Healthy Protein Cinnamon Rolls are a game-changer for anyone craving a sweet treat without the guilt. This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy classic cinnamon rolls packed with protein, making them a perfect wholesome breakfast or snack option.
Key Ingredients for Healthy Protein Cinnamon Rolls:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free blend)
- ½ cup whole wheat flour (optional, for added fiber)
- 1 scoop (approximately 30g) vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or your preferred sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice), warm
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Protein Glaze:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (reduced-fat or full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: a few drops of liquid stevia for extra sweetness
- Optional: additional protein powder for a thicker glaze
How to Make Healthy Protein Cinnamon Rolls:
These healthy protein cinnamon rolls are surprisingly simple to whip up, promising pure indulgence with every bite. You’ll love the fluffy texture and the warm, comforting spice that truly satisfies. With a prep time of about 30 minutes and an additional 1-2 hours for rising, you’ll have heavenly rolls ready to enjoy for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm almond milk and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is alive and active.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour (if using), protein powder, remaining granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the activated yeast mixture, the large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with melted butter or non-stick spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning to coat it lightly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well until it forms a paste.
Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×9 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one of the long edges.
Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge opposite the unfilled border, tightly roll up the dough jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the roll into 8-10 equal pieces.
Second Rise: Grease a baking dish (an 8×8 or 9×13 inch dish works well, depending on how many rolls you made) with melted butter or non-stick spray. Place the sliced cinnamon rolls into the prepared dish, cut-side up, ensuring they have a little space between them as they will expand. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy.
Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have completed their second rise, remove the plastic wrap and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Protein Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the protein glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you desire a thicker glaze or a slightly sweeter taste, you can stir in a little extra protein powder or a few drops of liquid stevia.
Glaze and Serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Then, generously drizzle or spread the protein glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy treat!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Protein Cinnamon Rolls:
You’ll absolutely adore these Healthy Protein Cinnamon Rolls because they deliver that irresistible gooey cinnamon swirl and plush texture you crave, but with a nutritional upgrade! Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that can leave you feeling sluggish, these are made with protein powder, making them a guilt-free indulgence that fuels your body. The creamy Greek yogurt glaze adds a delightful tang and extra protein, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and satisfying.
Plus, ditching the bakery means saving money and controlling exactly what goes into your breakfast! Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, knowing you’ve made a choice that’s good for you and kind to your wallet. This recipe is your ticket to enjoying a classic comfort food that’s both delicious and responsible. So, what are you waiting for? Give these amazing Healthy Protein Cinnamon Rolls a try and discover your new favorite breakfast staple!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To keep your delicious Healthy Protein Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Wrapped tightly, they can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place a cinnamon roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-30 seconds, or until warm. For a crispier texture, you can reheat them in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-8 minutes. If reheating frozen rolls, allow them to thaw slightly at room temperature before reheating using one of the methods above.
Final Thoughts:
These Healthy Protein Cinnamon Rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved treat with added nutritional benefits. Give them a go this week for a delicious and guilt-free start to your day!
Healthy Protein Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the warm almond milk and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is alive and active.½ cup unsweetened almond milk, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour (if using), protein powder, remaining granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.½ cup whole wheat flour, 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the activated yeast mixture, the large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.1 large egg, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Lightly grease a clean bowl with melted butter or non-stick spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning to coat it lightly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well until it forms a paste.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×9 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one of the long edges.
- Starting from the long edge opposite the unfilled border, tightly roll up the dough jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the roll into 8-10 equal pieces.
- Grease a baking dish (an 8×8 or 9×13 inch dish works well, depending on how many rolls you made) with melted butter or non-stick spray. Place the sliced cinnamon rolls into the prepared dish, cut-side up, ensuring they have a little space between them as they will expand. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy.2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have completed their second rise, remove the plastic wrap and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the protein glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you desire a thicker glaze or a slightly sweeter taste, you can stir in a little extra protein powder or a few drops of liquid stevia.½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons milk of choice, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, a few drops liquid stevia, optional additional protein powder
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Then, generously drizzle or spread the protein glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy treat!