Go Back

Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Roll Bake - A Cozy, Protein-Packed Breakfast

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8–10 count total, with icing packets reserved)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, 2% or full-fat)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for extra richness)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional, for a thicker frosting)
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or powdered sugar (to sweeten the frosting to taste)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Raisins or mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • Orange zest (optional, for brightness)

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan and oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line with parchment for easy cleanup.
  2. Cut the dough: Open the cinnamon roll cans. Set the icing packets aside. Cut each roll into quarters to create bite-sized pieces.
  3. Arrange in the dish: Scatter the dough pieces evenly in the baking dish. If using nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, sprinkle them over now.
  4. Blend the custard: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Stir in melted butter if using.
  5. Pour and settle: Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the dough pieces. Gently shake the pan to help it seep between the pieces.
  6. Bake: Bake for 28–35 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is just set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  7. Make the frosting: While it bakes, beat softened cream cheese with the reserved icing packets and maple syrup or powdered sugar until smooth. For a lighter option, skip cream cheese and thin the packet icing with a teaspoon of milk.
  8. Cool briefly and frost: Let the bake rest for 8–10 minutes. Spread or drizzle the frosting over the warm top so it melts slightly and coats the crevices.
  9. Finish and serve: Add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or orange zest if you like. Serve warm in squares.