Fat-Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls (Easy Sheet Pan)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are a great way to enjoy a classic favorite while keeping things lighter. The fat-free Greek yogurt adds a unique texture to the dough, making it soft and pillowy without the need for butter or heavy creams. The filling is perfectly sweet, and the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to finish them off. With a simple sheet pan method, these cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to make, and you’ll get a delicious homemade treat in no time.

Ingredients

Bread Dough

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

Filling

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

Simple Glaze

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

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

Directions

For the Dough:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the fat-free Greek yogurt and water (or milk) to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the dough starts to come together.
2. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
3. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

For the Filling:

4. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon powder until well combined.

Assembling the Rolls:

5. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size.
6. Add the filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
7. Roll the dough: Starting from one of the longer sides, roll the dough tightly into a log.
8. Slice the rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Arrange them in a greased or lined 9×13-inch sheet pan, leaving a little space between each roll.

Baking:

9. Let it rise again: Cover the pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes, or until they puff up.
10. Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

For the Glaze:

11. Prepare the glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and well combined.
12. Drizzle the glaze: Once the cinnamon rolls have finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls while they’re still warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12 cinnamon rolls
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising time)

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt) and plant-based milk to make these cinnamon rolls vegan.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these rolls gluten-free.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar filling for added texture and flavor.
• Frosting: If you prefer a richer frosting, you can add cream cheese to the glaze for a cream cheese frosting effect.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: Reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to warm them up.

FAQs

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

Yes, but fat-free Greek yogurt provides a denser and softer texture. Using regular yogurt may change the texture slightly, but it will still work.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Let it rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

3. Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Yes! You can freeze the uncooked rolls before baking. Simply arrange them in a pan, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for about 1-2 hours before baking.

4. Can I substitute the maple syrup or honey in the dough?

Yes, you can use any sweetener of your choice. Agave or coconut sugar would work well as a substitute.

5. How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?

The cinnamon rolls should be golden brown on top, and when tested with a toothpick, it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

6. Can I make a bigger batch?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe and use a larger pan (such as a 9×13-inch or larger), but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

7. Can I add fruit to the filling?

Yes, you can add finely chopped apples, raisins, or other fruits to the filling for extra flavor.

8. What can I use instead of brown sugar for the filling?

You can substitute the brown sugar with granulated monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar if you want a lower-calorie option.

9. Can I make these cinnamon rolls without glaze?

Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer a less sweet option. The cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own without the glaze.

10. What’s the best way to store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. To keep them fresh, reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion

These Fat-Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls are a light and flavorful alternative to the classic cinnamon roll recipe. With the addition of fat-free Greek yogurt, they are soft, fluffy, and delicious, while the simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, these cinnamon rolls are a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls will definitely be a hit in your household!

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