Fat-Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of indulging in cinnamon rolls without the guilt, this Fat-Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These rolls bring together the classic warmth of cinnamon and sweetness you love, but with a wonderfully light twist thanks to fat-free Greek yogurt. The result? Soft, fluffy, tender rolls with just the right amount of gooey cinnamon filling, all made healthier without compromising on that irresistible comfort-food flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less than this delightful, wholesome treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Fat-Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is simple yet plays a vital role in creating the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and appearance. From the bread flour that gives structure to the rich cinnamon-sugar filling that makes your kitchen smell heavenly, these components come together effortlessly to make your baking experience both rewarding and delicious.

• Bread flour (3 ½ cups / 420g): Provides a strong gluten structure for fluffy, chewy rolls.
• Instant yeast (2 tsp): Activates quickly for a perfect dough rise without fuss.
• Sugar (2 Tbsp): Enhances yeast activity and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and strengthens gluten for dough texture.
• Fat-free Greek yogurt (1 ⅓ cups / 333g): Adds moisture, tenderness, and a tangy depth without fat.
• Water (½ cup) or milk of choice: Hydrates the dough; milk adds extra richness if preferred.
• Brown sugar (3 Tbsp) or granulated monk fruit sweetener: Creates that classic caramelized cinnamon filling.
• Cinnamon powder (1 Tbsp): The star spice delivering warm, cozy flavor to every bite.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup) or powdered monk fruit sweetener: For the silky glaze that ties it all together.
• Milk of choice (2 Tbsp): Helps make the glaze smooth and pourable for that perfect finish.

How to Make Fat-Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining your bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the fat-free Greek yogurt, which lends a wonderfully moist and tender crumb, and begin kneading on low speed. Slowly pour in water (or milk), continuing to knead until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough turns smooth and stretchy—this is the texture you want for rolls that rise beautifully and bake tenderly soft.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl and cover it to let it rise. The magic of yeast really takes shape here, and after 60 to 90 minutes, your dough should have doubled in size. This step is crucial for airy, fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While the dough rises, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This fragrant filling packs a punch and is exactly what makes these rolls so irresistible. You can use granulated monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free twist if you prefer.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to lighten it. Roll it out into a large 18 x 10-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush the surface lightly with water or almond milk—this helps the cinnamon filling stick—and then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it for an even, flavorful layer.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Now for the fun part: roll the dough carefully into a tight log, pressing the seam to seal it so it doesn’t unravel. Use string or dental floss to slice the roll into 12 equal pieces. This method gives you clean, evenly shaped rolls that bake evenly.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the cut rolls in a parchment-lined 9 x 12-inch pan, leaving about half an inch of space between each so they can expand nicely. Cover and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up and promise soft, fluffy bites after baking.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

While the rolls complete their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This temperature delivers a beautiful golden brown on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re gorgeously golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen by this point is pure happiness.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with milk of choice, whisking until smooth and pourable. Adjust with more powder or milk to find the perfect sweet drizzle consistency.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve

Allow your rolls to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over them. This adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced cinnamon filling without overpowering the lightness of the rolls.

How to Serve Fat-Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Top your freshly glazed cinnamon rolls with a sprinkle of crushed nuts, like toasted pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. A dusting of cinnamon powder or a few fresh berries on the side can add a pop of color and freshness too.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a cup of coffee or chai tea for a comforting breakfast or snack. A bowl of fresh fruit salad complements the sweetness of the rolls and adds a fresh contrast, making for a balanced and inviting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls stacked on a rustic wooden board or in a colorful ceramic dish for a charming presentation. Drizzle extra glaze on the side or serve with small ramekins of cinnamon butter or fruit preserves to cater to every taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy without reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise by wrapping the pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thawing and letting them rise fully before baking. Alternatively, freeze fully baked rolls in an airtight container for up to three months—perfect for future cravings!

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rolls in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely with foil for 10 minutes. This refreshes their soft, gooey texture and makes them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of fat-free Greek yogurt?

While regular yogurt can work, fat-free Greek yogurt offers thicker consistency and less moisture, which helps the dough hold its structure better. Using regular yogurt might make the dough a bit wetter, so adjustments may be needed.

Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the milk and yogurt for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut yogurt. Choose unsweetened options to control sugar content and maintain the right dough texture.

How long does the entire process take?

This recipe takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes, mostly because of the two rising periods. The hands-on time is quite manageable, and the waiting is well worth those fluffy, flavorful rolls.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Yes, adding chopped nuts or raisins into the cinnamon sugar filling is a wonderful way to add texture and bursts of flavor. Sprinkle them evenly over the filling before rolling the dough.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem at all! You can mix and knead this dough by hand. It just takes a bit more elbow grease to get the right smooth, stretchy texture, but it’s a satisfying process that connects you with the dough.

Final Thoughts

This Fat-Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls Recipe transforms a beloved classic into a lighter, healthier delight without losing an ounce of that comforting goodness. It’s a recipe that invites you to enjoy indulgence without guilt and share a little extra sweetness with friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how something so wholesome can taste so decadent!

Fat-Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 252 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Fat-Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls are a healthier twist on the classic treat, using fat-free Greek yogurt to keep them moist and tender without added fat. Fluffy and lightly sweetened with a cinnamon sugar filling, they’re baked to golden perfection and topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for a breakfast or dessert indulgence that’s guilt-free and delicious.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups (420g) bread flour, sifted and leveled
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ⅓ cups (333g) fat-free Greek yogurt, plain or unsweetened
• ½ cup water (or milk of choice)

Filling

• 3 Tbsp brown sugar (or granulated monk fruit sweetener)
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon powder

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar (or powdered monk fruit sweetener)
• 2 Tbsp milk of choice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer, combine the sifted bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the fat-free Greek yogurt and begin kneading on low speed. Gradually pour in the water (or milk chosen) until a dough begins to form. Continue kneading for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and stretchy.
2. Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
3. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon powder thoroughly. Set aside.
4. Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 18 x 10-inch rectangle. Lightly brush the surface with water or almond milk, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough.
5. Roll and Cut: Carefully roll the dough into a log shape, starting from the long side, and pinch the seam to seal it. Use a piece of string or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces to keep the rolls intact.
6. Second Rise: Place the cut rolls into a 9×12-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving about ½ inch space between each roll for expansion. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking.
8. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
9. Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar as needed for a drizzly glaze.
10. Glaze and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly after baking, then drizzle the glaze over the top. Serve warm for best enjoyment.

Notes

• Use fat-free Greek yogurt plain or unsweetened to keep these cinnamon rolls fat-free and moist.
• Substitute brown sugar with granulated monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie version.
• String or dental floss helps cut rolls cleanly without squishing them.
• You can use any milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, etc.) in the dough and glaze depending on dietary preferences.
• Letting the dough rise fully is crucial for light and fluffy rolls.
• Make sure not to overbake; aim for golden brown to keep rolls soft.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek-American