Healthy cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to enjoy something sweet without the guilt. They’re soft, fragrant and delicate, yet much lighter than traditional bakery buns. In this article, you’ll find a full healthy cinnamon rolls recipe: we’ll walk you through how to make cinnamon rolls, what the cinnamon rolls filling should look like, how to roll them properly, and how long to bake cinnamon rolls to make them perfectly fluffy every time.
If you’re looking for a recipe that never fails, this one is a spot-on choice.
Healthy Cinnamon Rolls - the ingredients
To make healthy cinnamon rolls, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that are easy to find in any supermarket. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 300 g plain flour
- 100 g spelt flour
- 1 egg
- 250 ml warm milk (plant-based milk works as well)
- 8 g instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 80 g coconut oil (keep about 1 tablespoon aside for the filling)
- cinnamon
- erythritol (about 80 g, depending on how sweet you like your rolls)
This simple set of ingredients is all you need to make light, fragrant and beautifully soft cinnamon rolls.
Easy cinnamon rolls recipe step by step
Below you’ll find a detailed healthy cinnamon rolls recipe that explains how to make cinnamon rolls so they turn out soft, fluffy and perfectly shaped - just like the ones from your favourite bakery.
How to make cinnamon rolls? Preparing the dough
- Pour the warm milk into a bowl, add the instant yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir well and leave for about 20 minutes until the yeast becomes active.
- In a large bowl, combine the plain flour and spelt flour.
- Add the egg, the activated yeast mixture, half of the sweetener, the melted coconut oil (remember to keep 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 short while.
Tips for making cinnamon rolls - how to get perfect dough
- Use warm milk, not hot - high temperatures can kill the yeast.
- If the dough sticks too much to your hands, lightly dust it with flour, but avoid adding too much so the dough doesn’t become dry.
- You can knead the dough with wet hands - it’s a trick many bakers swear by.
Cinnamon rolls filling - how to make it?
The filling is incredibly important - it’s what gives cinnamon rolls their signature flavour and aroma.
To prepare it, simply mix:
- the remaining sweetener,
- 1–2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil,
- cinnamon.
You’ll get a fragrant, sweet mixture that spreads perfectly over the rolled-out dough.
Tips:
- If you prefer a more buttery flavour, add a little vanilla paste.
- If you like your cinnamon rolls extra moist, increase the amount of coconut oil at this stage.
Healthy cinnamon rolls - how to roll them properly
If you’re wondering how to roll cinnamon rolls so they come out even, compact and don’t fall apart while baking, the tips below are essential. Proper shaping helps healthy cinnamon rolls rise evenly, form a beautiful spiral and stay wonderfully fluffy.
1. Prepare your work surface
Before rolling out the dough, dust the surface lightly with flour so it doesn’t stick to the counter or the rolling pin. This makes it easier to achieve an even shape without tearing the dough.
2. Roll the dough into an even rectangle
Aim for a neat rectangular shape with straight edges.
The more regular the rectangle, the prettier the spirals will be once rolled.
Baker’s tip: If the edges are uneven, trim them gently with a knife - your roll will look tidy and each cinnamon roll will be the same size.
3. Spread the filling right to the edges
Spread the cinnamon, sweetener and coconut oil filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Use a spoon or silicone spatula to coat the entire surface with a thin, even layer.
This is important because it:
- prevents empty pockets inside the roll,
- makes every cinnamon roll equally aromatic.
4. How to roll cinnamon rolls? Roll tightly but gently
Start rolling from the long edge of the rectangle. Roll slowly and evenly, keeping a gentle tension on the dough so it stays firm but not squashed.
Top rolling tips:
- while rolling, lightly pull the dough towards you - this keeps the spiral tight and neat,
- control the thickness of the roll to avoid narrow ends,
- dust your hands with a little flour if needed for better grip.
5. Use a sharp knife so the dough doesn’t get squashed
Use a very sharp knife or a serrated knife to cut the roll. Cut in a confident motion to keep the spirals round and well-shaped.
Cinnamon rolls should be sliced into 2–3 cm pieces.
Equal thickness = even baking.
Bonus trick: Some people use… dental floss (unflavoured!). Slide it under the roll, cross the ends above it and pull tight - you’ll get perfectly round slices.
6. Leave space on the baking tray
Place the cinnamon rolls on baking paper, leaving a few centimetres of space between each one. They will rise in the oven and need room to expand into that beautiful fluffy shape.
Homemade cinnamon rolls - baking time and temperature
Many people wonder how long to bake cinnamon rolls - here’s the exact answer:
- 180°C, conventional oven (top and bottom heat)
- about 20 minutes
After this time, your healthy cinnamon rolls should be lightly golden and wonderfully fluffy.
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 are delicious on their own, but the right toppings can make them even better. Try some of these ideas:
- Cream cheese frosting – mix cream cheese with a little sweetener and vanilla. It’s creamy, light and aromatic, and pairs perfectly with healthy cinnamon rolls.
- Yoghurt or skyr glaze – a delicate, fluffy topping.
- 100% peanut butter – adds a slightly crunchy, protein-rich finish.
- Fresh fruit, such as raspberries, blueberries or strawberries – for natural sweetness and colour.
- Protein powder mixed with yoghurt – sweetness and protein in one simple topping.
With these additions, your healthy cinnamon rolls will be not only delicious, but also visually appealing and wonderfully aromatic.
Tasty cinnamon rolls - how many calories are in our recipe?
The whole batch of healthy cinnamon rolls contains around 2641 kcal.
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 meal planning.
How to store cinnamon rolls to keep them fresh?
To keep your healthy cinnamon rolls soft for as long as possible:
- store them in an airtight container,
- keep them at room temperature,
- eat within 2–3 days,
- you can also freeze them - once defrosted, they taste just as fresh.
Healthy cinnamon rolls - essential tips
Healthy cinnamon rolls are a delicious, light and aromatic alternative to traditional bakery buns. They’re soft, fluffy and easy to make at home with our healthy cinnamon rolls recipe. Just remember a few key tricks: dust your work surface with flour, spread the filling evenly, roll the dough tightly and keep an eye on the baking time - this will ensure your rolls turn out perfectly.
For an extra touch, you can finish them with cream cheese frosting for cinnamon rolls, which adds a creamy, sweet layer that pairs beautifully with the light dough.
Follow these tips and your cinnamon rolls will come out beautifully every time: soft, fragrant and impossible to resist.
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