Protein Cinnamon Rolls | Protein-Packed Breakfast

PUBLISHED January 13, 2026· MODIFIED January 13, 2026 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1537 words. · About 8 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

Craving something sweet but worried about your diet? Look no further! These High Protein Cinnamon Rolls are here to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your health goals. Perfect for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a guilt-free dessert, these cinnamon rolls combine deliciousness with nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Elevetated Cinnamon Roll Recipe

High in Protein. Each roll is packed with protein, perfect for muscle recovery and keeping you full longer.
Healthier. Made with wholesome ingredients, these cinnamon rolls are a healthier alternative to traditional recipes.
Easy to Make. With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can make these delicious treats.
Versatile. Perfect for any time of the day, whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Say goodbye to guilt and hello to indulgence with these High-Protein Cinnamon Rolls. Not only do they satisfy your sweet cravings, but they also provide a hearty dose of protein to fuel your body. Perfect for meal prep or family breakfast, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Are Protein Cinnamon Rolls Good?

whether protein cinnamon rolls are considered “good” will depend on personal taste preferences and nutritional goals.

They can be a delightful treat for those looking for a healthier alternative to a classic favorite, but they might not fully replace the original for those with a strong preference for traditional bakery flavors and textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

Almond Flour– Provides the base and structure of the cinnamon rolls. Almond flour offers a gluten-free, low-carb alternative.
Vanilla Whey Protein Powder– Adds protein to the dough, enhancing its nutritional value and helping with muscle repair and growth.
Baking Powder– Acts as a leavening agent, causing the dough to rise and become fluffy.
Salt– Enhances the overall flavor of the dough and balances the sweetness.
Unsweetened Applesauce– Adds moisture and natural sweetness to the dough without the extra fat or sugar. It also helps in binding the ingredients together.
Greek Yogurt– Adds moisture and richness to the dough while boosting the protein content.
Large Egg– Works as a binding agent, contributing to the structure and moisture of the dough.
Milk- Used to achieve the desired dough consistency, making it softer and more workable.

Filling

Granulated Sugar Substitute- Provides sweetness to the filling without adding refined sugar, keeping the recipe more health-conscious.
Cinnamon– Gives the classic, warm, and spicy flavor associated with cinnamon rolls.
Butter– Adds richness and moisture to the filling, helping to spread the cinnamon and sweetener evenly over the dough.

For the Icing

Powdered Sweetener– Offers a low-calorie, sugar-free alternative to traditional icing sugar, keeping the recipe suitable for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Greek Yogurt– Adds a tangy flavor to the icing, complementing the sweetness while keeping the recipe high in protein and lower in fat.
Vanilla Extract– Provides a sweet, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the icing.
Protein Powder- Boosts the protein content of the icing and helps achieve the desired thickness and spreadability.

How To Make Protein Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare the Dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Add the applesauce, Greek yogurt, and egg, mixing until a dough forms. Gradually add milk until the dough is soft but not sticky.
Roll and Fill. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle. Mix the filling ingredients and spread them over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long end, and cut into 8-10 rolls.
Bake. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Icing. While the rolls bake, mix the icing ingredients. Adjust the consistency with protein powder or yogurt as needed.
Serve. Drizzle icing over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

Making protein cinnamon rolls can be a fun and nutritious way to enjoy a classic treat. Here are some tips and tricks to help you:

Choose Your Protein Powder Wisely– Select a high-quality protein powder that suits your dietary preferences (whey, casein, soy, pea, etc.). Vanilla or unflavored protein powders work best for this recipe as they blend well without overpowering the other flavors.
Dough Consistency– When mixing your dough, aim for a consistency that is moist but not overly sticky. Add yogurt gradually to achieve this. If the dough is too dry, add a little more yogurt; if it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
Rolling the Dough– To make rolling easier and prevent sticking, roll your dough between two pieces of parchment paper. This also helps in achieving a uniform thickness.
Filling Spread– When spreading the cinnamon filling, leave a small margin around the edges of the dough. This helps to prevent the filling from leaking out when you roll it up.
Tight Roll– Roll the dough tightly to ensure the filling is well-encapsulated and the rolls maintain their shape. Start at one end and gently but firmly roll towards the other, peeling away the parchment paper as you go.
Even Slices– Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough into even slices. Dental floss can provide a cleaner cut: slide it under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull in opposite directions.

Variations

Creating variations of protein cinnamon rolls allows you to enjoy this tasty treat while keeping your meals exciting. Here are several ideas to tweak the basic recipe for different flavors:

Chocolate- Add cocoa powder to the dough and use chocolate protein powder in both the dough and the icing. You could also sprinkle some mini chocolate chips into the filling.
Pumpkin Spice- Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the dough. For the filling, mix in extra pumpkin spice with the cinnamon and sweetener.
Lemon Blueberry- Replace the cinnamon in the filling with fresh lemon zest and add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries. For the icing, use lemon juice instead of milk to mix with the powdered sweetener and protein powder, adding a refreshing citrus twist.

What To Enjoy With Protein Cinnamon Rolls

Enjoying protein cinnamon rolls with complementary foods can turn a simple snack into a balanced meal or an indulgent treat. Here are some suggestions on what to serve with them:

Fresh Fruit– The freshness and slight acidity of the fruit can balance the sweetness and richness of the cinnamon rolls.
Nut Butter– Spread a little almond butter, peanut butter, or any nut butter of your choice on a warm protein cinnamon roll for added flavor and an extra protein boost.
Greek Yogurt– A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side or on top can add creaminess and tanginess, plus additional protein and calcium.
Coffee or Tea– Enjoy your protein cinnamon rolls with a cup of coffee or tea. The warmth and bitterness of the coffee or the subtle flavors of tea can complement the sweetness and spiciness of the rolls.

How Long Do They Last?

If kept in an airtight container, protein cinnamon rolls can last for 1-2 days at room temperature. Make sure they are kept away from direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place.

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, protein cinnamon rolls can last for up to 5 days.

Can You Freeze Them?

For longer storage, you can freeze protein cinnamon rolls. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Properly stored, they can last for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or warm it in the microwave or oven.

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