Name: Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups fine almond flour (blanched); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup avocado oil (or light olive oil); 1/4 cup cashew butter; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 8 medjool dates (pitted) (soak if dry); 1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 3-4 tablespoons almond milk (or milk of choice); 1 1/2 tablespoons cashew butter; 3/4 cup powdered cane sugar; 2 teaspoons lemon juice (or more, to desired consistency)

If you have a soft spot for cinnamon rolls but want something a little lighter and easier to share, this Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine all the cozy, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sweet maple wrapped up in individual bite-sized delights that are not only delicious but also made with wholesome ingredients. These cookies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment, making them a fantastic treat for any time of day. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and packed with nutty almond flour and creamy cashew butter, adding a depth of flavor and texture you will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a single thin, rectangular layer of brown dough or pastry laid flat on a white marbled surface. The dough has a slightly rough and uneven texture with small cracks and creases visible across its surface. The edges of the dough are roughly straight but not perfectly even, suggesting it was rolled out by hand. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the warm brown color and texture of the dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in creating that perfect cookie experience. From the nutty richness of almond flour to the natural sweetness of medjool dates, these ingredients blend perfectly to bring out the best in every bite.

2 1/4 cups fine almond flour (blanched): Provides a soft, tender crumb and a subtle nutty flavor that is essential for these cookies.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel complexity.
1/4 cup avocado oil (or light olive oil): Keeps the cookies moist without overpowering flavors.
1/4 cup cashew butter: Gives a creamy texture and rich, comforting taste.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Lifts the dough to the perfect lightness and flakiness.
8 medjool dates (pitted): Natural sweeteners for the luscious cinnamon filling, soak if dry for easier blending.
1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth to these cookies.
3-4 tablespoons almond milk (or milk of choice): Helps blend the filling into a smooth paste with just the right consistency.
1 1/2 tablespoons cashew butter: For the filling, lending richness and smoothness.
3/4 cup powdered cane sugar: Used in the glaze for a delicate sweetness and texture.
2 teaspoons lemon juice (or more): Adds a subtle citrusy zing to the glaze, balancing sweetness and helping it set.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by mixing together your base ingredients: cashew butter, maple syrup, salt, avocado oil, and baking powder. This wet mixture provides the perfect foundation for moisture and flavor. Quickly fold in the almond flour so the baking powder doesn’t lose its effectiveness. Wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes, which helps with rolling and shaping later on.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While your dough chills, blend the pitted medjool dates with ground cinnamon, almond milk, and cashew butter in a food processor. Aim for an ultra-smooth paste so that every bite of filling is luscious and gooey without any chunks. This natural, sweet-spiced filling is what really sets these cookies apart and keeps them guilt-free.

Step 3: Roll and Form the Cookies

On parchment or wax paper, roll the dough into a thin, even rectangle just under half a centimeter thick. Trim any uneven edges and incorporate those scraps back into your dough ball. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly from one edge to the other. Then, with careful hands, use the parchment paper to help you roll up the dough tightly, creating a beautiful cinnamon roll spiral. Wrap the roll snugly and refrigerate for 2 hours to chill and set the shape.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Remove the chilled dough roll and slice into roughly 1/2-inch thick cookies. Lay the cookies flat on your tray, giving them enough space to spread slightly while baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and smelling heavenly.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Glaze

Whisk powdered cane sugar with lemon juice until smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust the lemon juice to achieve a glaze that is great for drizzling or piping. The hint of lemon brightens the sweetness and helps the glaze set with a delicate finish—if you prefer no lemon taste, substitute with milk knowing the glaze will stay softer.

How to Serve Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

A long, smooth, light brown dough or mixture tightly wrapped in clear plastic wrap, resting on a white marbled surface. The shape is cylindrical, and the texture looks dense but even, with no visible cracks or uneven parts. The plastic wrap is twisted at both ends, sealing the contents inside clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an appealing finish, dust your cookies with a little extra ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts. These add both color contrast and a delightful crunch that complements the soft textures perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or a glass of your favorite dairy-free milk. They also make a lovely accompaniment to morning oatmeal or fruit salad, turning breakfast or snack time into a cozy celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the cookies on a wooden board with small jars of nut butters and honey for a build-your-own treat spread. You can also stack them in a pretty tin or basket wrapped with a colorful ribbon, making an inviting gift or centerpiece for any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To preserve their softness, avoid stacking them too tightly and place a piece of parchment between layers.

Freezing

If you want to save these tasty treats for longer, freeze the unglazed cookies after slicing on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready, simply bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from frozen.

Reheating

Warm leftover or frozen cookies gently in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant. This will revive their freshly baked texture and taste, making them almost as good as the first day.

FAQs

Can I use peanut butter instead of cashew butter?

Yes, you can swap cashew butter with peanut butter if preferred. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious. Just make sure your peanut butter is smooth for easy mixing.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Since this Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe uses almond flour instead of wheat flour, they are naturally gluten-free, perfect for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?

Definitely. The dough can be made and chilled for up to 24 hours before rolling and adding the filling, which is great for meal prep or a convenient treat anytime.

What if I don’t have powdered cane sugar for the glaze?

You can substitute with powdered sugar or even a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind, liquid sweeteners won’t set the glaze as firmly as powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as long as you use plant-based milk for the glaze and ensure your sweeteners comply with your diet preferences.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall in love with this Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe, especially when you taste the melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon filling paired with the nutty, tender dough. They offer a perfect way to enjoy your favorite comforting flavors in a lighter, hand-held form that’s great for sharing or indulging on your own. Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll become a staple treat in your kitchen that friends and family will keep asking for again and again!

Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need