Fat Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Soft, fluffy, and downright irresistible, Fat Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls are what breakfast dreams are made of. Imagine all the classic warmth and indulgence of traditional cinnamon rolls, but with a tangy twist and much less guilt—thanks to luscious Greek yogurt worked right into the dough. These rolls rise high with pillow-y layers and that perfect swirl of cinnamon-sugar, then get blanketed in a creamy glaze. Whether you’re looking to lighten up a weekend brunch or treat yourself with a better-for-you sweet, this easy recipe will have you baking like a star in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Fat Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls, every ingredient pulls its weight. Each brings either tender structure, punchy flavor, or sheer decadence — all without weighing things down. Your usual pantry staples turn extraordinary here, especially with a little Greek yogurt magic.

• Bread flour: Gives your rolls that signature chew and rise, making for a soft, airy dough.
• Instant yeast: Cuts rise time and helps your rolls get ultra-fluffy with minimal fuss.
• Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and helps yeast work its magic.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
• Fat free Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess, tang, and locks in moisture — the superstar swap for traditional butter or cream.
• Water (or milk of choice): Hydrates the dough; using milk makes it even more tender.
• Brown sugar (or granulated monk fruit): Infuses the signature caramel notes into every layer of the swirl.
• Cinnamon powder: The soul of every cinnamon roll — for fragrance, warmth, and that unmistakable spicy-sweet swirl.
• Powdered sugar (or powdered monk fruit): For the glaze, making each roll look (and taste) bakery-perfect.
• Milk of choice (for glaze): Thins out the glaze so it drapes beautifully over every cinnamon swirl.

How to Make Fat Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Begin by combining the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt right in the bowl of your stand mixer. This quick step sets the foundation for our dough, ensuring every bit is perfectly blended for a consistent rise and even flavor. Give it a few stirs to make sure everything’s evenly distributed before you bring in the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Add the Greek Yogurt

Spoon in the fat free Greek yogurt, drained of extra liquid for the best dough texture. This is where the magic of these Fat Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls begins—the yogurt not only makes the rolls lower in fat, but it also brings a tangy flavor and pillowy softness you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 3: Knead and Add Water

Start kneading on low speed, pouring in half a cup of water (or milk if you prefer extra tenderness). Keep an eye on the dough: if it looks too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time. The dough should be soft but hold its shape. Keep kneading for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and just a tiny bit tacky to the touch.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer your dough ball to a lightly greased bowl to let it rise. Cover and set aside for 60–90 minutes, until it’s doubled in size. This is the moment where your cinnamon roll dreams take shape, as the yeast gets to work and the dough becomes pillowy and light.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While your dough puffs up, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon to create that classic sweet, spicy filling. If you prefer a lower-sugar option, swap in monk fruit sweetener—no one will guess the difference once it’s all baked and gooey.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to shape it into a rectangle about 18 by 10 inches. The dough should be about a quarter-inch thick—thin enough to create those signature cinnamon roll swirls without losing any fluffiness.

Step 7: Add the Filling

Lightly brush or spray the surface with a bit of water or almond milk. This creates just enough stickiness for the filling to cling to every inch. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly all over, taking care to get right to the edges so every bite is flavorful.

Step 8: Roll and Cut

Carefully roll up the dough, starting with the long edge, into a tight log. Pinch the seam closed so your rolls stay snug during baking. Use unflavored dental floss or a piece of string to slice the roll into 12 even pieces—this trick keeps those spirals looking absolutely perfect.

Step 9: Second Rise

Arrange your rolls, swirl side up, about half an inch apart, in a parchment-lined 9 by 12-inch pan. Allow them to rise for another 30 minutes, during which they’ll become gorgeously puffy and ready to hit the oven.

Step 10: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C), and once the rolls have risen, bake them for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden. The kitchen will smell like pure cinnamon roll heaven—a sure sign that gooey goodness is on its way.

Step 11: Glaze and Enjoy

While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk for the glaze. Adjust the consistency to your liking—thicker for dramatic drizzles or thinner for gentle coverage. Swirl the glaze over the rolls, let it set for just a minute, then dig into the freshest Fat Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls you’ve ever tasted.

How to Serve Fat Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A little extra love goes a long way when serving Fat Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls. After glazing, finish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a handful of toasted chopped nuts, or even a dusting of orange zest for added flair. A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped topping on the side is always a crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit, a scoop of cottage cheese, or a side of scrambled eggs for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch spread. A piping hot mug of coffee or herbal tea lets all those warm spice notes shine through, making your meal feel extra cozy and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your rolls in a round baking dish for a fun “flower” pattern, or serve individually in cupcake liners for grab-and-go brunches. For party trays, cut your finished rolls into bite-sized minis and offer with dipping cups of glaze for a make-your-own sweet party snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Fat Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls fresh, simply cover the pan tightly or transfer the rolls to an airtight container once cooled. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to 5 days if refrigerated.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, these cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and they’ll taste just as dreamy as day one.

Reheating

For bakery-fresh results, warm leftover rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in a low oven (about 300 F) for 10 minutes. If you’ve glazed before freezing, add a second drizzle after reheating for that “just-baked” touch.

FAQs

Can I make Fat Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand—it may take a bit longer, but you’ll still get those soft, fluffy results. Just knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.

What can I use if I don’t have bread flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour, though your cinnamon rolls might be a little less chewy and a touch softer. If you have vital wheat gluten, adding a tablespoon or two to all-purpose flour will mimic bread flour’s texture.

How do I prevent the rolls from getting dry?

Be sure your dough is soft and supple before the first rise, and keep a close eye on baking time—overbaking leads to dryness. If you store them, keep them air-tight, and try reheating with a damp paper towel to restore moisture.

Can I make these rolls ahead for brunch?

Yes! Shape the rolls and arrange them in the baking pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning for hassle-free brunch prep.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a quality gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for yeast baking. The rolls may be a bit more delicate but still tasty. Always check your yeast and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten free as well.

Final Thoughts

If you thought cinnamon rolls were off the table for lighter baking, Fat Free Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls are about to change your mind. Light, flavorful, and sweetly satisfying, they’re proof you can have the best of both worlds—delicious treats with a wholesome twist. Whip up a batch for your next breakfast, and don’t forget to share a photo (or a roll) with someone you love!

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