Enjoy the cozy flavors of a cinnamon roll in a tender, protein-packed scone. This easy recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack.

Sometimes, you just want a warm cinnamon roll.

Am I right?

But cinnamon rolls are not part of a healthy diet. Are they?

I learned that with the right tweaks in a recipe, you can easily create high-protein scones that resemble a cinnamon roll. That way, you get the best of both worlds. 

Imagine biting into a tender, flaky scone swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling.

The cottage cheese in the recipe creates moist and tender scones, all while giving you a great protein boost. And, the cinnamon sugar filling melts with the buttery dough, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

They are a great treat to have for breakfast, as a reward after your workout, or when you need an afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Egg (1)

Cottage cheese, blended (1/2 cup) – Replace with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese to have a similar creamy texture.

Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – You can also use almond extract if you want a different flavor profile.

All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cup) – Use whole-wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make a gluten-free scone.

Protein powder (1/2 cup) – Choose a plant-based protein powder if you prefer to use a dairy-free alternative.

Salt (1/2 tsp)

Baking powder (1 tbsp)

Light brown sugar (3 tbsp) – Swap with coconut sugar or honey.

Unsalted butter, cubed (1/2 cup) – Use vegan butter or coconut oil if you don’t want to use butter.

Milk (1 tbsp) – You can also use any non-dairy milk like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.

Cinnamon Filling

Unsalted butter (2 tbsp)

Light brown sugar (3 tbsp)

Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp) – If you want to give it a different flavor, you can use pumpkin pie spice or cardamom. 

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Protein Scones

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Grab a small bowl, and add the eggs, cottage cheese, and vanilla extract.

Step 2. Give the wet ingredients a good whisk.

Step 3.Grab another bowl and add the all-purpose flour, protein powder, baking powder, and light brown sugar.

Step 4. Give the dry ingredients a good stir.

Step 5.Cut the butter into cubes and add it to the dry ingredients.

Step 6. Start to work the butter with your fingers to blend it with the flour. It won’t mix completely, just make sure that the butter is completely covered with the flour mix.

Step 7.Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Step 8. Now, combine the dough using your fingers. Then, roll it into a ball (keep in mind that this might be a bit sticky).

Step 9.Cover your counter with flour and place the dough on it.

Step 10. Roll it with a floured rolling pin until you create a rectangle that is 10”x8”. Keep in mind that the dough might be a bit sticky. If this happens, add a bit more flour.

Step 11.Place the cinnamon filling butter in a small bowl that’s microwave-safe and place it for a couple of seconds until it melts.

Step 12. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon. Give the ingredients a good stir.

Step 13.Cover the dough with the cinnamon filling and spread it as much as possible.

Step 14. Then, take the dough by the corners and roll it into a tight cylinder.

Step 15.Wrap the dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least one hour. Although I recommend keeping it overnight.

Step 16. Take the dough out of the freezer. Cut off the edges and then cut it into 4 equal rectangles.

Cut each rectangle diagonally to form the scones.

Step 17.Place the scones on the baking sheet, making sure you space them apart. Brush them with milk and place them in the oven for 16-18 minutes.

Step 18. When they are ready, take them out of the oven and keep them warm.

How I Would Modify This Recipe

• Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling before you roll up the dough.
• Incorporate Fruit: Add a handful of finely diced apples or raisins to the cinnamon filling.
• Glaze It: Drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a bit of vanilla extract.

My Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. And, if you want to keep them for longer, place them in the fridge for up to 7 days.

When you want to have them again, place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in an oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

More Healthy Scone Recipes

• Lemon Cottage Cheese Scones
• Pumpkin Protein Scones
• Blueberry Cottage Cheese Scones