There is a special kind of magic in the aroma of warm cinnamon rolls baking on a weekend morning. The sweet, spicy scent and the promise of a gooey, decadent treat is a comfort like no other.
But often, that indulgence comes with a feeling of heaviness. What if you could have that crave-worthy, weekend-morning experience without derailing your healthy intentions?
Of course. Here is the summary table of the 30 healthier cinnamon roll recipes, with the category column left empty and an estimated cost column added.
This guide is your answer. It is packed with 30 incredible, healthier cinnamon roll ideas that are so delicious, you will forget they are good for you. From whole grains and natural sweeteners to hidden veggies and protein-packed doughs, get ready to find your new favorite guilt-free obsession.
Whole Grain Goodness
These recipes swap out refined white flour for nutrient-dense whole grains. They provide more fiber, a nuttier flavor, and a more satisfying, less-spiky energy boost.
1. Classic 100% Whole Wheat Rolls
The perfect starting point. These rolls have a hearty texture and a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet cinnamon swirl.
Recipe Method
- Use a high-quality, fine-ground 100% whole wheat flour for the softest result.
- Activate your yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of maple syrup.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. It may be a bit stickier than white flour dough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Roll the dough out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- For the filling, use coconut sugar and cinnamon mixed with a little softened butter.
- Roll the dough up tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal rolls.
- Place the rolls in a baking dish and let them rise for a second time for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.
- Top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk.
2. Spelt & Cardamom Buns
Spelt is an ancient grain with a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. Paired with the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom, these rolls feel incredibly special.
Recipe Method
- Use spelt flour in place of all-purpose flour for the dough.
- Add a half teaspoon of ground cardamom directly into the dry ingredients for the dough.
- Prepare the dough and let it go through its first rise.
- For the filling, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and another half teaspoon of cardamom.
- Roll the dough out, spread the filling evenly, and roll it into a tight log.
- Slice the log into individual buns and place them in a prepared baking dish.
- Let the buns rise for a second time until they are puffy.
- Bake until they are golden and your kitchen smells amazing.
- Instead of a traditional glaze, you can brush the warm buns with a little maple syrup.
- A sprinkle of pearl sugar on top before baking adds a nice, crunchy texture.
3. Oat Flour & Cinnamon Rolls
Using oat flour gives these rolls a wonderfully soft, tender texture and a subtle, comforting flavor. They are a great, fiber-rich option.
Recipe Method
- You can make your own oat flour by simply blending rolled oats in a high-speed blender until they are a fine powder.
- Prepare your yeast dough using the oat flour. It will be very soft.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Roll the dough out carefully between two pieces of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Create a simple filling of softened butter, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar.
- Roll the dough up into a log and slice into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a round cake pan for a pull-apart style.
- Let them have a short second rise while your oven preheats.
- Bake until they are lightly golden brown.
- Top with a delicious cream cheese frosting made with Greek yogurt for extra tang.
4. Multi-Grain Morning Rolls
Why use just one whole grain when you can use a few? These rolls have a complex, nutty flavor and a wonderfully hearty texture.
Recipe Method
- Create a flour blend using whole wheat flour, spelt flour, and a little bit of rye flour.
- Incorporate a half cup of rolled oats directly into the dough for extra texture.
- Prepare the yeast dough and let it rise until doubled.
- For the filling, use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little allspice for a warm flavor.
- Roll out the dough, add the filling, and form your rolls.
- Place the rolls in your baking dish for their second rise.
- Before baking, you can brush the tops with a little milk and sprinkle with more rolled oats.
- Bake until they are deeply golden and cooked through.
- These rolls are fantastic with a simple vanilla glaze.
- They are a wonderfully satisfying and filling way to start the day.
5. Barley Flour & Honey Rolls
Barley flour has a mild, slightly earthy flavor and creates a very soft, tender crumb. Using honey as the sweetener complements it perfectly.
Recipe Method
- Use a mix of half barley flour and half bread flour for the best structure.
- Use warm water and honey to activate your yeast.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and supple. Let it rise.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle.
- For the filling, use softened butter, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey instead of sugar.
- Roll up the dough and slice it into buns.
- Arrange the buns in a baking dish and let them rise again.
- Bake until they are beautifully golden.
