Healthy oat flour cinnamon rolls made without yeast and perfect for two people. This small-batch cinnamon roll recipe is quick and simple and comes together in under 30 minutes. Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free.
When a sudden cinnamon roll craving hits, my five-minute cinnamon roll in a mug is my go-to for speed. Many readers have asked for an oven-baked, small-batch version using oat flour, so I developed this compact recipe that keeps the treat light and approachable. These rolls are intentionally on the healthier side—less sweet and less buttery than traditional versions—yet still satisfying when you want a cozy baked treat for two.
Ingredients (with substitutions)
This recipe is adapted from a cinnamon roll in a mug and adjusted for baking and to be gluten-free:
- Oat flour: inexpensive and easy to make by grinding rolled oats. Use certified gluten-free oat flour if needed.
- Thick coconut yogurt: choose a full-fat, thick variety for a softer, slightly fluffier dough. If your yogurt is thinner, replace 1–2 tablespoons with coconut cream to improve texture.
- Apple cider vinegar: reacts with baking powder/soda to add a bit of lift—these won’t be as puffy as yeasted rolls, but the chemistry gives structure and lightness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: baking powder is essential; baking soda is optional but helps create a lighter crumb.
- Cashew butter: used instead of non-dairy butter for a healthier filling. For a nut-free choice, use tahini or coconut butter.
- Coconut sugar: keeps the recipe free of refined sugar while providing caramel-like sweetness.
- Cinnamon: the star spice for the filling.
How to make these small-batch rolls (step-by-step) + tips
- Make the dough: combine the coconut yogurt and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Stir in oat flour, baking powder, baking soda (if using), and a pinch of salt until a thick dough forms. If the dough looks dry or crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons more yogurt until it holds together. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
- Roll the dough: lightly dust your work surface with oat flour. Transfer the dough to the surface, dust the top with a bit more oat flour, and roll it into a rectangle about 4–5 inches wide and roughly 1/4 inch thick.
- Add the filling: spread a thin layer of cashew butter over the dough. Generously sprinkle coconut sugar and cinnamon on top. Cut the rectangle into four even strips, then roll each strip individually into a spiral. Because this dough is gluten-free and more delicate than yeasted dough, rolling each strip separately reduces tearing.
- Bake: place the four mini rolls in a small baking dish (a 9×5 inch pan works well) with some space between them for a slightly chewier exterior, or packed closer for softer sides. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 19–22 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.
Tip: Leaving space between the rolls yields a slightly crisp outer layer and a denser chew. If you prefer gooey, soft sides, use a smaller baking dish and set the rolls close together, leaving about 1/3 inch between them so they bake into each other slightly.
These tiny cinnamon rolls are perfectly sized for two people—cute, practical, and comforting. Serve them plain, drizzle with a quick icing, or top with a creamy maple-cashew drizzle for extra indulgence. They’re not a super-rich dessert but are a healthier option that still hits cinnamon-roll cravings.
If you prefer a more decadent cinnamon roll experience, this lighter recipe might not be what you’re after; however, it’s an excellent choice when you want a smaller portion or a less-sweet treat.
- Caramel apple cinnamon rolls — a more indulgent, autumnal option to try when you want something richer.
- Kabocha pumpkin cinnamon rolls — seasonal, moist, and cozy for fall baking.
- Cinnamon roll topped spiced apples — a hybrid dessert combining baked apples and cinnamon roll flavor.
More oat flour recipes to try
- Light & Crispy Oat Flour Waffles — breakfast that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside.
- Oat Flour Banana Bread — moist, naturally sweetened quick bread using oat flour.
- Flourless Oat Flour Banana Muffins — easy muffin batter made in a blender for minimal cleanup.
- Fluffy Oat Flour Pancakes — stackable, tender pancakes that use oat flour for a pleasant whole-grain flavor.
If you make this Small Batch Healthy Cinnamon Roll recipe, please share how it turned out—leave a comment or tag me on Instagram at @Okonomikitchen. I love seeing your recreations and hearing what tweaks you made.
Oat Flour Cinnamon Rolls
- Author: Lisa Kitahara
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 mini cinnamon rolls
Description
Super quick and easy oat flour cinnamon rolls make a healthier, small-batch treat when cinnamon roll cravings strike. Vegan and gluten-free so more people can enjoy them.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2/3 cup thick non-dairy coconut yogurt (about 166g), plus 1–2 tbsp extra if needed
- 1 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup oat flour (about 125g)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Filling
- 3 tbsp drippy cashew butter (about 48g)
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar (about 36g)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Icing (optional)
- 1/4 cup vegan icing sugar (about 25g)
- 2 tbsp non-dairy milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the coconut yogurt and apple cider vinegar until combined. Stir in oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined and a thick dough forms.
- Lightly dust your work surface with oat flour. Place the dough on the surface, dust the dough with a little more oat flour, and use your hands or a rolling pin to roll it into a rectangle about 4–5 inches wide and 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cashew butter over the dough, then sprinkle the coconut sugar and cinnamon evenly. Cut the dough into four even strips and roll each strip individually into a spiral. Arrange the rolls in a small baking dish and bake for 19–22 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden.
- Optionally drizzle with a simple icing or maple-cashew cream and serve warm.
Notes
- Helpful equipment: a small baking dish, rolling pin, spatula, and mixing bowls make preparation easier.
- Nutritional information disclaimer: nutrition figures are rough estimates and will vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Gluten-free, North American, Vegan
Nutrition (approx.)
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 237
- Sugar: 9.5 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33.8 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 6.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
SAVE IT FOR LATER! ↓
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