Healthy homemade cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt. They’re soft, fragrant, tender, and much lighter than traditional pastries. In this step-by-step cinnamon rolls recipe, you’ll learn exactly how to make cinnamon rolls, what the ideal filling should look like, how to roll cinnamon rolls properly, and how long to bake them so they come out perfectly fluffy.
If you’re looking for a cinnamon rolls recipe that turns out perfectly every single time, this one is a guaranteed hit.
Healthy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - What Ingredients Do You Need?
To make healthy homemade cinnamon rolls, you only need a handful of simple ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g spelt flour
- 1 egg
- 250 ml warm milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 8 g instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 80 g coconut oil (set aside about 1 tablespoon for the filling)
- cinnamon
- erythritol (about 80 g, depending on preferred sweetness)
This straightforward list of ingredients is all you need to make light, fragrant, and delicious healthy cinnamon rolls at home.
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Step by step
Below, you’ll find a detailed cinnamon rolls recipe that shows you exactly how to make cinnamon rolls so they turn out soft, fluffy, and perfectly shaped - just like the best bakery-style rolls.
How to make Cinnamon Rolls - Preparing the Dough
- Pour the warm milk into a bowl, add the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir and let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes until the yeast becomes active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and spelt flour.
- Add the egg, the activated yeast mixture, half of your sweetener, melted coconut oil (remember to reserve 1 tablespoon for the filling), and a pinch of salt.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for a moment so it can relax.
Tips for how to make homemade cinnamon rolls with perfect dough:
- Use warm milk, not hot - high heat can kill the yeast.
- If the dough sticks to your hands too much, dust it with a little flour, but avoid adding too much so the dough doesn’t dry out.
- You can knead the dough with wet hands - it’s a popular trick among professional bakers.
Best Cinnamon Rolls filling - How to make it
The filling is what gives cinnamon rolls their signature aroma and flavor, so preparing it properly is key to making the best cinnamon rolls.
To make the filling, simply mix together:
- the remaining sweetener
- 1-2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil
- cinnamon
This creates a fragrant, sweet mixture that spreads perfectly over the rolled-out dough.
Tips:
- For a richer, more buttery flavor, add a small amount of vanilla paste.
- If you like your cinnamon rolls extra gooey, increase the amount of coconut oil in the filling.
How to roll Cinnamon Rolls so they come out perfect?
If you’ve been wondering how to roll cinnamon rolls so they stay tight, even, and hold their shape while baking, the tips below are essential. Proper shaping ensures that your lighter rolls rise evenly, form a beautiful swirl, and stay soft and fluffy.
1. Prepare Your Work Surface
Lightly dust your counter with flour before rolling out the dough. This prevents sticking - to both the surface and the rolling pin-so you can create an even shape without tearing the dough.
2. Roll the Dough Into a Neat Rectangle
Aim for a clean, even rectangle with straight edges. The more uniform the shape, the nicer the cinnamon roll spirals will look after rolling.
Pro tip: If the edges look uneven, trim them gently with a knife. This gives you a tidy log and evenly sized rolls.
3. Spread the Filling All the Way to the Edges
Using a spoon or silicone spatula, spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the entire surface of the dough.
This helps ensure:
- no empty gaps inside the rolls,
- consistent flavor in every piece.
4. How to Roll Cinnamon Rolls: Roll Tightly but Gently
Start from the long edge of the rectangle. Roll slowly and evenly, keeping gentle tension on the dough so it forms a compact spiral without being squashed.
Baker-approved tips:
- Slightly pull the dough toward you as you roll - the swirl becomes tighter and more uniform.
- Keep an eye on the thickness of the log so it doesn’t taper at the ends.
- Dust your hands with flour if you need extra control.
5. Use a Sharp Knife to Avoid Crushing the Dough
Cut the log using a very sharp knife or a serrated knife. Slice in one smooth motion to preserve the shape of the spiral.
Cut each roll into 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) pieces. Consistent thickness leads to even baking.
Bonus trick: Many bakers use unflavored dental floss. Slide it under the dough, cross the ends on top, and pull - it makes perfectly round, clean cuts.
6. Leave Space Between the Rolls on the Baking Sheet
Place the rolls on a sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a few centimeters of space between them. They’ll expand in the oven, creating that classic fluffy, bakery-style look.
How long to bake Cinnamon Rolls? Time & temperature
Many people wonder how long to bake cinnamon rolls - here’s the exact answer:
- 180°C / 350°F, conventional oven (top & bottom heat)
- about 20 minutes
After this time, your healthy cinnamon rolls should be lightly golden and wonderfully fluffy.
Baking Tip: Avoid overbaking them - it’s the most common mistake and can make the rolls dry.
The best toppings and frostings for healthy Cinnamon Rolls
Healthy cinnamon rolls taste amazing on their own, but the right toppings can take them to the next level. Try one of these simple additions:
- Creamy yogurt-based frosting - mix plain cream cheese–style spread with a bit of sweetener and vanilla. It’s a light, fluffy twist on classic frosting for cinnamon rolls.
- Greek yogurt or skyr glaze - soft, airy, and perfectly balanced.
- 100% peanut butter - adds crunch, richness, and extra protein.
- Fresh fruit like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries - brings natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Protein powder + yogurt - a sweet, protein-packed option.
If you prefer a traditional finish, you can also add a classic cream cheese frosting for cinnamon rolls - it gives them that beloved bakery-style flavor without overwhelming the lighter dough.
With these toppings, your cinnamon rolls will be not only delicious, but also visually appealing and wonderfully aromatic.
How many calories are in these healthy Cinnamon Rolls?
The entire batch of these healthy cinnamon rolls contains approximately 2,641 calories.
Calories per roll:
- 8 rolls – about 330 kcal each
- 10 rolls – about 264 kcal each
- 12 rolls – about 220 kcal each
Clear, simple, and practical - perfect for planning your meals.
How to store Cinnamon Rolls to keep them fresh
To keep your cinnamon rolls soft for as long as possible:
- store them in an airtight container,
- keep them at room temperature,
- enjoy within 2–3 days,
- you can freeze them - once thawed, they taste just as fresh.
Easy homemade Cinnamon Rolls - Key tips
Healthy cinnamon rolls are a delicious, light, and aromatic alternative to traditional pastries. They’re soft, fluffy, and easy to make at home using this healthy cinnamon rolls recipe. Just remember a few essential tips: dust your work surface with flour, spread the filling evenly, roll the dough tightly, and keep an eye on the baking time - that’s the secret to perfect results.
Follow these steps and your recipe for cinnamon rolls will turn out beautifully every time, giving you soft, fragrant rolls that look as good as they taste.
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