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Cinnamon Buns Packed with Protein

Since I have this intense love for Cinnamon Buns with protein, when I received this recipe from Premier protein along with some swag in exchange for my honest opinion, I couldn’t wait to try it out. This post also contains affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will receive a small portion o the sale at no additional cost to you.

I love cinnamon buns and have been making them for my family for as long as I can remember. They are definitely a favorite at my house and we even make them on Christmas morning every year.

Cinnamon Buns

The best part about these Cinnamon Buns besides the flavor and the fact that they are a good source of protein is that anyone can make them! This easy-to-follow recipe is baked in under 30 minutes and it will make your home smell amazing while it is baking.

Ingredients Needed for Cinnamon Buns Packed With Protein

This recipe calls for yeast, a Premier Protein® Caramel Shake, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sugar, salt, egg, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, and confectioners’ sugar.

You will also need a spoon and bowl or mixing, I used a mixer with a dough hook but this can be done with a little extra upper body strength and a spoon.

For baking, you will need to grease an 8 x 8-inch glass or metal baking dish. You will also need extra flour for your work surface.

Lucky for you, there is no rolling pin required to roll out the cinnamon bun dough. If you follow the instructions, this protein cinnamon roll dough is very easy to work with by hand.

How to Make Protein Cinnamon Rolls

In a medium bowl, sprinkle yeast over 1 cup warm Premier Protein® Caramel Shake and stir to combine.

Let sit for 3 minutes. Then stir in 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and egg then mix until well combined.

Gradually add in the flour, stirring after each addition to make sure the liquid ingredients are absorbed by the dry. This will prevent the dough from being too sticky to work with but you may find the need to add more flour when working the dough.

This chewy Italian Bread has the perfect texture from the crispy crust to the chewy middle.

Once the dough is no longer too sticky to handle, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 3 to 5 minutes to make a moderately soft dough. Shape the dough into a ball.

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl; turn once. Cover and let rise in a warm place until size has doubled (about 1 hour). Punch dough down, cover, and let rise again for 1 additional hour. Punch the dough down.

Grease an 8 x 8-inch glass or metal baking dish and set aside. I prefer a glass pan like this glass baking dish because once these protein breakfast rolls have cooled, they store easily by just popping the proper fitting lid on top.

Combine 3 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. On a lightly floured surface roll dough into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle.

Brush about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the remaining butter evenly over the dough using a pastry brush. Sprinkle 2/3 of the cinnamon sugar mixture over.

Cinnamon Buns

Tips for Making the Perfect Protein Cinnamon Rolls

Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the cinnamon roll dough into 9 even 12-inch strips.

Then roll up each strip tightly, sealing the end by pressing it into the dough. This part can be a little frustrating with warm dough so if this becomes difficult, pop the dough in the freezer for a few minutes to help the dough stay in place longer.

Arrange the protein cinnamon rolls in a prepared pan.

Pour the remaining butter over the buns, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon and sugar on top. Let rise, uncovered, 30 minutes.

Cinnamon Buns

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. If you want a beautiful caramelization on the bottom of your protein cinnamon rolls, be sure to drizzle butter over the rolls before baking.

How to Make Glaze for Protein Cinnamon Rolls

While cooking the rolls slightly, prepare the glaze. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and Premier Protein® Caramel Shake in a small bowl until smooth. You could also use cream cheese icing that is already prepared to make this recipe even easier to recreate.

Variations on this Recipe

If you prefer to use a protein powder that is a blend of whey & casein protein, be sure to add a liquid to make up for the dry ingredients. The premier protein adds the perfect amount of liquid to this recipe so if you remove that ingredient you will have to add in a new liquid to counteract it.

My advice would be to mix the protein powder which is a blend of whey & casein protein with water before adding it to this recipe. The measurements can be the same this way because there would be the same amount of liquid and dry going into the recipe.

Drizzle rolls with glaze. Serve warm. Or however you want, after all, you made this protein cinnamon rolls recipe so feel free to serve it however you want. Some people prefer warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven but I have always enjoyed pastries and other baked goods chilled in the refrigerator.

Be sure to store these protein cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.

I like these for a quick snack in the morning because it is an easy way to get some extra protein in for breakfast. This recipe is kid approved and the kids will never suspect that they are secretly healthy.

I have enjoyed the strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla flavors of Premier Protein in the past but my new favorite is the caramel. It pairs perfectly with these Protein Cinnamon Rolls! It also goes great poured over an iced coffee like this chocolate-splashed iced coffee.

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Cinnamon Buns

Cinnamon Buns Packed with Protein

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (or 1 packet)
  • 1 cup Premier Protein® Caramel Shake warmed in the microwave or on the stovetop to about (110° F), or warm to touch but not boiling
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, plus additional for greasing bowl and pan, melted
  • 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour plus additional for kneading and rolling out
  • 1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Premier Protein® Caramel Shake

Instructions

    In a medium bowl, sprinkle yeast over 1 cup warm Premier Protein® Caramel Shake and stir to combine. Let sit for 3 minutes. Then stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and egg and mix until well combined. Gradually add in flour, stirring after each addition.
    Once the dough is no longer too sticky to handle, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 3 to 5 minutes to make a moderately soft dough. Shape the dough into a ball.
    Place dough in a lightly greased bowl; turn once. Cover and let rise in a warm place until size has doubled (about 1 hour). Punch dough down, cover, and let rise again for 1 additional hour. Punch the dough down. Grease an 8 x 8-inch glass or metal baking dish and set aside.
    Combine 3 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. On a lightly floured surface roll dough into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle. Brush about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the remaining butter evenly over the dough using a pastry brush. Sprinkle 2/3 of the cinnamon sugar mixture over.
    Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut dough into 9 even 12-inch strips. Roll up each strip tightly, sealing the end by pressing it into the dough. Arrange rolls in prepared pan. Pour the remaining butter over the buns, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon and sugar on top. Let rise, uncovered, 30 minutes.
    Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. While cooling the rolls slightly, prepare the glaze. Whisk together confectioners' sugar and Premier Protein® Caramel Shake in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle rolls with glaze. Serve warm.

About Thirty Something Super Mom

Melissa Dixon Thirty Something Super Mom
Thirty Something Super Mom | Website

My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.

Cheryl

Friday 3rd of March 2017

Thank you Thirty Something Super Mom and Premier Protein! I look forward to trying Premier Protein.

Richard Brandt

Thursday 2nd of March 2017

Nothing I'd love more than chowing down on cinnamon rolls while assuring everyone they're good for me!

Shelley P

Thursday 2nd of March 2017

I love having protein shakes for breakfast! I'd love to try these :)

elizabeth miller

Thursday 2nd of March 2017

I absolutely LOVE their vanilla shakes. I can't wait to try the banana.

Angie S

Thursday 2nd of March 2017

I'm always trying to find ways to supplement protein in my diet. I would never have thought to use a protein drink in a recipe!

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