Craving a warm, gooey cinnamon roll but sticking to your ketogenic lifestyle? Look no further! These Easy Keto Low-Carb Fathead Cinnamon Rolls with Icing offer a truly decadent experience without derailing your diet. This quick, gluten-free recipe ingeniously uses almond flour, mozzarella, and cream cheese to create a remarkably soft, chewy dough that perfectly mimics traditional cinnamon buns. Topped with a luscious, sugar-free glaze, these rolls are an absolute game-changer, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying dessert. For those who prefer a richer topping, a delightful cream cheese frosting can also be easily prepared.
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For many, the thought of a diet conjures images of deprivation, especially when it comes to beloved comfort foods. I’ve always been particular about desserts; while I rarely crave milk chocolate or other overly rich confections, cinnamon rolls have always been my weakness. That warm, sweet, spiced aroma, combined with soft, pillowy dough and a generous swirl of icing – it’s pure heaven. The challenge, of course, is the staggering carb count in traditional versions. A single classic cinnamon roll from a popular bakery can pack around 880 calories and an astonishing 127 grams of carbs! Our homemade keto alternative saves you approximately 124 grams of carbs per serving, making it a truly guilt-free pleasure.
Table of Contents
How to Make Keto Cinnamon Rolls?
Crafting these keto-friendly cinnamon rolls is surprisingly straightforward, especially if you’re already familiar with fathead dough. The base of this recipe uses the same versatile fathead dough from my Keto Bacon Chicken Alfredo Pizza, proving just how adaptable this dough can be for both savory and sweet applications. The process involves a few simple steps:
- Prepare the Dough Base: Combine mozzarella cheese and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat briefly until melted and easily mixable. This creates the unique texture of fathead dough.
- Form the Dough: Stir in almond flour and an egg to the melted cheese mixture. It will come together to form a soft, pliable dough. If it’s too thick to stir, a quick re-nuke in the microwave can help.
- Roll it Out: Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin to flatten it evenly. For rolls with more luscious layers, aim for a slightly longer strip, around 12 inches or more, and about ¼ inch thick.
- Add the Filling: Spread melted butter evenly over the dough. Then, generously sprinkle your chosen sweetener and aromatic cinnamon across the surface. This is where the classic cinnamon roll flavor truly shines.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the dough from one end to form a tight cylinder. This step requires a gentle touch to maintain the layers. Once rolled, slice the dough into equal-sized pieces, typically six for this recipe.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the sliced rolls on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Bake until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and firm.
- Glaze and Serve: Once cooled, top your warm keto cinnamon rolls with the sugar-free icing.
For a detailed visual guide, be sure to watch the accompanying video, which provides step-by-step instructions for each stage of the process.
Understanding Fathead Dough: The Keto Miracle
Fathead dough is a revolutionary concept in low-carb baking, especially for those on a ketogenic diet. Unlike traditional doughs that rely on high-carb flours, fathead dough uses melted cheese (typically mozzarella) and cream cheese as its primary base, combined with almond flour and egg. This unique combination creates a dough that is not only low in carbohydrates but also remarkably pliable and easy to work with, making it perfect for recreating beloved comfort foods like pizza crusts, crackers, and, of course, cinnamon rolls.
The magic of fathead dough lies in the way the cheeses melt and blend with the almond flour. When heated, the mozzarella and cream cheese become incredibly stretchy and sticky, providing the necessary elasticity that gluten typically offers in conventional baking. This allows the dough to be rolled, shaped, and baked into various forms, yielding results that are surprisingly close in texture and satisfaction to their high-carb counterparts. For these cinnamon rolls, the fathead dough bakes up to be soft, slightly chewy, and wonderfully gooey, providing the perfect canvas for the sweet cinnamon filling and icing.
Working with fathead dough might seem a bit different at first, but it’s quite forgiving. Keeping it warm while you work is key, as it becomes easier to handle. If it cools down and stiffens, a quick microwave burst will bring it back to a workable consistency. This innovative dough truly broadens the horizons of keto baking, allowing for creative and delicious low-carb versions of dishes that would otherwise be off-limits.
Carbohydrate Count and Keto Benefits
One of the most appealing aspects of these fathead cinnamon rolls is their incredibly low net carbohydrate count. Each delicious cinnamon roll contains approximately 3 net carbs, a stark contrast to the massive carb load of traditional bakery rolls. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals adhering to a ketogenic diet, where daily net carb intake is typically restricted to 20-50 grams. Enjoying a satisfying treat like this without guilt is a huge win for maintaining adherence to a low-carb lifestyle.