- While the rolls are still warm, brush them with a little extra melted butter and honey.
- These rolls have a wonderful, subtle sweetness and a very soft texture.
Naturally Sweetened Sensations
These recipes ditch the refined white and brown sugar in favor of natural sweeteners. This helps to reduce the overall sugar content and provides a more complex, interesting sweetness.
6. Date-Sweetened Cinnamon Rolls
Dates are a fantastic natural sweetener. They blend into a rich, caramel-like paste that makes an incredible, gooey filling.
Recipe Method
- To make the date filling, blend one cup of pitted Medjool dates with a few tablespoons of warm water and a teaspoon of cinnamon until a smooth, thick paste forms.
- Prepare your favorite whole wheat or spelt dough and let it rise.
- Roll the dough out into a large rectangle.
- Instead of butter and sugar, spread the sweet date paste all over the surface of the dough.
- You can sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the date paste for crunch.
- Roll the dough up tightly and slice it into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a baking dish and let them rise for a second time.
- Bake until the dough is golden and the date filling is bubbly.
- These rolls are so sweet and gooey from the dates that they do not even need a frosting.
- A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar is all they need.
7. Maple Pecan Morning Buns
Pure maple syrup provides a wonderful, rich, and complex sweetness that is perfect for cinnamon rolls, especially when paired with toasted pecans.
Recipe Method
- Prepare your cinnamon roll dough as usual.
- For the filling, use softened butter, a generous amount of cinnamon, and finely chopped, toasted pecans.
- Instead of brown sugar, drizzle a good quality, pure maple syrup over the butter and cinnamon mixture.
- Roll the dough up tightly and slice into buns.
- In the bottom of your baking dish, you can pour a thin layer of maple syrup and sprinkle some more pecan halves.
- Place the sliced rolls on top of the pecan-maple mixture. This will create a sticky bun effect.
- Let the rolls rise until they are puffy.
- Bake until golden brown.
- Once baked, immediately invert the pan onto a serving platter so the gooey maple pecan topping drips down.
- These are an incredibly decadent-tasting but healthier treat.
8. Coconut Sugar & Cardamom Swirls
Coconut sugar is a great, unrefined alternative to brown sugar. It has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used as a one-to-one replacement.
Recipe Method
- Prepare your favorite cinnamon roll dough.
- For the filling, mix softened butter or coconut oil with a generous amount of coconut sugar.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a half teaspoon of ground cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Spread this filling evenly over your rolled-out dough.
- Roll the dough into a log, slice it, and place the rolls in a baking pan.
- Let the rolls rise for their second proof.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until they are cooked through.
- For a simple, healthy frosting, whisk together some cream cheese with a splash of maple syrup and vanilla.
- Spread the frosting over the warm rolls.
- The coconut sugar gives the filling a deep, caramel flavor.
9. Apple Butter Filled Rolls
Using a no-sugar-added apple butter as the filling is a brilliant way to get a sweet, gooey center with no refined sugar at all.
Recipe Method
- Prepare a batch of your favorite cinnamon roll dough and let it rise.
- Roll the dough out into a large rectangle.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the dough.
- Instead of a sugar-cinnamon mix, spread a generous layer of thick, unsweetened apple butter over the butter.
- Sprinkle the apple butter with cinnamon and a little nutmeg.
- Roll the dough up, slice it into rolls, and place them in a pan.
- Let them rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake until the dough is golden and the apple butter is warm and bubbly.
- These rolls are like a healthier version of an apple fritter.
- A simple vanilla glaze is the perfect topping.
10. Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe uses the natural sweetness of ripe bananas in both the dough and the filling, just like a classic banana bread.
Recipe Method
- In your dough recipe, substitute about a half cup of the liquid with one mashed, very ripe banana.
- Prepare the dough, which will be very soft and fragrant, and let it rise.
- Roll the dough out.
- For the filling, mash another ripe banana and spread it over the dough.
- Sprinkle the mashed banana with a generous amount of cinnamon and some chopped walnuts.
- Roll up the dough, slice it into rolls, and let them rise again.
- Bake until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells like banana bread.
- For the frosting, make a simple cream cheese glaze.
- You can also brown some butter to add a nutty flavor to the frosting.
- These are a perfect mashup of two beloved baked goods.
