I love cinnamon rolls. But they are addictive and can be dangerous for the health conscious. So I often send them to friends and family and don’t eat them. One day, I thought “could I make a lighter cinnamon roll that is under 150 calories and not so full of saturated fats?” So I started tinkering around and was able to create a delicious roll by substituting the butter with oil and using fat-free milk.

Before you start to think to yourself they aren’t going to be the same, you are completely right! The dough is lighter, springy and delicious. Not one person said “these aren’t cinnamon rolls.” Instead, their eyes lit up and many went back for seconds. A few for thirds. And myself? I indulged and ate two. So worth it. After all, they are the lighter cinnamon roll!

Do you need help with the rolling out and shaping of cinnamon roll dough? Check out this video that shows you how to make them with a rolling pin and also your hands.

Light Cinnamon Rolls

These soft and tender cinnamon rolls are just as delicious as the original, but simply lower in calories, sugar and fat. By making just a few minor adjustments, you still get the rich cinnamon filling, a nice glaze on top with pillowy pull apart bread. These are so good, you'll think they are more indulgent.

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 146.1

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups (300g) flour
• ¾ cup (160mL) milk
• 2 tbs (25g) sugar
• 1 tbs (15mL) oil
• 1 tsp (3.5g) yeast
• ½ tsp (2.5g) salt

For the Filling

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

For the Drizzle

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

Instructions

For the Dough

• Heat milk until lukewarm, about 100F (38C.) Add yeast and stir. Let sit 5 – 10 minutes or until bubbles begin to form.
• Combine flour, sugar, oil, salt and milk mixture into a large bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough is formed. Turn out onto work surface and knead 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth to the touch and stretches easily. Cover and let rest for 60 – 90 minutes or until double in size.

For the Filling

• Butter or grease a 9×13 (23x33cm) baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
• In a small bowl, stir together sugar, flour and cinnamon. Set aside.
• Flatten the dough and roll into a 9×12" (23×30 cm) rectangle.
• Spread softened butter on dough. Sprinkle sugar mixture on top in an even layer.Starting from one of the longest 12" (30cm) ends, roll tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices using dental floss or a serrated knife.
• Place 12 slices into one pan, about 1" apart (2.5 cm.) Cover and allow to rest 60 minutes or until double in size.
• While dough is rising, preheat oven to 350F (180C.)
• Bake 20 – 30 minutes or until rolls are golden brown and center reaches 190F (88C.)

For the Glaze

• In a small bowl, add powdered sugar and milk, one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency. Drizzle on top of cinnamon rolls while still warm.

Notes

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

Light Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Size

 

1 roll

Amount per Serving

Calories

146.1

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

3.4

g

5

%

Saturated Fat

 

1.5

g

9

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

0.2

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Sodium

 

107.5

mg

5

%

Carbohydrates

 

26.2

g

9

%

Protein

 

2.8

g

6

%

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

* Calories provided as a courtesy and not guaranteed.