Easy Healthier Cinnamon Rolls
on Jun 17, 2023, Updated Apr 23, 2025
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Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat in our household, especially with toddlers. However, traditional recipes often come with a hefty dose of sugar and butter. That’s why I made this easy, healthier version that still tastes delicious. Using simple, wholesome ingredients, these cinnamon rolls are quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy morning with the family.
Why These Cinnamon Rolls are Perfect for your Family
Quick & Easy – With just a few simple steps, these cinnamon rolls are ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings.
Healthier Ingredients – By using crescent roll dough and a banana-based filling, these rolls are lower in sugar and fat compared to traditional recipes.
Kid-Friendly – The sweet banana filling and soft texture make these cinnamon rolls a hit with little ones, and they’re easy for them to help prepare.
Customizable – Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
Dough + Filling
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Icing
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a flat surface, ensuring there are no gaps between the pieces.
3. In a bowl, mash the ripe banana and mix in the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract.
4. Spread the banana mixture evenly over the dough.
5. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a log and slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
6. Place the slices onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by mixing the cream cheese, plain yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before drizzling with the icing.
Substitutions
If you don’t want to use crescent roll dough, you can make easy dough by mixing 1 3/4 cup self-rising flour and 1 cup greek yogurt.
Storing Extra Cinnamon Rolls
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Easy Healthier Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough+Filling
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- 1 banana
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Icing
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Open crescent roll dough. Spread it out and make sure there are no spaces in the dough.
- In a bowl, mash banana and add cinnamon and vanilla. Mix it all together.
- Spread banana mixture all over the dough. Starting at one end roll it up. Cut into 1/2 inch slices.
- Lay on a parchment lined baking sheet and cook for 13-15 minutes.
Icing
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix with a mixer until it turns to icing. Frost while the cinnamon rolls are warm.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These look incredible and easy to make with little helpers!
these are cheap, easy to make, healthier, and delicious!! I feel leads guilty making these for my kids no where near the amount of sugar in store bought cinnamon rolls
I am so glad you love these cinnamon rolls!
These are so good. First time I made them in the oven and they were perfect. Second time I thought I’d try the air fryer. I followed the instructions on the crescent roll package but they were still under done I put them in a little longer and the outside was burnt but the inside still under done. Definitely make them in the oven.
Great tip! And I’m glad you enjoyed them!