Protein-Packed Power Rolls
Adding protein to your cinnamon rolls turns them from a simple carb-fest into a more balanced, satisfying meal that will keep you full for longer.
11. Greek Yogurt Dough Rolls
Using Greek yogurt in the dough not only adds a significant amount of protein but also makes the rolls incredibly soft, tender, and slightly tangy.
Recipe Method
- Prepare your dough, replacing about one cup of the liquid (like milk or water) with one cup of plain Greek yogurt.
- The dough will be very soft and easy to work with.
- Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough and fill it with your standard cinnamon and sugar filling.
- Slice the dough into rolls and place them in a baking dish.
- Let the rolls rise for a second time. They will be very puffy.
- Bake until they are beautifully golden brown.
- For the frosting, you can continue the theme by making a glaze with Greek yogurt, a little powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- These rolls have a wonderful, soft texture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- They are a great way to sneak in extra protein at breakfast.
12. Vanilla Protein Powder Swirl
This hack adds protein directly to the filling, giving you a boost of power in every single bite.
Recipe Method
- Prepare your favorite whole wheat cinnamon roll dough and let it rise.
- For the filling, mix your softened butter and cinnamon with one or two scoops of your favorite vanilla-flavored protein powder.
- You may need to add a splash of milk to the filling to make it a spreadable consistency.
- Spread this protein-packed filling over your rolled-out dough.
- Roll, slice, and place your rolls in a pan for their second rise.
- Bake as usual.
- For an extra protein kick, you can also mix a little protein powder into your cream cheese frosting.
- This is a fantastic option for a post-workout treat.
- Make sure you use a protein powder that you like the taste of, as the flavor will come through.
- These rolls will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
13. Cottage Cheese Dough Buns
Blended cottage cheese is a secret weapon for high-protein, incredibly moist baked goods. You will not taste it, but you will get all the benefits.
Recipe Method
- In a blender, blend one cup of full-fat cottage cheese until it is completely smooth and creamy.
- Use this blended cottage cheese in your dough recipe, replacing some of the milk or water.
- Prepare the dough as usual. It will be very soft and hydrated.
- Let the dough rise until it has doubled.
- Roll out the dough and fill it with a simple cinnamon and coconut sugar filling.
- Roll, slice, and arrange the buns in a baking dish.
- Let them rise a second time until they are puffy.
- Bake until golden.
- The cottage cheese makes these rolls incredibly tender and moist.
- This is a great way to add a huge boost of protein to your breakfast.
14. Almond Flour & Egg Rolls (Keto-Friendly)
These rolls are for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. They use almond flour and cheese to create a “fathead” style dough that is high in protein and fat.
Recipe Method
- To make the dough, melt shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese together in the microwave.
- Stir in almond flour and one egg until a dough forms.
- This dough will not use yeast and does not need to rise.
- Roll the dough out between two pieces of parchment paper.
- For the filling, use softened butter, cinnamon, and a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
- Roll the dough up tightly and slice it into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a baking dish.
- Bake immediately at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until golden.
- For the frosting, use softened cream cheese mixed with a powdered keto sweetener and vanilla.
- These rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy a cinnamon roll treat while staying low-carb.
15. Peanut Butter Protein Rolls
These rolls get a double dose of protein from peanut butter powder in the filling and a peanut butter glaze on top.
Recipe Method
- Prepare your favorite protein-packed dough, like a Greek yogurt or cottage cheese dough.
- For the filling, mix softened butter and cinnamon with a half cup of powdered peanut butter.
- Powdered peanut butter has all the protein but a fraction of the fat of regular peanut butter.
- Spread this nutty, high-protein filling over your rolled-out dough.
- Roll, slice, and bake your cinnamon rolls as usual.
- For the glaze, whisk together some more powdered peanut butter with a little maple syrup and enough milk to make a drizzly consistency.
- Drizzle the peanut butter glaze over the warm rolls.
- A sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top adds a nice crunch.
- This is a perfect, satisfying breakfast for any peanut butter lover.
- The protein will keep you feeling full all morning.
Sneaky Veggie Swirls
These recipes are a brilliant way to sneak some extra nutrients and fiber into a delicious treat. The vegetables add incredible moisture, a subtle sweetness, and beautiful color.
16. Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
Mashed sweet potato is a fantastic addition to yeast dough. It makes the rolls incredibly soft, moist, and gives them a beautiful, light orange hue.
Recipe Method
- You will need about one cup of cooked, mashed sweet potato, cooled to room temperature.
- Incorporate the mashed sweet potato into your dough along with the other wet ingredients.
- You may need to add a little extra flour, as the sweet potato adds a lot of moisture.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and let it rise. It will be a very soft dough.
- Roll out the dough and fill it with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Roll, slice, and place the rolls in a pan for their second rise.
- Bake until they are puffy and golden.
- A maple-sweetened cream cheese frosting is the perfect pairing for the sweet potato flavor.
- A sprinkle of toasted pecans on top is delicious.
- The kids will never guess there is a vegetable hidden inside their delicious cinnamon roll.
17. Pumpkin Spice Rolls
Perfect for a crisp autumn morning, but delicious any time of year. Canned pumpkin purée works just like sweet potato to create an incredibly soft and flavorful dough.
Recipe Method
- In your dough recipe, substitute one cup of the liquid with one cup of pure pumpkin purée.
- Add one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice directly into your dry flour mixture.
- Prepare the dough, which will be a beautiful orange color, and let it rise.
- Roll the dough out.
- For the filling, use softened butter, brown sugar, and more pumpkin pie spice.
- Roll the dough up, slice it, and let the rolls rise again in their pan.
- Bake until your entire house smells like a cozy autumn day.
- Top the warm rolls with a classic cream cheese frosting.
- For a crunchy topping, you can sprinkle some candied pecans or pepitas over the frosting.
- These are a perfect, healthier way to satisfy a pumpkin spice craving.
18. Zucchini “Bread” Cinnamon Rolls
Just like in zucchini bread, finely shredded zucchini adds incredible moisture to these rolls without affecting the flavor. It is a great way to use up summer zucchini.
Recipe Method
- You will need about one cup of finely grated zucchini.
- Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much excess water from the zucchini as possible. This is a very important step.
- Prepare your favorite cinnamon roll dough, and gently knead the squeezed, shredded zucchini into the dough at the end of the kneading process.
- Let the dough rise until it has doubled.
- Roll out the dough. You will see beautiful green flecks throughout.
- Fill with a classic cinnamon sugar filling. Chopped walnuts are a great addition here.
- Roll, slice, and bake the rolls as usual.
- Because of the extra moisture from the zucchini, these rolls stay soft and fresh for days.
- Top them with a simple vanilla glaze or a cream cheese frosting.
- This is a fantastic and sneaky way to add a serving of vegetables to your breakfast.
19. Carrot Cake Rolls
All the delicious flavors of a classic carrot cake, but in the fun, swirled format of a cinnamon roll.
Recipe Method
- Prepare your cinnamon roll dough.
- During the final stages of kneading, knead in one cup of finely shredded carrots.
- Let the orange-flecked dough rise.
- Roll the dough out.
- For the filling, use softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a half cup of raisins or chopped walnuts.
- Roll the dough up, slice it into rolls, and place them in a baking pan.
- Let them have their second rise.
- Bake until the dough is cooked through and the carrots are tender.
- A carrot cake roll is not complete without a generous slathering of tangy cream cheese frosting.
- These are a truly special and delicious treat.
20. Beetroot & Berry Swirls
Cooked and puréed beets give these rolls a stunning, vibrant, deep pink color. The earthy flavor of the beets is balanced by a sweet berry filling.
Recipe Method
- You will need about a half cup of cooked, puréed beets, cooled.
- Incorporate the beet purée into your dough along with the wet ingredients. The dough will be a shocking, beautiful pink.
- Let the dough rise.
- Roll the dough out.
- For the filling, instead of cinnamon sugar, use a thick berry jam, like raspberry or strawberry.
- Roll the dough up, slice it, and let the rolls rise.
- The pink swirls will look beautiful when the rolls are baked.
- Bake until the dough is cooked.
- Top with a simple lemon glaze, as the citrus will brighten the flavors of the berries and beets.
- These are a visually stunning and surprisingly delicious twist on the classic.
