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- 2 cups whole wheat flour - 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice) - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Filling: - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil - Icing: - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 tablespoon almond milk - A splash of vanilla extract These ingredients come together to make a tasty treat that is also good for you. Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while protein powder gives a boost of nutrition. Unsweetened applesauce keeps the rolls moist and adds natural sweetness. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein. Almond milk keeps it light and is a good dairy alternative. Honey or maple syrup provides extra flavor and sweetness. Baking powder helps the rolls rise. Ground cinnamon gives that warm, familiar taste. The salt balances the flavors perfectly. For the filling, brown sugar and more cinnamon create that classic cinnamon roll flavor, while melted coconut oil helps it all stick together. The icing, made with powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract, adds a sweet finish. Each ingredient plays an important role in making these protein-packed cinnamon rolls a delightful and healthy option for breakfast or a snack. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with coconut oil. This will help the rolls not stick. 3. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine. 1. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and honey (or maple syrup). Make sure this mixture is smooth and creamy. 2. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The dough should be a bit sticky but not too wet. 3. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep it even for better baking. 4. Brush melted coconut oil over the dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle this sweet mix over the oil-coated dough. 1. Carefully roll the dough from one end to form a log. Slice the log into 10-12 equal pieces for your rolls. 2. Place the sliced rolls in the prepared baking dish, cut sides up. This will help them rise nicely. 3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. 4. While the rolls bake, prepare the icing. Whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Adjust the thickness with more almond milk if needed. 5. Once the rolls are baked, drizzle the icing over the warm rolls. This will make them extra tasty. 6. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm! To get the best texture, do not overmix the dough. Overmixing can make the rolls tough. Mix until just combined. Leave some lumps in the dough. When rolling out the dough, keep it even. Use a rolling pin to spread it out. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick. This helps the rolls bake uniformly. Icing is a key part of cinnamon rolls. Adjust the icing's thickness to your liking. If it’s too thick, add more almond milk slowly. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. You can also flavor the icing. Try adding a splash of orange juice or a dash of cinnamon. These flavors can make your rolls stand out even more. Warm cinnamon rolls are a treat on their own. Pair them with fresh fruit for a complete meal. Berries or sliced apples work well here. Enjoy your rolls with a cup of tea or coffee. The warmth of the drink blends nicely with the sweet rolls. Don’t forget to serve them warm for the best gooey goodness! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother dough, ensure your Greek yogurt and almond milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine better. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher rolls, so keep it light and fluffy for the best texture. Experiment with Fillings: Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor and texture variations. Store Properly: Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave before serving. {{image_4}} You can make smart swaps in this recipe. Try using stevia instead of honey or maple syrup. Stevia adds sweetness with fewer calories. For those needing dairy-free or gluten-free options, use almond or coconut yogurt. You can also choose gluten-free flour blends. These changes keep your rolls tasty and healthy. Want to spice things up? Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling. Walnuts or raisins add texture and taste. You can also infuse the dough with spices. Try nutmeg or ginger for a warm twist. These flavors make your rolls even more exciting. When it comes to frosting, you have options. For a lighter taste, mix cream cheese with Greek yogurt. This combo is creamy but lower in sugar. If you love chocolate, add cocoa powder to the icing. For a fresh zing, try citrus zest. Lemon or orange zest brightens the flavors. Enjoy these fun variations on your protein-packed cinnamon rolls! To keep your protein-packed cinnamon rolls fresh, store them properly. Place the rolls in an airtight container. This helps to keep out air and moisture. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store the container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Want to save some rolls for later? You can freeze them! First, let the rolls cool completely. Then, wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for about 2 to 3 months. To thaw, just leave them in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. To keep your cinnamon rolls soft and moist, try these tips. Store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place for a day. If you have extra rolls, refrigerate them. Avoid leaving them out in open air; this can make them dry out. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. How can I make these cinnamon rolls even healthier? You can use less sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener. Try using mashed bananas or a sugar alternative like stevia. You can also add more protein by using a higher protein content in your protein powder. Another option is to add seeds or nuts to boost nutrition. Can I use a different type of protein powder? Yes, you can use different protein powders. Just ensure it blends well with the other ingredients. Whey, pea, or soy protein work great. Each type may change the flavor or texture a bit, so feel free to experiment. What can I substitute for almond milk? You can use any milk you like. Options include soy milk, oat milk, or regular cow's milk. Each option will give a slightly different taste, but all will work well in the recipe. How can I tell when the rolls are fully baked? Look for a golden brown color on top. You can also insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the rolls are done. They should feel firm but soft to the touch. What should I do if my dough is too sticky? If your dough sticks too much, sprinkle some flour on your work surface. You can also add a little more flour to the dough. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can make the rolls tough. Can these cinnamon rolls be made ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Just refrigerate it overnight. You can also bake the rolls, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them when you're ready to serve. What drinks pair well with cinnamon rolls? Cinnamon rolls taste great with coffee or tea. A warm cup of milk or hot chocolate also complements them nicely. For something fruity, try pairing them with fresh fruit juice. This blog post covered how to make delicious cinnamon rolls. We started with the key ingredients like whole wheat flour and applesauce. I detailed preparation and baking steps, plus tips for the best texture and icing. You can try fun variations or learn how to store your rolls. These ideas make your cinnamon rolls even better! With these recipes and tips, you can enjoy tasty treats at home, and impress everyone with your baking skills. Happy baking!

Protein-Packed Cinnamon Rolls

Deliciously nutritious cinnamon rolls packed with protein, perfect for a healthy treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 0.5 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 0.25 cup Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon almond milk
  • 1 splash vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with coconut oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to ensure all dry ingredients are well mixed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and honey (or maple syrup) until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it’s acceptable for the dough to be slightly sticky.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Ensure an even thickness for uniform baking.
  • Evenly brush the melted coconut oil over the surface of the rolled dough. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and tablespoon of cinnamon, then generously sprinkle this sweet mixture over the oil-coated dough.
  • Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Once fully rolled, slice it into 10-12 equal pieces to create your rolls.
  • Place the sliced rolls in the prepared baking dish, ensuring the cut sides are facing up to achieve a beautiful presentation.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and have risen properly.
  • While the rolls bake, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, almond milk, and a splash of vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth consistency. If the icing is too thick, drizzle in a little more almond milk until desired thickness is reached.
  • Once the cinnamon rolls are baked to perfection, pull them out of the oven and drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls for a delightful finish.
  • Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving, enhancing their gooey goodness. Enjoy your deliciously nutritious Protein-Packed Cinnamon Rolls!

Notes

These rolls are delightful served warm and can be paired with a side of fresh fruit or a cup of your favorite tea for a complete treat.
Keyword cinnamon rolls, healthy dessert, protein