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- 1 cup whole wheat flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar) - 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil Whole wheat flour is the main base for these rolls. It adds fiber and nutrients. Greek yogurt and applesauce give moisture and a soft texture. They also keep the rolls light and fluffy. Natural sweeteners like maple syrup and brown sugar add just the right amount of sweetness. - 1/4 cup chopped nuts - 1/4 cup raisins - Additional spices like nutmeg or ginger You can mix in chopped nuts for crunch. Raisins add sweetness and chewiness. Don't shy away from adding spices like nutmeg for extra flavor. These add-ins make your cinnamon rolls even more fun and tasty! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by sifting together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This helps mix them well and makes the dough light. Use a whisk to combine the dry ingredients evenly. This step is key for a fluffy roll. In a separate bowl, blend the Greek yogurt, applesauce, and maple syrup. Mix until you have a smooth and creamy texture. This mix adds moisture and sweetness to the rolls. You want it to be well combined for the best flavor. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a dough forms. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently for about one minute. You want it smooth and easy to work with. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Use a rolling pin to get an even shape. In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar. Brush melted coconut oil over the dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix all over the surface. This gives the rolls their classic flavor. Start at one end of the rectangle and carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam closed to keep it secure. Use a sharp knife to slice the dough into 1-inch pieces. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate, leaving some space between them. Microwave the rolls on high for about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Check them to see if they are fluffy and cooked through. Timing may vary, so keep an eye on them. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before digging in. Enjoy your quick and healthy treat! How do you manage dough stickiness? If your dough feels sticky, don't worry. Just add a little more whole wheat flour, one tablespoon at a time. Mix well until the dough is smooth and manageable. Keep kneading gently until it feels right. This will help you shape the rolls easily. What are some ideas for flavorful fillings? Cinnamon rolls can be more than just cinnamon and sugar. Try adding chopped nuts or raisins for extra crunch and taste. You can also mix in a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm spice kick. Get creative with flavors to make your rolls unique. How can you create a simple glaze? To make a quick glaze, mix Greek yogurt with a splash of maple syrup. Drizzle this over the warm cinnamon rolls for a sweet finish. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a nice touch. What are the best serving suggestions? Serve these rolls warm for the best taste. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. They make a delightful snack or breakfast treat. Enjoy your healthy cinnamon rolls and share them with friends! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spices and high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of your cinnamon rolls. Control the Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually until it becomes manageable, ensuring a perfect roll. Microwave Cooking Times: Microwave ovens can vary in power; check the rolls at 1 minute to avoid overcooking. Add a Flavor Twist: Experiment with different fillings like chocolate chips or dried fruits for a unique take on traditional cinnamon rolls. {{image_4}} You can easily make these cinnamon rolls vegan. Start by substituting Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. Almond or coconut yogurt works great. For the melted coconut oil, you can use any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil. Maple syrup already suits vegan diets, but feel free to swap in agave syrup if you prefer. This way, you keep all the flavor without any dairy. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour blends. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results. Popular choices are almond flour or oat flour. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly since these flours absorb moisture differently. Mix in a bit of extra yogurt or applesauce to keep the dough soft and tasty. Make your cinnamon rolls festive by adding seasonal flavors. In the fall, mix in pumpkin spice with your cinnamon for a warm twist. You can also fold in grated apple or chopped pecans for a delightful crunch. These additions will enhance the rolls and bring a seasonal flair to your treat. Enjoy experimenting with flavors all year round! To keep your healthy cinnamon rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. This will keep them soft and moist. Store them in the fridge if you plan to eat them within a few days. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to save some rolls for later, freezing is a great choice. First, let the rolls cool completely. Then, wrap each roll in plastic wrap. You can also use foil for extra protection. Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag. They will be good for about two months. To reheat, just microwave them for about 30 seconds to a minute. You can also let them thaw in the fridge overnight before warming. These cinnamon rolls are best when fresh. If stored correctly, they can last up to 5 days in the fridge. If frozen, they can hold their quality for about two months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating, like unusual smells or textures. Enjoy your rolls while they are fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can. If you lack Greek yogurt, use plain yogurt or sour cream. Both create a similar texture. You can even try silken tofu for a dairy-free option. Just blend the tofu until smooth. This keeps your rolls moist and tasty. To boost sweetness, add more maple syrup or brown sugar. You can mix in a little vanilla extract for extra flavor. If you enjoy dried fruits, consider raisins or chopped dates. They add natural sweetness and a chewy texture. Always taste the filling before rolling it up. The microwave works best for reheating. Use a microwave-safe plate and cover the rolls with a damp paper towel. Heat them for 10 to 15 seconds. This keeps them soft and warm. For a crispier option, pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Enjoy them fresh! You learned how to make healthy cinnamon rolls step by step. We explored key ingredients like whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and natural sweeteners. You discovered options for add-ins and flavors, plus tips for perfecting your dough. These rolls are not only tasty but also easy to adjust for your needs. Whether you want vegan, gluten-free, or seasonal flavors, there’s a way to make them yours. Enjoy your baking journey and savor those warm, delicious treats!

Quick & Healthy Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious and nutritious cinnamon rolls made with whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing the dry ingredients: in a large mixing bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until they are evenly combined.
  • In a separate bowl, blend the Greek yogurt, applesauce, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, incrementally add a little more flour until it reaches a workable texture.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 1 minute, just long enough to achieve a smooth consistency.
  • Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
  • In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar. Brush the melted coconut oil generously over the surface of the rolled-out dough, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins at this stage for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Starting from one short end of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring to pinch the seam closed to secure it.
  • With a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pieces. Place these cinnamon roll slices in a microwave-safe plate or bowl, spacing them slightly apart.
  • Microwave the rolls on high for about 1 to 1.5 minutes, checking for doneness. They should be fluffy and cooked through by the end of this time.
  • Once cooked, let the rolls cool slightly for a few minutes before enjoying.

Notes

For a delightful finishing touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from combining yogurt with a dash of maple syrup over the warm cinnamon rolls. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for added visual appeal. Serve warm for the best experience!
Keyword cinnamon rolls, healthy dessert, quick recipe