These soft and fluffy cinnamon buns use almond and coconut flour combined with melted mozzarella and cream cheese for a moist, low-carb dough. The filling mixes ground cinnamon with a sugar-free sweetener and melted butter, rolled into a log and baked to golden perfection. A smooth cream cheese icing with vanilla and almond milk adds a creamy finish. Nut-free versions are possible by swapping flours, while chopped nuts can enhance texture. These buns are ideal for a keto-friendly breakfast or snack with balanced fats and protein.
My kitchen was filled with that unmistakable cinnamon scent that usually means a carb-heavy morning, but this time something was different. I'd been skeptical about keto baking ever since a failed attempt at almond flour biscuits that turned into hockey pucks. But watching these golden buns rise in the oven, smelling exactly like the ones from my favorite bakery, I knew I'd finally cracked the code.
The first time I served these at a Sunday brunch, my friend who's been doing keto for years literally stopped mid-conversation after her first bite. She thought I was playing some elaborate prank on her. There's something magical about watching people's faces when they realize comfort food can actually fit their lifestyle without tasting like a sad compromise.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour: This forms the base of your dough and provides that tender, cake-like crumb we're after
- 2 tbsp coconut flour: Just enough to absorb excess moisture without making the buns dry or gritty
- 1/4 cup erythritol: The sweetness level that hits that perfect cinnamon roll spot without any aftertaste
- 2 tsp baking powder: Essential for giving these buns their rise and fluffy texture
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: This might sound unusual, but it creates the stretchy, gluten-like structure that keto doughs desperately need
- 2 oz cream cheese: Works with the mozzarella to create a pliable, workable dough that won't fall apart
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and contributes to the structure
- 1/4 cup erythritol: For the cinnamon filling that creates those gooey swirls we all love
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon: Don't be shy here, this is what makes a cinnamon roll a cinnamon roll
- 3 tbsp melted butter: Helps the cinnamon filling spread evenly and adds richness
- 2 oz cream cheese softened: The base for that tangy, sweet icing that finishes each bun perfectly
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened: Makes the icing smooth and spreadable
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol: Powdered sweetener dissolves better into the icing for a smooth texture
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Classic pairing that makes the icing taste bakery-fresh
- 1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk: Adjust this to get your icing to the perfect drizzling consistency
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 350°F and line an 8-inch round pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later
- Melt the cheese base:
- Combine mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until you have a smooth, uniform mixture
- Whisk the dry ingredients:
- In a separate large bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt until well combined
- Form the dough:
- Add the melted cheese mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients, mixing with a spatula until a dough forms it will be sticky, so lightly oil your hands to work with it
- Roll it out:
- Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, keeping the thickness as even as possible
- Make the filling:
- Mix together erythritol, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined, then spread it evenly over your rolled-out dough
- Roll and slice:
- Use the parchment paper to help gently roll the dough into a tight log from the long side, then slice into 8 equal pieces
- Bake to golden:
- Arrange buns cut-side up in your prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes until they're golden and set in the center
- Prepare the icing:
- While buns are baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered erythritol, and vanilla until smooth, adding almond milk as needed for the right consistency
- Finish and serve:
- Let the buns cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then spread the icing generously over the warm buns and serve immediately
These buns have become my go-to when I'm hosting brunch for friends with different dietary needs. There's something so satisfying about watching everyone dig into something that feels indulgent while knowing it fits their lifestyle perfectly. The way the cinnamon filling spirals through each tender bun just feels like a small victory in the kitchen.
Making These Ahead
You can prepare the dough through the rolling and slicing step, then freeze the individual buns on a baking sheet before transferring to a storage bag. When you're ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Getting The Perfect Swirl
Roll the dough tightly but not so tight that the filling squeezes out. If the dough becomes too soft while working, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up, which makes slicing much cleaner and your spirals more defined.
Storage And Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat individual buns in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Warm the icing slightly too, it spreads so much better when it's not cold from the fridge
- Add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top after reheating for that fresh-baked aroma
- These freeze beautifully for up to a month if you want to double the batch
There's nothing quite like pulling these warm, cinnamon-scented buns out of the oven on a quiet morning. Whether you're keto or just love a good cinnamon roll, this recipe delivers everything you're craving.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What flours are used for the dough?
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The dough uses almond flour and coconut flour, providing a low-carb, gluten-free base with a tender texture.
- → How is the dough prepared to achieve softness?
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Melted mozzarella and cream cheese are combined with the dry ingredients and eggs, producing a sticky dough that's rolled thin for soft buns.
- → What sweetener is recommended for the filling?
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A sugar-free sweetener like erythritol is used to keep the buns low-carb while maintaining sweetness paired with cinnamon.
- → How is the cream cheese icing made smooth?
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Softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sweetener, and vanilla extract are whipped together, adding almond milk gradually for the perfect spreadable texture.
- → Can this be adapted for nut allergies?
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Yes, substituting almond flour with sunflower seed flour creates a nut-free version without sacrificing texture.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat gently before serving.