There’s something truly magical about the aroma of cinnamon and butter wafting through your kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. I still remember the first time I created these Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups – that moment when the edges caramelized to golden perfection while the centers remained delightfully tender. These Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups have become my go-to solution for satisfying sweet cravings without derailing my low-carb lifestyle. The perfect balance of warm spices, buttery richness, and that irresistible crispy-meets-soft texture will have you wondering how something this delicious could possibly be keto-friendly. Trust me, once you discover how simple these are to make and how versatile they can be, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups
Have you ever found yourself staring longingly at the cinnamon rolls in a bakery window, knowing they’re completely off-limits on your keto journey? That’s exactly where I was three years ago when I hosted a holiday brunch. My sister follows a strict keto diet, and I wanted to create something special that everyone could enjoy without feeling like they were missing out. These Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups were born from that challenge, and they’ve been perfected through countless Sunday mornings since.
What makes these Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups truly exceptional is their versatility. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast, need an impressive brunch centerpiece, or want a satisfying dessert, these roll ups deliver on all fronts. The recipe is remarkably forgiving – I’ve experimented with different sweeteners, nut flours, and flavor additions, and they always turn out delicious. Plus, they’re ready in a fraction of the time that traditional cinnamon rolls require, with no yeast or rising time needed.
Let me show you how to bring these incredible Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups to life in your own kitchen, with ingredients you likely already have in your low-carb pantry.
Ingredients for Perfect Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups
For the Dough:
- 2½ cups almond flour: The foundation of our dough, providing a neutral flavor and perfect texture. Look for blanched, super-fine almond flour for the best results. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed flour works as a 1:1 replacement.
- 3 tablespoons coconut flour: This helps absorb moisture and creates the perfect consistency. Don’t skip this ingredient – it’s essential for achieving the right texture.
- 3 tablespoons powdered erythritol: I prefer this over granulated sweeteners as it incorporates more smoothly. Allulose or monk fruit sweetener work beautifully as alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum: The secret to holding our dough together without gluten. Don’t be tempted to skip this – it’s what gives our roll ups their perfect texture.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder: For just the right amount of lift without making them too cakey.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter: Use grass-fed for the richest flavor. Coconut oil works as a dairy-free alternative but will slightly alter the flavor.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Acts as a binder for our dough. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best incorporation.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use pure, not imitation, for the most authentic flavor.
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup butter, softened: Creates that luscious, gooey interior. Again, grass-fed provides superior flavor.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar substitute: I prefer Swerve Brown or Lakanto Golden for that authentic brown sugar flavor and moisture.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star flavor! I recommend using Ceylon cinnamon for its more complex, less bitter profile.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the filling.
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional): My grandmother’s secret ingredient that elevates the traditional cinnamon roll flavor.
For the Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich, tangy base. Philadelphia works wonderfully, but any full-fat cream cheese will do.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Helps achieve the perfect pouring consistency.
- 3 tablespoons powdered erythritol: Sweeten to taste – you may want more or less depending on your preference.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, powdered erythritol, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the melted butter (make sure it’s not hot, just warm), egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until it begins to come together. Then use your hands to knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball. The dough should be pliable but not sticky – if it’s too sticky, add a sprinkle more almond flour. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
- Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This is crucial – the dough can be delicate, and the parchment prevents sticking and tearing.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches and about ¼-inch thick. The more even your rectangle, the more uniform your roll ups will be.
- Remove the top sheet of parchment paper carefully. If the dough sticks, refrigerate it for 5-10 minutes to firm up slightly before peeling away the paper.
Step 3: Prepare and Apply the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar substitute, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg (if using) until you have a smooth, spreadable paste.
- Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a ½-inch border along one long edge (this will help seal the roll).
- Work quickly but gently – if the butter is too warm, the filling can become runny. If this happens, refrigerate the spread dough for 5 minutes before proceeding.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
- Starting from the long edge (opposite from the one with the border), carefully lift the parchment paper to help roll the dough away from you into a tight log. Use gentle pressure to keep the roll firm but not so tight that the filling squeezes out.
- Once rolled, pinch the seam and edges to seal. If the dough cracks at all, simply press it back together with your fingers.
- Place the log seam-side down and use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 equal slices. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate the log for 15 minutes first, then use a piece of unflavored dental floss instead of a knife – slide it under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull through for perfect slices.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
- Arrange the slices on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each roll up to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen is filled with that intoxicating cinnamon aroma and the edges have a slight crispness when touched.
- Allow the roll ups to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes – they’ll firm up as they cool, developing that perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
- While the roll ups are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream, powdered erythritol, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt, whisking until you achieve a silky, pourable consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon more heavy cream; if too thin, add more powdered sweetener.
