There’s something magical about pulling warm cinnamon rolls out of the oven on a chilly morning. These high-protein cinnamon rolls are an easy way to get all the magic without the sugar or junk. My kids love this and since it’s yeast free it’s ready in under an hour!
More people are now focusing on protein because of its ability to help build and maintain muscle. There are a lot of new protein bars in a variety of flavors on the market, and more brands are adding protein to a variety of foods. I want more protein, but quality is important. Ingredients like GMO soy protein or whey protein from CAFO cows may do more harm than good.
We’re still a long way from buying healthy, high-protein cinnamon rolls in a tube at the grocery store, but you can easily make them at home!
healthy cinnamon rolls
So, are cinnamon rolls good for your health? While they’re certainly not in the same category as pasture-raised meat or organic vegetables, it’s possible to make a healthier version of cinnamon rolls. Instead of sugar lumps, these protein cinnamon rolls are naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and raw honey. Sugar-free cinnamon roll recipes typically call for sugar alcohols, which can cause digestive issues for many people. It’s not what you’ll find here, but it’s still slightly sweet and really delicious.
Protein Cinnamon Roll Ingredients
Now that Hashimoto’s is gone and I can eat a more varied and healthy diet, I will eat gluten occasionally. I still avoid regular flour, which is bleached and sprinkled with concentrated glyphosate, but sometimes I pull out organic flour for baking. You can easily make these protein cinnamon rolls gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose ones that contain clean ingredients like these.
Greek yogurt is one of the main ingredients in the creamy frosting and provides protein to the rolls. If you don’t need dairy, a really thick coconut milk yogurt might work, but I’ve personally never tried it.
Instead of making cottage cheese or whey protein cinnamon rolls, I used a different version of the protein. We used Equip Prime protein, which is made with beef protein, collagen, and gelatin. It’s a source of protein from nose to tail, but without the gritty or beefy flavor. If you don’t have collagen powder on hand, collagen powder will also work.
Protein Cinnamon Rolls with Greek Yogurt
Protein Cinnamon Roll Dough
Greek yogurt frosting
- 4 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup Plain Greek Yogurt (whole milk for best texture)
- 2 TBSP raw honey (or to taste it)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 make cynical salt
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In a large bowl, mix together the flour, protein powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and coconut sugar.
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Add the Greek yogurt and melted coconut oil and stir until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels too thick, add milk or water one tablespoon at a time and mix until it comes together.
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Knead gently on a floured surface for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth.
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Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface.
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Mix the coconut sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the dough.
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Roll tightly into a log and cut into 8 even rolls.
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Place the rolls in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or parchment-lined skillet. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before frosting.
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In a medium bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla, salt, and (optional) protein powder. Mix until thick and creamy. Spread generously over warm but hot rolls.
Nutrition Facts
Protein Cinnamon Rolls with Greek Yogurt
Serving size (1 roll)
calorie 303
calories from fat 108
% Daily Value*
province 12g18%
8g saturated fat50%
Trans fat 0.1g
1g polyunsaturated fat
2g monounsaturated fat
cholesterol 31mg10%
sodium 260mg11%
potassium 282mg8%
carbohydrate 40g13%
2g fiber8%
12g sugar13%
protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 283IU6%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
calcium 160mg16%
steel 2mg11%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
If you want a thicker frosting, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before spreading.
Served with high-protein cinnamon rolls
They taste great when fresh out of the oven and still slightly warm and fresh. If you are not going to eat it right away, save the frosting just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What is your favorite baked food? I’d love to hear about this in the comments!