Vegan & Gluten-Free Delights
These recipes ensure that everyone, regardless of their dietary needs or choices, can enjoy a warm, gooey, and delicious cinnamon roll on a weekend morning.
21. Classic Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls use simple, plant-based swaps to create a vegan version that is just as fluffy and decadent as the original.
Recipe Method
- For the dough, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, and a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil.
- Make sure your sugar is certified vegan, as some white sugar is processed with bone char.
- Prepare the yeast dough and let it rise.
- For the filling, use softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and a generous amount of cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough, spread the filling, and roll it up into a log.
- Slice the log into rolls and place them in a pan for their second rise.
- Bake until golden brown and delicious.
- For the frosting, you can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and a little plant-based milk.
- For a creamier frosting, use a store-bought or homemade vegan cream cheese substitute.
- These rolls are proof that you do not need dairy to make an incredible treat.
22. Gluten-Free Almond Flour Rolls
Using almond flour creates a gluten-free roll that is tender, slightly dense, and has a wonderful, nutty flavor. They are also naturally lower in carbs.
Recipe Method
- This recipe often uses a “fathead” style dough, which does not require yeast.
- Melt together shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese in the microwave.
- Stir in fine-ground almond flour, an egg, and a little baking powder until a dough forms.
- Roll this dough out between two pieces of parchment paper.
- For the filling, use softened butter, cinnamon, and a sugar substitute like erythritol to keep it low-carb.
- Roll the dough up tightly and slice it into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a baking dish. There is no need for a second rise.
- Bake immediately until the “dough” is golden and cooked through.
- Top with a simple cream cheese frosting made with a powdered sugar substitute.
- These are a fantastic option for anyone following a gluten-free or keto diet.
23. Vegan Sweet Potato Rolls
This recipe combines two healthier concepts in one. It uses sweet potato for incredible moisture and plant-based ingredients to make it fully vegan.
Recipe Method
- In your dough, use mashed sweet potato, plant-based milk, and vegan butter.
- Prepare the yeast dough and let it rise. It will be very soft and a beautiful light orange color.
- Roll the dough out carefully.
- For the filling, use melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Roll, slice, and arrange the rolls in a pan for their second proofing.
- Bake until they are puffy and golden.
- For a delicious vegan frosting, blend soaked cashews with a little maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla until completely smooth and creamy.
- This cashew cream is a fantastic and healthy alternative to traditional frosting.
- These rolls are incredibly moist, flavorful, and full of nutrients.
- They are a perfect example of how healthy and delicious can go hand in hand.
24. GF Oat Flour Rolls
Oat flour is a great, whole-grain, gluten-free alternative that creates a wonderfully soft and tender roll.
Recipe Method
- Make sure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats to make your flour if you are Celiac.
- Prepare a gluten-free yeast dough using oat flour, a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and a binder like psyllium husk or xanthan gum.
- Gluten-free doughs are often much stickier and more like a thick batter than a traditional dough.
- Let the dough rise once.
- Spread the dough out into a rectangle on a piece of parchment paper.
- Add your cinnamon sugar filling.
- Carefully roll up the dough using the parchment paper to help you.
- Slice the log into rolls using a sharp, serrated knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss for clean cuts.
- Let the rolls rise a second time.
- Bake and top with your favorite gluten-free frosting.
25. Vegan Cream “Cheese” Frosted Rolls
The focus of this recipe is the incredibly delicious, tangy, and creamy vegan cream cheese frosting that perfectly tops any vegan cinnamon roll.
Recipe Method
- Prepare your favorite vegan cinnamon roll recipe and bake them.
- The secret to great vegan cream cheese frosting is using a good quality, store-bought vegan cream cheese as your base.
- In a bowl, beat the vegan cream cheese with a little bit of softened vegan butter until it is smooth.
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to mimic the tang of traditional cream cheese.
- Add a generous amount of vanilla extract for flavor.
- If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of plant-based milk.
- For the best result, let the baked cinnamon rolls cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before frosting them.
- Spread the tangy, creamy vegan frosting generously over the tops of the warm rolls.
- This frosting is so good, no one will ever guess that it is dairy-free.
Fruity & Fresh Twists
Incorporating fresh fruit into your cinnamon rolls is a fantastic way to add natural sweetness, a burst of bright flavor, and some extra nutrients.
