Looking to create a healthy cinnamon roll recipe? Choosing the right ingredients is key to a delicious and nutritious outcome. Opt for whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and organic cinnamon to enhance the flavor and health benefits of your homemade treats.
Here’s a healthy cinnamon roll recipe that’s not only delicious but also lighter than traditional cinnamon rolls, using wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and a little bit of healthy fat. We’ll go over the ingredients, step-by-step directions, and tips for making these cinnamon rolls flavorful without excess sugar and fat. By the end, you’ll have a sweet treat to enjoy without the guilt!
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## Healthy Cinnamon Roll Recipe
### Ingredients
#### For the Dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a softer roll)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (any type you prefer – almond, oat, or dairy milk)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg (for extra moisture and binding)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
#### For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar (for a richer flavor)
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons softened coconut oil (or unsalted butter, if preferred)
- Optional: ¼ cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
#### For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for a light, sweet glaze) OR
- For a healthier glaze: 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt mixed with 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Yeast Mixture:**
- Warm the milk until it’s lukewarm (about 105–110°F or just warm to the touch) and pour it into a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of honey over the milk, gently stirring to combine. Let this mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t froth, the yeast may be expired, and you’ll need fresh yeast.
2. **Make the Dough:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Add the egg, coconut oil, and the remaining honey to the flour mixture.
- Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the bowl and mix well until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead for about 5 minutes on medium speed.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
3. **Prepare the Filling:**
- In a small bowl, mix the coconut sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
- Set aside the softened coconut oil or butter; you’ll use this to spread on the dough.
4. **Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:**
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 12 x 15 inches.
- Spread the softened coconut oil or butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the surface. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts over the sugar mixture.
- Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 10–12 equal pieces.
5. **Arrange and Let Rise Again:**
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes until they’ve puffed up.
6. **Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue cooking slightly in the pan once removed.
7. **Prepare the Glaze:**
- If using powdered sugar, mix with a teaspoon of milk to reach your desired glaze consistency. Drizzle over warm rolls.
- For a healthier option, whisk the Greek yogurt with maple syrup or honey until smooth, and drizzle over the rolls just before serving.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before glazing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture!
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### Health Benefits of Ingredients
- **Whole Wheat Flour:** Whole grains provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined flour, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and keep you full longer.
- **Coconut Oil:** A healthier fat option, coconut oil adds moisture to the dough while providing some beneficial medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may aid in boosting metabolism.
- **Coconut Sugar:** This natural sweetener has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, meaning it won’t spike blood sugar levels as much.
- **Greek Yogurt Glaze Option:** Greek yogurt adds a protein boost and a bit of tanginess to balance the sweetness, making it a nutritious alternative to traditional sugary glaze.
### Tips for Making Healthier Cinnamon Rolls
1. **Use Whole Wheat Pastry Flour**: If you prefer softer rolls, you can use whole wheat pastry flour instead of regular whole wheat flour for a more tender texture.
2. **Add Fruit for Natural Sweetness**: If you’d like to add more natural sweetness, try adding raisins or finely diced apples to the filling.
3. **Experiment with Spices**: Cinnamon is a classic, but adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add warmth and complexity to the flavor.