These fat-free Greek yogurt cinnamon rolls offer a lighter take on the classic, without compromising on flavor. Made with a simple dough enriched with Greek yogurt, they are soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, these rolls are a delicious and healthier indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Alternative – Made without butter or oil, these cinnamon rolls are lower in fat.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make them great for all skill levels.
Soft and Fluffy Texture – Greek yogurt keeps the dough moist and tender.
Perfectly Sweet – A lightly sweetened cinnamon filling and glaze make these rolls irresistible.
Customizable – Swap the sugar for monk fruit sweetener to make them even healthier.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bread dough:

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

For the filling:

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

For the glaze:

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

Directions

Prepare the dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the Greek yogurt and start kneading on low speed. Gradually pour in water until a dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes stretchy and slightly bumpy.
Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 60-90 minutes or until doubled in size.
Make the filling: While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside.
Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough and place it on a floured surface. Roll it into an 18 x 10-inch rectangle. Brush or spray the surface lightly with water or almond milk, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it.
Roll and cut: Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Use string or dental floss to cut it into 12 equal pieces.
Second rise: Line a 9x12-inch pan with parchment paper and place the rolls in the pan, swirl side up, leaving about half an inch of space between each. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown.
Make the glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth, adjusting consistency if needed.
Glaze and serve: Let the rolls cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze over them before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Calories: 173 kcal per roll

Variations

Whole Wheat Version: Swap half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based yogurt and dairy-free milk for a fully vegan version.
Sugar-Free Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or another sugar substitute for both the filling and glaze.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch.
Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the glaze for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed cinnamon rolls for up to 3 months. Reheat before glazing.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

How do these cinnamon rolls stay moist without butter?

The Greek yogurt adds moisture and tenderness, making up for the lack of butter or oil.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

What’s the best way to cut cinnamon rolls evenly?

Using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife helps make clean cuts without squishing the dough.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour gives a better texture and chewiness. If using all-purpose flour, reduce the liquid slightly.

Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free bread flour blend, but results may vary.

Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

Your yeast might be expired, or the environment might be too cold. Ensure the liquid isn’t too hot when activating the yeast.

Can I add more cinnamon to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the cinnamon level based on your preference.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner consistency.

Can I bake these cinnamon rolls in a muffin tin?

Yes! This will give them a more individual roll shape and slightly crispier edges.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

You can substitute it with regular yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Conclusion

These fat-free Greek yogurt cinnamon rolls prove that you don’t need butter or oil to make a delicious, fluffy, and indulgent treat. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a meal-prep-friendly option, they’re a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things light. Try out different variations, and enjoy a guilt-free cinnamon roll experience!