26. Blueberry Lemon Rolls
The classic, sunny combination of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon is a perfect match for a soft, sweet roll.
Recipe Method
- Prepare a simple sweet dough, adding the zest of one lemon directly into the flour mixture.
- Let the dough rise.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle.
- For the filling, spread the dough with softened butter and a sprinkle of sugar.
- Scatter one cup of fresh or frozen blueberries evenly over the surface.
- Roll the dough up carefully and slice it into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a pan and let them rise again.
- Bake until the dough is golden and the blueberries are bursting and juicy.
- To make a simple lemon glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
- Drizzle the zesty lemon glaze over the warm rolls.
27. Raspberry Swirl Rolls
The tartness of fresh raspberries provides a beautiful contrast to the sweet, soft dough, creating a perfectly balanced and delicious roll.
Recipe Method
- Prepare your favorite cinnamon roll dough and let it go through its first rise.
- Roll the dough out.
- For the filling, you can use a simple raspberry jam or create a quick raspberry mash.
- To make a quick mash, simply crush one cup of fresh raspberries with a fork and a tablespoon of sugar.
- Spread the raspberry filling all over the dough.
- Roll the dough up tightly. The filling might be a bit messy, but it is worth it.
- Slice the log into rolls and place them in your baking dish.
- Let them rise until they are puffy.
- Bake until golden and the raspberry filling is bubbly.
- An almond-flavored glaze pairs wonderfully with the raspberry flavor.
28. Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls taste just like a warm, gooey slice of apple pie. They are a perfect, cozy treat.
Recipe Method
- Prepare your cinnamon roll dough.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the apple filling.
- Finely dice one large apple (like a Honeycrisp or Granny Smith).
- In a small pan, cook the diced apple with a tablespoon of butter, a quarter cup of brown sugar, and a teaspoon of cinnamon until the apples are soft. Let the mixture cool.
- Roll out your risen dough.
- Spread the cooled apple cinnamon filling all over the dough.
- Roll the dough up, slice it, and let the rolls rise again.
- Bake until the dough is golden brown.
- A classic vanilla or caramel glaze is the perfect topping for these rolls.
- These are a fantastic treat for a cool summer morning.
29. Orange Cardamom Rolls
The bright, citrusy flavor of orange zest paired with the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom creates a very sophisticated and fragrant roll.
Recipe Method
- When making your dough, add the zest of one large orange to the dry ingredients.
- Use orange juice instead of milk or water in your dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prepare the dough and let it rise.
- Roll the dough out.
- For the filling, mix softened butter with brown sugar, a half teaspoon of cinnamon, and one teaspoon of ground cardamom.
- Spread the fragrant filling over the dough.
- Roll, slice, and let your rolls rise for their second proof.
- Bake until they are golden and your kitchen smells incredible.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of fresh orange juice.
- Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm, fragrant rolls.
30. Strawberry “Shortcake” Rolls
This recipe captures all the fresh flavors of a classic strawberry shortcake in a fun, swirled roll format.
Recipe Method
- Prepare a simple, slightly sweet biscuit-style dough (a no-yeast dough with baking powder).
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle.
- For the filling, macerate some finely diced fresh strawberries by tossing them with a little bit of sugar and letting them sit for 15 minutes.
- Drain off the excess juice and spread the diced strawberries over the dough.
- Roll the dough up and slice it into thick rolls.
- Bake immediately until the biscuit dough is golden and cooked through.
- These rolls are best served warm from the oven.
- Top them with a generous dollop of fresh, homemade whipped cream.
- Garnish with a few fresh strawberry slices.
- This is a perfect, summery dessert-style roll.
Conclusion
And there you have it. 35 fresh and delicious ways to make your weekend cinnamon rolls a little bit healthier, without sacrificing any of the flavor or joy.
This season is all about embracing fresh ingredients and new ideas. These recipes prove that “healthier” baking does not have to be complicated or boring.
From whole grains and natural sweeteners to hidden veggies and fresh fruits, there is a world of delicious possibilities to explore.
Use these recipes as a starting point. They are a canvas for your own culinary creativity.
So go ahead, pick a new recipe to try this weekend, and get ready to fill your home with the warm, comforting, and completely crave-worthy aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
Happy, healthier baking