavor boost, you can add raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to the filling.
Frosting option – Instead of just powdered sugar, you can top these rolls with cream cheese frosting for a richer, more indulgent treat.
Make it dairy-free – Swap out the cottage cheese for dairy-free yogurt and use a plant-based milk for the dough.
Spicy version – Add a pinch of clove or nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a spicier, more complex flavor.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual rolls in a plastic bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time, let it rise, and then store it in the fridge overnight. The next morning, just shape the rolls and let them rise again before baking.

How can I make the rolls softer?

For extra softness, you can add 1 tablespoon of butter to the dough for a richer texture.

Can I use a different flour?

You can try using whole wheat flour for a healthier version, though the rolls may be denser.

Can I add more cinnamon?

Absolutely! If you love cinnamon, feel free to increase the amount in the filling.

Conclusion

These Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of soft, sweet, and fluffy. Thanks to the cottage cheese dough, they’re extra tender and have a wonderful texture. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious dessert, these rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of these homemade cinnamon rolls anytime!