Beyond the carb count, these rolls also offer other nutritional benefits. Made with almond flour, they are naturally gluten-free, catering to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Almond flour is also a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, contributing to a more balanced nutrient profile compared to refined white flour. The fathead dough, rich in cheese, further adds healthy fats and protein, helping to keep you feeling fuller and more satisfied, reducing the urge for less healthy snacks. This combination of low carbs, high fat, and moderate protein makes these cinnamon rolls a perfect fit for a keto diet, supporting weight management and metabolic health while still allowing for an occasional, delightful indulgence.
Choosing the Best Sweetener for Keto
The choice of sweetener is crucial for any keto recipe, and these cinnamon rolls are no exception. To keep them truly sugar-free and low-carb, it’s essential to use an erythritol-based sweetener or a blend that measures cup-for-cup like sugar. My preferred sweetener for this recipe is organic monk fruit sweetener. This particular brand is an excellent choice because it boasts zero calories and zero net carbs, making it perfectly aligned with keto principles. Additionally, it measures 1:1 like refined sugar, which simplifies the recipe and ensures consistent sweetness without any metallic aftertaste often associated with other artificial sweeteners.
Monk fruit, derived from the luo han guo fruit, is a natural sweetener that is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar but has no impact on blood glucose levels. This makes it a safe and popular option for diabetics and those following low-carb diets. If you’re looking to stock up on this fantastic ingredient, you can often find great deals. Use DISCOUNT CODE: STAYSNATCHED to save on your purchase. Other suitable keto sweeteners include erythritol, stevia blends (ensure they are pure and not mixed with dextrose or maltodextrin), or xylitol (though caution is advised with xylitol if you have pets, as it is toxic to them).
Indulgent Cream Cheese Frosting Option
While the simple sugar-free icing provides a perfect sweet finish, some might prefer the rich, tangy indulgence of a classic cream cheese frosting. This frosting elevates the cinnamon rolls to an even more luxurious level, reminiscent of traditional bakery-style treats. Making a keto-friendly cream cheese frosting is incredibly simple and requires just a few ingredients.
To prepare this decadent frosting, combine 4 tablespoons of softened full-fat cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream. The heavy cream helps achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of powdered Confectioner’s Sweetener. Powdered sweeteners are crucial here, as granular sweeteners can leave a gritty texture. Whip these ingredients together until the frosting is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. This cream cheese frosting is thick enough to generously spread over your cooled cinnamon rolls, providing a delightful contrast to the warm spices of the filling. It’s an excellent way to add extra flavor and moisture, making each bite an unforgettable keto experience.
Can You Substitute Coconut Flour?
A common question in keto baking is about flour substitutions, particularly replacing almond flour with coconut flour. While both are popular low-carb options, they behave very differently in recipes. For this fathead cinnamon roll recipe, **you should not replace all of the almond flour with coconut flour.**
The reason for this strict advice lies in their absorption rates. Coconut flour is exceptionally absorbent, much more so than almond flour. If you were to substitute them cup-for-cup, your dough would become incredibly dry, dense, and unworkable, completely ruining the texture of these gooey rolls. It would likely crumble and lack the elasticity needed for rolling and shaping. Almond flour provides the necessary structure and moisture for fathead dough, creating that perfect soft and pliable consistency.
However, if you find your dough feels slightly too moist or sticky after mixing (which can sometimes happen due to variations in ingredient moisture content or measurement), you could try adding just a small amount, perhaps one tablespoon, of coconut flour to help dry it out a bit. But this should be done cautiously and only if necessary. During my recipe testing, I found no need for this adjustment, as the proportions were carefully balanced to achieve the ideal dough consistency. Stick to blanched almond flour for the best results in this recipe to ensure your keto cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly tender and delicious.
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your Keto Low-Carb Fathead Cinnamon Rolls tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. After they have completely cooled, transfer the rolls to an airtight container or sealable bags. This prevents them from drying out and helps maintain their soft texture. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for up to 4 days. Before serving, you can gently warm them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds for that fresh-baked experience, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge.
It’s important to store them covered to prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods in your refrigerator and to keep the moisture locked in. If you’ve applied the icing, it might firm up slightly in the cold, but it will soften again when warmed. Preparing a batch of these rolls ahead of time and storing them properly makes for a convenient and delightful grab-and-go breakfast or dessert option throughout the week.
Freezer-Friendly Options
For those who love to meal prep or simply want to have a keto treat on hand whenever a craving strikes, these fathead cinnamon rolls are wonderfully freezer-friendly. You can store them in the freezer for up to 4 months without compromising their quality or taste. To freeze, ensure the rolls are completely cooled after baking. You can freeze them with or without the icing – if you plan to add icing later, it’s best to freeze them plain and glaze them after thawing and reheating.
