Save
This irresistibly crispy keto cinnamon cream cheese roll-up recipe satisfies sweet cravings without the carb overload. The perfect balance of warm cinnamon and tangy cream cheese creates a dessert that feels indulgent while staying keto-friendly.
I first created these roll-ups during the holidays when I was desperately missing traditional cinnamon rolls. My family now requests them for Sunday brunch regardless of the season.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz softened – The foundation of our creamy filling that provides richness without added sugars
- Erythritol: ¼ cup – A natural zero-calorie sweetener that mimics sugar without the glycemic impact
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoon – Provides the classic warm flavor and offers anti-inflammatory benefits
For the Dough
- Almond Flour: 2 cups – Creates a tender dough with minimal carbs compared to wheat flour
- Coconut Flour: ¼ cup – Adds structure and helps absorb moisture for the perfect texture
- Egg: 1 large – Essential for binding the dough together without traditional gluten
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the sweetness perception without adding actual sugar
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon – Creates slight lift in our dough for a less dense final product
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare The Dry Ingredients:
- Thoroughly whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, erythritol, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to break up any clumps of almond flour for a smooth dough.
- Create The Wet Mixture:
- Beat the softened cream cheese with the egg and vanilla extract until completely smooth and uniform. The mixture should be creamy with no lumps for best incorporation into the dry ingredients.
- Form The Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly. As the dough comes together, it will be slightly sticky but manageable. Allow the dough to rest for 10-15 minutes which helps the coconut flour fully absorb moisture.
- Roll The Dough:
- Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Gently roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness in a rectangular shape. Take your time with this step to ensure even thickness throughout.
- Add The Cinnamon Filling:
- Mix ground cinnamon with erythritol in a small bowl until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the rolled dough, leaving a small border at one end.
- Form The Roll:
- Starting from the long edge without the border, carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder. Use the parchment paper to help guide the rolling process if needed. Press gently to seal the edge.
- Slice The Roll:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 1-inch pieces. If the dough seems too soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Cook The Roll-Ups:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place each roll-up cut side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and repeat on the other side. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Save
Cinnamon is the secret star of this recipe. I discovered that freshly ground cinnamon makes an enormous difference in flavor compared to pre-ground. My grandmother taught me this trick years ago when making her famous cinnamon cookies, and it transforms these roll-ups from good to exceptional.
Storage Solutions
These keto cinnamon roll-ups maintain their texture best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The crispy exterior will soften slightly, but you can restore the crispiness by reheating them in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes per side. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to a month. Simply slice and cook directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
Ingredient Substitutions
If almond flour is not an option, sunflower seed flour works as a 1:1 replacement for those with nut allergies. For the sweetener, any granulated keto friendly sweetener will work, but liquid sweeteners may alter the dough texture. If you prefer a more pronounced flavor, adding a teaspoon of maple extract creates a wonderful maple cinnamon variation without additional carbs.
Serving Suggestions
These roll-ups shine as a breakfast treat alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a complete keto meal. For dessert, try serving warm roll-ups with a scoop of keto vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped heavy cream sprinkled with extra cinnamon. They also make an excellent accompaniment to a cup of bulletproof coffee or chai tea for an afternoon treat that will keep you satisfied without disrupting ketosis.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use alternative sweeteners for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the erythritol with other keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit in the same quantities. You may need to adjust slightly based on your preference for sweetness.
- → How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them briefly in a skillet or microwave before serving to restore their crispy texture.
- → Can I freeze these keto cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls after cooking. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 1 month and reheat from frozen in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
- → What can I serve with these cinnamon rolls?
These rolls pair wonderfully with sugar-free whipped cream, a drizzle of sugar-free vanilla or cream cheese glaze, or alongside keto-friendly coffee or tea for breakfast or dessert.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before rolling it out.
- → Why is my dough crumbly?
Keto doughs using almond and coconut flours can sometimes be crumbly. Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened, and if needed, add 1-2 teaspoons of water or unsweetened almond milk to achieve the right consistency.