Delicious, yeast-free cinnamon rolls that are made with whole grain spelt flour. Low in sugar, vegan-friendly, and healthier than the classic!
Oh man, I’m excited today.
Excited to share my latest, awesome, low sugar creation with you, that is. Cinnamon rolls!!!!
I have probably made this recipe a dozen times in the last week, trying to make sure it’s perfect and never tiring of the taste-testing. My husband is gaga over these, and I too am thrilled with the results.
Most cinnamon roll recipes are full of sugar and/or yeast, neither of which I handle well.
As usual, my indomitable craving turned into a full-blown, tunnel-visioned objective, which ultimately led to today’s deliciousness.
There is NO added sweetener in the dough portion of this recipe and only a modest amount of coconut sugar in the filling. This is also a small batch, suitable for about two people. Like I’ve mentioned before, small batch and single serve treats work better for us!
For my husband, I make a little glaze with organic powdered sugar and coconut milk, but the kids and I generally eat these naked.
I have also found, however, that I love them dunked in my Homemade Coconut Milk! (Dunkin’ Cinnamon Rolls, anyone?)
The bread puffs up nicely, and the bake time is particular, so watch it if you make these.
At 12 minutes, the bread is puffed, and the insides are doughy to the point of almost being undercooked, which is not necessarily a bad thing. As they sit for a minute or two, this improves.
At 13 minutes, they are 98% fully cooked, but still doughy. I like mine at about 12.5 minutes. 🙂
However you make them, I hope you enjoy this small batch of healthy cinnamon rolls!
Healthy Yeast-Free Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
FOR THE ROLL:
- 1/2 cup whole spelt flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/16 tsp sea salt
- 2 Tbsp applesauce
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 Tbsp milk of your choice
- 1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar
FOR THE CINNAMON SUGAR FILLING:
- 1 tsp softened butter or coconut oil optional
- 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
FOR THE ROLL:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the applesauce so that the mixture looks 'pebbly'.
- Stir in two tablespoons of milk, vanilla, and vinegar, adding extra milk if needed. The ingredients should all be moistened, but NOT sticky. If it happens to get too sticky, just add a bit more flour.
- Knead the dough a bit until it is smooth.
- Form a ball and cover the dough with a bowl for five minutes.
- In the meantime, stir together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- After the dough has rested, divide it into two.
- Roll out each piece into an oval shape. It should be about 1/8-1/4 inch thick.
- Spread each piece with 1/2 teaspoon of butter or coconut oil (if using).
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture equally onto each piece (you can save a bit for the tops).
- Carefully roll the dough.
- Cut each roll in half.
- Place the rolls into a small oiled baking dish (sprinkle with any remaining cinnamon sugar).
- Bake for 12-13 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Notes:
Inspired by Dessert for Two
If you’re watching your fat intake, I have made these without the butter/coconut oil spread and they still turn out delicious. The spread gives them a little more sumpin’ sumpin’ though!
Ideas for frosting:
-Go the old-fashioned route with a mixture of powdered sugar and milk. See this recipe for better details.
-Grind some coconut sugar to a fine powder and mix with milk for a healthier version of the above.
-Spread some coconut butter on top.
-Dunk your roll in your favorite tea or milk.
Priya says
Hi Lauren,
These look delicious, would a 1/4 cup of oat flour and a 1/4 cup of spelt combined work? Or would you suggest sticking to spelt?
Could I add a little sugar to the dough too?
Thanks,
Priya
Lauren says
Hi Priya,
I think the combo would work, and yes, you can add a bit of sugar to the dough if you like. I hope you like these if you try them, they’re my hubby’s favorite!
Celina says
These were super tasty. I was actually able to use a combination of oat flour and unbleached, unprocessed all-purpose flour for this and it worked out just fine for me. Thank you so much for this healthy version!!
Lauren says
That’s great Celina, I’ll have to try it with oat flour sometime!
Walter D. says
Honestly, these are unbelievable. I am a lover of cinnamon rolls and these blew me away! These are the healthiest cinnamon rolls in existence and they still taste like my mom’s gooey sweet decadent treats! From all the cinnamon roll addicts in the world thank you for this recipe..
Laura says
I love the way your excitement and joy pops off the page. Probably about about fast as these delicious looking cinnamon rolls pop into hungry mouths 🙂
Lauren says
Haha! I am excited about these. I’ve wanted to make a healthy cinnamon roll for so long! 🙂
Patti says
Thank you for all your hard work on creating these AND for Sharon your recipe. They look AMAZING. Yum!! ?
With an intolerance for spelt, is there another flour substitute that you could recommend?
PA
Lauren says
Hi Patti,
Whole wheat works as well. I’m not certain about any gluten-free flours though.
Ellen says
I am definitely making these soon, maybe tomorrow for breakfast 🙂
Lauren says
I hope you like them Ellen!
Heidi Bruner says
These look incredible and I love that it makes a small batch! Can i use GF Flour?
Lauren says
Sorry for the delay Heidi, I’m not sure on the GF flour, as I’ve not tried. I’d love to know if you try it and how it goes though!