Place the cooled rolls in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking, or in heavy-duty freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply remove it from the freezer. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat it directly from frozen. For reheating, a microwave works quickly (30-60 seconds, depending on your microwave and whether it’s thawed or frozen), or you can use a toaster oven set to a low temperature until warmed through. This freezer method allows you to always have a healthy, low-carb indulgence ready to go, minimizing effort on busy days.
Explore More Keto Recipes
If you’re loving these Keto Low-Carb Fathead Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll be thrilled to discover a wider range of delicious and easy keto recipes to keep your low-carb journey exciting and satisfying. From savory meals to delightful desserts, the world of keto cooking offers endless possibilities:
- Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Keto Cheesecake
- Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
- Keto Avocado Brownies
- Keto Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Fat Bombs
- Keto Pumpkin Spice Fat Bombs
Keto Low-Carb Breakfast Ideas
Starting your day with a satisfying and low-carb meal is essential for maintaining ketosis and energy levels. While these cinnamon rolls are a fantastic treat, here are some other excellent keto breakfast ideas to keep your mornings diverse and delicious:
- Bacon, Egg, Cheese, and Spinach Breakfast Casserole
- Sous Vide Egg Bites
- Keto Bacon Egg Cheese Bites
- Keto Chaffles (Waffles)
- Keto Blueberry Muffins
For a complete listing of all available Keto Low-Carb Recipes, click here.
To help you on your keto journey, don’t forget to grab your FREE printable Keto Grocery Shopping list here.
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Easy Keto Low-Carb Fathead Cinnamon Rolls with Icing
Easy Keto Low-Carb Fathead Cinnamon Rolls with Icing is a quick, gluten-free recipe that uses almond flour, mozzarella, and cream cheese to produce gooey buns with sugar-free glaze. These rolls are wonderful for breakfast or dessert! You can even go for a cream cheese frosting instead of icing.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons blanched almond flour
- 1 ½ oz cream cheese
- 2 ¼ cup shredded mozzarella (I shred the cheese myself for best results)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons sweetener (Use discount code STAYSNATCHED to save 15%)
Icing
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup powdered sweetener (Use discount code STAYSNATCHED to save 15%)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius).
- Add the mozzarella and cream cheese to a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 60 seconds.
- Remove the mixture from the microwave and stir in the almond flour. The mixture may become very thick and difficult to stir. If this happens, place the bowl back in the microwave for another 30 seconds to soften it further.
- Remove from the microwave and stir well. Add the egg and continue stirring until the mixture comes together and forms a cohesive dough.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on a clean, flat working surface.
- Spoon the dough onto the parchment paper. Place another sheet of parchment paper over the dough to help roll it out and prevent sticking. Use a rolling pin over the top parchment paper to flatten the dough evenly.
- Roll out the dough until it is approximately ¼ inch thick. The length of my dough was around 12 inches. You can make it longer if you desire rolls with more layers.
- Evenly spread the melted butter over the dough using a cooking brush. Generously sprinkle the cinnamon and sweetener across the entire surface.
- Starting from one of the longer edges, gently roll the bottom of the dough upwards once to begin forming a cylinder. Then, use the bottom layer of parchment paper to assist you in continuously rolling the dough tightly upwards, forming one large, uniform roll.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 6 equal-sized pieces.
- Arrange the rolls on a cookie sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and the edges are slightly firm. Mine were perfectly ready at 15 minutes.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before icing. Cooling is crucial to prevent the icing from melting.
Icing
- In a small bowl, mix the confectioner’s sweetener and unsweetened almond milk together until a smooth icing forms. If you prefer a thicker icing, add less almond milk; for a thinner glaze, add a few more drops.
- Drizzle or spread the icing generously over the cooled cinnamon rolls. If you desire more icing, simply double the recipe quantities for the icing.
Video Guide
Watch the full recipe video for a step-by-step visual guide on making these delicious Keto Low-Carb Fathead Cinnamon Rolls.
Notes
Can You Use Coconut Flour to Make Keto Cinnamon Rolls?
As discussed above, it is generally not recommended to substitute all of the almond flour with coconut flour in this recipe due to their vastly different liquid absorption properties. Coconut flour absorbs liquid much more, leading to a dry and crumbly dough. If your fathead dough feels excessively moist, you might sparingly add just a tablespoon of coconut flour to help absorb some moisture. However, this was not necessary during the development of this recipe.
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Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
Serving: 1 cinnamon roll |
Calories: 216 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 3g |
Protein: 14g |
Fat: 18g
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Nutrition Data: Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.