Have you ever found yourself enjoying a warm, fluffy pizza and wondered if you could create something equally delicious to complement it? We have the perfect solution that combines the best of both worlds – Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls! Whether you have leftover refrigerated pizza dough from the day before or store-bought pizza dough, these delectable treats are an incredible way to transform your meal's leftovers into a mouthwatering dessert.
Pizza dough cinnamon rolls offer a delightful combination of fluffy, sticky, and gooey, irresistible goodness. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect choice for both experienced bakers and beginners alike. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a tray of heavenly homemade cinnamon rolls ready to be devoured.
In this post, we will guide you through the process of creating your very own Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls from homemade pizza dough. Whether you have leftover pizza dough from the night before or are trying to make pizza and a dessert, this easy cinnamon rolls recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Healthy Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Rest Time
90 minutes
Total Time
2 hours and 5 minutes
Ingredients
Directions
1. Combine the warm water, maple syrup, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. combine whole wheat flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, oat milk, and coconut oil. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the cinnamon roll dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the homemade dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
6. Once the pizza dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangular shape on a floured surface. Aim for a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch.
7. combine the ground cinnamon and natural sweetener in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. If desired, sprinkle the chopped nuts or raisins over the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added flavor and texture.
8. Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Slice the log into 1 1/2-inch thick rolls.
9. Place the cinnamon rolls in the greased baking dish or parchment paper, leaving a small gap between each roll. Cover them with the kitchen towel and allow them to rise for an additional 20-30 minutes. Cinnamon rolls bake the best when they fill up the prepared baking dish, so be sure to use the right-sized baking dish.
10. Bake cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Remove the baked cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with a glaze made from a healthy sweetener.
Tips
Add Nutritional Boosters: Incorporate nutritious ingredients into the dough or filling, such as ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or protein powder. These additions can increase the fiber and protein content of your cinnamon rolls.
Activate The Yeast: Before starting, ensure your yeast is active and fresh. Dissolve it in warm water with a bit of sugar and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that your dough will rise properly.
Knead The Dough Properly: Take the time to knead the dough thoroughly. Proper kneading develops gluten, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for about 8-10 minutes.
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10
Calories
131
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3.1g
4%
Saturated Fat 2.4g
12%
Cholesterol 0mg
0%
Sodium 121mg
5%
Total Carbohydrate 23.1g
8%
Dietary Fiber 1.2g
4%
Total Sugars 2.9g
Protein 2.9g
Vitamin D 0mcg
0%
Calcium 23mg
2%
Iron 1mg
8%
Potassium 49mg
1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Allow Sufficient Rising Time: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This process usually takes 1-2 hours. If you rush the rising time, your cinnamon rolls may become dense and less fluffy.
Spread The filling Evenly: When applying the cinnamon-sugar filling, ensure it is evenly distributed over the dough's surface. This ensures that every bite of your cinnamon rolls is bursting with flavor.
How To Make Cinnamon Rolls Glaze
Ingredients
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Combine Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl.
Stir the ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
Taste the glaze and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup if desired.
If the glaze is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a teaspoon of almond milk or water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition.
Once your cinnamon rolls are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each roll using a spoon, fork, or piping bag.
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
How To Make Healthy Swaps
Use Healthier Fats
Substitute unhealthy fats like melted butter or shortening with healthier alternatives such as coconut oil, avocado oil, or nut butter. These options provide beneficial fats and add richness to the dough.
Reduce Added Sugar
Use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or stevia instead of refined sugar or powdered sugar. You can also reduce the amount of sweetener used in the dough and filling and experiment with the sweetness level to suit your taste.
Choose Whole-grain flour
Opt for whole grain flour or alternative flour like almond flour, oat flour, or whole wheat flour instead of refined white flour. Whole grain flours are higher in fiber and nutrients, making your cinnamon rolls more nutritious.
Opt For Low-Fat Dairy Alternatives
If using dairy, choose low-fat or non-dairy options like almond milk, oat milk, or Greek yogurt. They contain fewer saturated fats and can still provide moisture and a creamy texture.
Opt For Homemade Glaze Or Skip All Together
Use a healthier glaze alternative to replace the traditional cream cheese frosting or softened butter with protein-rich Greek yogurt and natural sweeteners. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet touch to your cinnamon rolls without the excess fat and calories. Enjoy your guilt-free, delicious cinnamon rolls with this nutritious glaze!
How To Elevate Cinnamon Rolls
Creative Spices
Experiment with different spices to add depth of flavor. For a unique twist, try incorporating a pinch of cardamom, ginger, or nutmeg into the dough or filling.
Nourishing Additions
Boost the nutritional profile by adding shredded carrots, zucchini, or mashed banana to the dough. These additions add moisture and a hint of natural sweetness.
Citrus Zest
Incorporate citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, into the dough or filling to add a pop of freshness. The citrusy aroma and tang will elevate the overall taste of the cinnamon rolls.
Nuts And Dried Fruits
Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top of the cinnamon filling for a satisfying crunch. You can also add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates to provide bursts of sweetness and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough For Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought pizza dough as a convenient option for making cinnamon rolls. Just make sure to follow the instructions for rolling out the dough and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerator it overnight?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. After preparing the dough, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The next day, you can proceed with rolling out the dough, adding the filling, and baking the cinnamon rolls.
Can I Freeze The Cinnamon Rolls Before Or After Baking Them?
Yes, you can freeze cinnamon rolls either before or after baking them. If freezing before baking, assemble the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise before baking according to the recipe instructions. If freezing after baking, let the cinnamon rolls cool completely, wrap them tightly, and freeze. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat them when ready to serve.
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour Or Gluten-Free Flour In The Dough Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour in the dough recipe. However, remember that the texture and rising characteristics may differ from using all-purpose flour. Adjustments to the liquid ingredients or additional gluten-free binding agents may be necessary when using gluten-free flour.
How Do I Prevent The Cinnamon Filling From Leaking Out While Baking?
Roll the dough tightly when forming the cinnamon rolls to prevent the cinnamon filling from leaking out. Press the dough firmly as you roll to keep the filling secure. Additionally, be careful not to overfill the dough with the cinnamon mixture, as the excess filling can cause leakage during baking.
What Is The Best Way To Cut The Cinnamon Roll Dough Into Even Slices?
The best way to cut cinnamon roll dough into even slices is using a sharp knife or dental floss. Gently saw through the rolled dough to create clean, uniform slices. Alternatively, you can use a bench scraper or a serrated knife to make cutting easier.
How Should I Store The Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be kept at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, refrigerate the cinnamon rolls for 4-5 days. Warm them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I Reheat The Cinnamon Rolls Before Serving?
Yes, you can reheat cinnamon rolls before serving. You can warm them in the oven at a low temperature or briefly in the microwave. Be cautious not to overheat them, as they can become dry. For best results, wrap them in foil before reheating to retain moisture.
