Step 1: Gather and Prep

• Gather all ingredients: 1 ¼ cups cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons reserved cottage cheese mixture.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a round 8-inch baking pan.

Tip: Use a high-quality, full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

• In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ¼ cups cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
• Blend until smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
• Set aside 2 tablespoons of the blended mixture in a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate for the glaze.

Tip: Blend until completely smooth to avoid curd-like texture in the dough.

Step 3: Make the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour and 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder.
• Add the blended cottage cheese mixture (minus the reserved 2 tablespoons) to the dry ingredients.
• Mix just until combined to form a soft dough; avoid overmixing.
• Form the dough into a ball.

Tip: Mix gently to keep the dough light and avoid toughness.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

• On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle, approximately 9×13 inches.

Tip: Dust the rolling pin and surface with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add the Filling

• Brush 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or butter evenly over the dough.
• Sprinkle ¼ cup brown sugar and 2-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon evenly over the surface.

Tip: Distribute the filling evenly, leaving a small border to prevent spillage when rolling.

Step 6: Roll and Slice

• Starting from one long end, slowly roll the dough into a tight log.
• Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 10 even cinnamon rolls (about 1 ¼ inches thick each).

Tip: Use a serrated knife or dental floss for clean cuts to avoid squishing the dough.

Step 7: Bake

• Place the cinnamon rolls in the greased 8-inch round pan, arranging them snugly.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden.

Tip: Check doneness early to avoid overbaking; rolls should be soft but set.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

• Let the rolls cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
• In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons powdered sugar and the reserved 2 tablespoons blended cottage cheese mixture until smooth.
• Spread the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Tip: Glaze while warm for a smooth, glossy finish that soaks into the rolls.

Step 9: Serve

• Serve warm for the best flavor and texture, optionally garnished with extra cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Tip: Enjoy immediately for the softest, gooiest rolls.