Let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home during the holiday season. It's the kind of smell that makes everyone drift into the kitchen, still in their PJs, wondering when breakfast will be ready. But if you're like many of us focusing on gut health, traditional holiday treats can feel more like a source of stress than joy. That's where this recipe comes in.
We've reimagined everyone's favorite holiday breakfast to work with your body, not against it. This gut-friendly cinnamon roll recipe is designed to be gentler on the digestive system while still providing a satisfying treat. And here's a little secret that makes these rolls special: we use Ceylon cinnamon, often called "true cinnamon," which comes from the inner bark of trees native to Sri Lanka. Unlike the more common Cassia cinnamon you'll find in most stores, Ceylon cinnamon has a lighter, more complex flavor with subtle notes of citrus and a natural sweetness. Even better? It contains much lower levels of coumarin (a compound that can be hard on your liver in large doses) and packs some impressive anti-inflammatory properties that your gut will love.
Gone are the post-breakfast blood sugar crashes and digestive discomfort. Instead, you'll find a treat that's worthy of your holiday table while supporting your wellness goals. Think of it as your holiday gift to your microbiome!
Gut-Friendly Cinnamon Rolls with Protein-Rich Vegan Glaze
Ingredients:
Dough:
2 cups almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup psyllium husk powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup warm water
Filling:
1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener
2 tbsp Ceylon cinnamon
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
Glaze:
1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp monk fruit sweetener
1 scoop vanilla pea protein powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk, baking powder, and salt.
Add melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Mix the filling ingredients and spread evenly over the dough.
Carefully roll the dough into a log and cut into 8-10 rolls.
Place rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, blend all glaze ingredients until smooth.
Once the rolls are cooled slightly, drizzle with the protein-rich glaze.
Pro Tips for Holiday Success:
Make ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate. Just bring to room temperature before baking
Don't overwork the dough – mix just until the ingredients are combined (think of it as gentle holiday care!)
If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling
Start with less sweetener and adjust to taste – remember, Ceylon cinnamon brings its own natural sweetness
Serve warm for the coziest holiday breakfast experience
Want to make it extra festive? Add a sprinkle of crushed pecans to the filling or a tiny pinch of cardamom for a Nordic holiday twist.
Here's to creating new holiday traditions that make both your taste buds and your gut microbiome happy! These rolls prove you don't have to choose between enjoying festive treats and taking care of your health. So go ahead – fill your home with that irresistible cinnamon aroma and savor every guilt-free bite.
