These cinnamon buns deliver a soft and fluffy texture using almond and coconut flours, combined with melted mozzarella and cream cheese to create a sticky, rich dough. Sweetened with erythritol and spiced with ground cinnamon, they offer a warm, aromatic treat suitable for breakfast or snack time. Baked to golden perfection, they are topped with a creamy, sugar-free icing made from cream cheese and butter, providing indulgence without the carbs. Ideal for those following keto or gluten-free plans.
The first time I made these, my apartment smelled like a bakery and my roommate knocked on my door thinking I'd secretly ordered delivery. Seeing the look on her face when I told her these were keto-friendly was absolutely priceless.
I served these at a weekend brunch with friends who normally roll their eyes at healthy baking alternatives. Watching them go back for seconds and thirds, then actually asking for the recipe, was such a satisfying kitchen moment.
Ingredients
- Almond flour: Creates the tender crumb that mimics traditional wheat flour without spiking blood sugar
- Coconut flour: Absorbs moisture and adds structure to prevent the dough from becoming too dense
- Erythritol sweetener: Provides that familiar sweetness without the aftertaste some keto sweeteners leave behind
- Baking powder: Essential for getting that rise we want in the oven
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brings all flavors forward
- Shredded mozzarella: The secret weapon that creates stretch and chew in the dough
- Cream cheese: Adds richness and helps bind everything together
- Eggs: Structure and lift, keeping the buns light instead of brick-heavy
- Ground cinnamon: The warm, spicy heart of the filling
- Unsalted butter: Creates that melt-in-your-mouth richness in both filling and icing
- Powdered erythritol: Dissolves beautifully into icing for smooth results
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and adds depth
- Unsweetened almond milk: Adjusts icing consistency without adding carbs
Instructions
- Prep your oven and pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch round baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Melt the cheeses:
- Combine shredded mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second bursts while stirring until completely smooth and incorporated.
- Whisk the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Form the dough:
- Add the melted cheese mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients, mixing with a spatula until a sticky dough forms, then lightly oil your hands to handle it more easily.
- Roll it out:
- Place dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, keeping it even throughout.
- Make the cinnamon filling:
- Mix erythritol, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined, then spread evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around edges.
- Roll and slice:
- Use the parchment paper to help gently roll the dough into a log from the long side, then slice into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
- Bake to golden perfection:
- Arrange buns cut-side up in the prepared pan and bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
- Whisk up the icing:
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered erythritol, and vanilla, adding almond milk as needed until you reach a spreadable consistency.
- Ice and serve warm:
- Let the buns cool for 10 minutes before spreading the icing on top, allowing that sweet glaze to melt slightly into the warm buns.
These buns have become my go-to for Sunday mornings when I want something that feels like a treat but keeps me on track. The way the icing melts into all those cinnamon swirls is absolutely magical.
Making Your Dough Work
Working with keto dough can feel different from traditional baking. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up slightly. This makes rolling and slicing much easier without compromising the final texture.
Perfecting Your Filling
The ratio of cinnamon to sweetener matters here. Too much cinnamon can overpower, while too little leaves you wondering where the classic cinnamon roll flavor went. I've found that 2 tablespoons of cinnamon to 1/4 cup of sweetener hits that perfect balance every time.
Storage and Freshness
These actually keep surprisingly well for a low-carb baked good. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy one again, just pop it in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Reheating brings back that fresh-baked texture
- The flavors actually develop more after a day
- Freeze extras for up to a month if needed
There's something so comforting about pulling these warm, cinnamon-scented buns out of the oven and knowing they fit perfectly into your lifestyle. Happy baking!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What flours are used in these buns?
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Almond flour and coconut flour form the base, delivering a low-carb texture and moistness.
- → How is the dough made sticky and pliable?
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Melted mozzarella and cream cheese blend together to add moisture and elasticity to the dough.
- → What sweetener is recommended?
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Erythritol or a preferred sugar-free sweetener balances the cinnamon spice without adding carbs.
- → Can these buns be made nut-free?
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Yes, sunflower seed flour can substitute almond flour for a nut-free option.
- → How long do these buns stay fresh?
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Stored airtight in the fridge, they stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be reheated before serving.
- → What is used for the icing consistency?
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Unsweetened almond milk is added gradually to cream cheese and butter to achieve a smooth, spreadable icing.