These Healthy Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious, lighter version of the classic treat, packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body. We’ve swapped traditional refined flour and sugar for healthier alternatives, without compromising on taste. Enjoy this guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!
Ingredients:
- Whole Wheat Flour (2 cups): Whole wheat flour is rich in fiber, which supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps you feeling fuller longer. It also contains more vitamins and minerals than refined white flour.
- Almond Milk (3/4 cup): Almond milk is a dairy-free, low-calorie alternative to regular milk. It’s rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which supports skin health and provides antioxidants.
- Active Dry Yeast (1 packet): Yeast is essential for the dough’s rise, giving the rolls a soft and fluffy texture. It’s also a good source of B vitamins, which are important for energy production and metabolism.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Honey is a natural sweetener that provides antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. It also helps with digestion and provides a quick source of energy.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can help reduce inflammation. It also contributes to a tender dough texture.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet flavor and has powerful antioxidant properties. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Ground Ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. It can help reduce bloating and support gut health.
- Sea Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Sea salt contains essential minerals like magnesium, which supports heart and bone health. It also enhances the flavor of the cinnamon rolls without the need for excessive sugar.
- Unsweetened Applesauce (1/4 cup): Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture to the rolls, reducing the need for added sugar and fat. It’s also rich in fiber and vitamin C.
- Egg (1): Eggs provide protein and healthy fats, and they help bind the ingredients together to form a cohesive dough.
- Maple Syrup (for icing, optional): Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that provides a rich flavor and contains beneficial minerals like manganese and zinc.
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, warm the almond milk until it’s just warm to the touch (not hot). Add the honey and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, olive oil, egg, cinnamon, ginger, and sea salt. Add the yeast mixture and unsweetened applesauce. Stir to combine, then knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, honey, and a little olive oil (or butter if you prefer) to create a paste.
- Assemble the rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then carefully roll it up tightly from one end. Cut into 12 even rolls.
- Bake: Place the rolls in a greased baking pan and cover with a towel. Let them rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze: If desired, mix a little maple syrup with almond milk or a touch of powdered sugar to create a simple glaze to drizzle over the rolls.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the rolls cool slightly, then drizzle with the maple glaze, and enjoy a healthier take on a classic favorite!
Why These Ingredients Are Healthy:
By choosing wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, honey, almond milk, and olive oil, these cinnamon rolls provide a much healthier alternative to the traditional version. Whole wheat flour offers fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, while almond milk and olive oil provide healthy fats that support heart health. Natural sweeteners like honey and applesauce help reduce refined sugar intake, and the use of cinnamon not only enhances flavor but also offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
Enjoy these guilt-free cinnamon rolls as a nourishing treat that you can feel good about!
Key Benefits of the Ingredients:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Rich in fiber, helps with digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and supports heart health.
- Almond Milk: Dairy-free, low-calorie, rich in healthy fats and vitamin E for skin health.
- Yeast: Source of B vitamins, supports metabolism and energy production.
- Honey: Natural sweetener with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, aids in digestion.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cinnamon: Powerful antioxidant, helps regulate blood sugar, reduces inflammation.
- Ginger: Supports digestive health, reduces bloating, anti-inflammatory properties.
- Sea Salt: Contains essential minerals like magnesium, supports heart and bone health.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, rich in fiber and vitamin C.
- Egg: Provides protein and healthy fats, helps bind ingredients and supports muscle health.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener, provides manganese and zinc for immune support.
