These fluffy whole wheat cinnamon rolls are really amazing. They have the added health benefits of adding whole wheat to your diet such as fiber, vitamins and protein.

Wheat really is a super food and studies have shown eating whole grains does amazing things for your health. I am a walking example of it. I’ve lost over 111 pounds by eating more whole foods. I’m still able to enjoy sweets as long as I’m smart about it and pick healthier ingredients.

Fluffy whole wheat cinnamon rolls are some of my favorite things to bake as you get a lot of healthy fats, carbs and protein all in one. If you are going to eat sweets, why not make them good for you? And if you don’t like whole wheat, that’s okay, try out our classic cinnamon rolls instead!

This video will go into more detail on showing how to shape and prepare cinnamon roll dough. You’ll also be making the best cinnamon rolls within no time!

100% Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls

A hearty and healthier version of the classic cinnamon roll. This uses whole wheat flour for those trying to get more fiber, protein and vitamins in their diet without sacrificing taste.

Print Recipe

Prep Time20 minutes minutes

Cook Time25 minutes minutes

Rest Time2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Total Time3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings12 rolls

Calories 223.6

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups (300g) whole wheat flour
• ½ cup (240mL) milk
• ¼ cup (56g) butter
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar
• 1 large (50g) egg
• 1 tsp (3.5g) yeast
• ½ tsp (2.5g) salt

For the Filling

• ¼ cup (56g) brown sugar
• 2 tbs (28g) softened butter
• 2 tsp (4g) cinnamon
• 1 tsp (3g) flour

For the Topping

• ½ cup (62.5) powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbs (15-30mL) milk
• ¼ tsp (1.25mL) vanilla

Instructions

For the Dough

• Heat the milk and butter until butter just melts, about 100F (38C.) Add yeast. Let sit 5 – 10 minutes or until bubbles begin to form.
• Add the flour, egg, butter, sugar, salt and milk mixture into a large bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and easily stretches without tearing.
• Cover and let rest for 2 – 3 hours or until double in size.

For the Filling

• Generously butter or coat with nonstick baking spray one 9×13 (23×33 cm) baking dish.
• In a small bowl, stir together sugar, flour and cinnamon. Set aside.
• Flatten dough and roll into a 9×12" (23×30 cm) rectangle.
• Spread softened butter on dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the dough evenly.
• Starting from one of the longest ends, roll tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices using a serrated knife or dental floss. Place 12 slices into the pan, about 1" apart (2.5 cm.) Cover and allow to rest 60-90 minutes or until the rolls are about double in size.
• Preheat oven to 350F (180C) when rolls are nearly double in size.
• Bake 20 – 30 minutes or until rolls are golden brown and center reaches 190F (88C.)

For the Glaze

• In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla and milk, one teaspoon at a time until mixture is at desired consistency.

Notes

When it comes to wheat bread, you have to have patience.  It is slower to rise but if you wait, you will be rewarded with fluffy cinnamon rolls.

I like to substitute the butter in the dough for 1/3cup (78mL) olive oil for additional health benefits.

An important note on dry yeast: Instant dry and active dry yeasts are not the same.  If using active dry yeast, you must activate the yeast according to the manufacturer’s instructions in order for the dough to rise properly.  You typically need to activate or “bloom” the yeast by adding it to warmed liquid for several minutes. 

Instant dry yeast can be added to the dry ingredients and typically does not need to be activated prior to use.  However, some brands of dry yeasts still require adding warm liquids, so be sure to read the label. Rapid, quick and fast acting dry yeasts will rise much faster than instant and active dry yeasts.  For best results, always read and follow the instructions provided on the packet as the rising time varies widely between manufacturers. 

Nutrition Facts

100% Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Size

 

1 roll

Amount per Serving

Calories

223.6

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

6.3

g

10

%

Saturated Fat

 

3.6

g

23

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

0.1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

0.2

g

Sodium

 

107.5

mg

5

%

Carbohydrates

 

36.5

g

12

%

Fiber

 

4.7

g

20

%

Protein

 

5.5

g

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

* Calories provided as a courtesy and not guaranteed.