Step 7: Apply the Glaze and Serve
- Once the roll ups have cooled for 5 minutes, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. For a more elegant presentation, transfer the glaze to a small ziplock bag, snip off a tiny corner, and pipe decorative lines across the tops.
- Serve while still warm for the ultimate experience – the contrast between the crispy exterior, tender interior, and melting glaze is absolutely divine.
Delicious Variations on Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups
Maple Pecan Delight
Add ¼ cup finely chopped pecans to the filling and replace the vanilla in the glaze with 1 teaspoon maple extract. The buttery pecans add a delightful crunch while the maple flavor evokes the comfort of a cozy cabin breakfast.
Orange Spice Sensation
Add the zest of one orange to the dough and 1 teaspoon of orange extract to the filling. The bright citrus notes cut through the richness and create a sophisticated flavor profile reminiscent of holiday morning treats.
Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence
Spread 2 tablespoons of sugar-free chocolate hazelnut spread over the dough before adding the cinnamon filling, and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped hazelnuts. It’s like combining cinnamon rolls with Nutella – utterly irresistible!
Cardamom Apple Crisp
Replace half the cinnamon with cardamom and add ¼ cup finely diced, sautéed apple with 1 tablespoon of butter (pre-cooked until soft but not mushy). This Scandinavian-inspired variation brings a sophisticated twist to the classic roll.
Pumpkin Spice Swirl
Add 2 tablespoons of pureed pumpkin to the filling mixture along with ½ teaspoon each of ground ginger, cloves, and allspice. Perfect for fall mornings, these roll ups capture the essence of pumpkin pie in every bite.
Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2½ cups almond flour or sunflower seed flour
- 3 tbsp coconut flour
- 3 tbsp powdered erythritol or allulose, monk fruit
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar substitute like Swerve Brown
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp nutmeg optional
For the Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered erythritol
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix dry dough ingredients in a large bowl. Mix wet ingredients in another bowl. Combine both, knead until smooth. Adjust with almond flour or a splash of water as needed.
Roll the Dough:
- Roll between two parchment sheets into a 10×12″ rectangle (~¼” thick). Chill if sticking.
Make the Filling:
- Mix all filling ingredients into a paste. Spread evenly over dough, leaving a ½” border on one long side.
Roll & Slice:
- Tightly roll from the long side, sealing the edge. Slice into 12 pieces with a knife or dental floss. Chill the roll first for cleaner cuts.
Bake:
- Place on the baking sheet with space between each. Bake 15–18 min until golden & crisp at edges.
Make the Glaze:
- Beat cream cheese, cream, erythritol, vanilla, and salt until smooth and pourable.
Glaze & Serve:
- Cool rolls 5 minutes, then drizzle glaze generously. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Dairy-Free? Use coconut oil and a plant-based cream cheese.
- Nut-Free? Sub almond flour with sunflower seed flour 1:1.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the dough and filling the night before, chill rolled dough log overnight, and bake fresh.
- Storage: Keep in fridge up to 4 days; reheat in toaster oven for best texture.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the roll ups up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. You might need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the refrigerator.
How should I store leftover Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups?
Store cooled roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture is best if you reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving, which restores that wonderful crispy exterior.
Can I freeze these Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups?
Yes! Freeze baked and cooled roll ups (without glaze) on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Add fresh glaze before serving.
My dough seems crumbly – what am I doing wrong?
This typically happens if the measurements are slightly off or if your egg is on the smaller side. Add 1-2 teaspoons of water, one at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as the dough should be pliable but not sticky.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative and use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the glaze. For the cream cheese, there are several excellent cashew-based or coconut-based vegan cream cheese alternatives available that work wonderfully.
What’s the best way to achieve the crispiest exterior?
For maximum crispiness, make sure your oven is fully preheated, use a light-colored baking sheet (dark ones can cause burning), and bake the roll ups until the edges are a deep golden brown. Also, allowing them to cool directly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes helps develop that perfect crisp texture.
A Sweet Memory to Share
The first time I served these Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups was at a holiday brunch where half the guests were following a keto lifestyle and the other half were, let’s say, enthusiastic carb consumers. I placed these roll ups next to traditional cinnamon rolls without saying a word about their keto-friendly status. My skeptical father-in-law, a self-proclaimed pastry connoisseur, took one bite and immediately reached for a second. “There’s something different about these,” he said, “they’re lighter somehow, but still indulgent.” When I revealed they were keto-friendly, there was disbelief around the table.
That’s the beauty of these Crispy Keto Cinnamon Roll Ups – they bridge the gap between dietary preference and delicious tradition. They honor the nostalgic flavors we all crave while adapting to modern nutritional needs. Whether you’re strictly following a ketogenic lifestyle or simply looking for a lighter sweet treat, these roll ups prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health.