Keto Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Frosting
Keto Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Frosting is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Nicko's Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 24 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 49 min
Cost: $17.84 total, $2.23 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened, room temperature)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded; helps bind the dough)
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 0.5 cup Coconut Flour (sifted)
- 0.25 cup Stevia Granulated (or any preferred keto‑friendly sweetener)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 0.5 tsp Xanthan Gum
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted for filling; extra 2 tbsp for topping)
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar Substitute (e.g., Swerve or Lakanto brown blend)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (for frosting) (softened)
Instructions
Melt the cheeses
Place the softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella in a microwave‑safe bowl and heat on high for 2 minutes, or until fully melted and combined.
Time: PT2M
Process cheese mixture
Transfer the melted cheese to the food processor and blend until smooth, creamy and slightly sticky.
Time: PT2M
Form the dough
Add the eggs, coconut flour, stevia, baking powder and xanthan gum to the processor. Pulse until a cohesive sticky dough forms.
Time: PT3M
Flatten the dough
Wet your hands slightly, place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper, and press flat with a flat baking tray (or rolling pin) to about 0.2 inch (½ cm) thickness.
Time: PT5M
Prepare cinnamon‑butter filling
In a small bowl, melt 4 tbsp butter, then stir in ground cinnamon and brown‑sugar substitute until well combined.
Time: PT2M
Brush and roll the dough
Remove the top parchment sheet, brush the melted butter‑cinnamon mixture evenly over the exposed dough, then carefully roll the dough up, keeping the parchment on the outside to prevent sticking.
Time: PT5M
Cut and arrange rolls
Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 8 equal pieces. Butter a 9‑inch cake tin, place the rolls seam‑side down, and brush the tops with a little extra melted butter.
Time: PT2M
Bake the rolls
Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 200 °C (400 °F) for 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the interior is set.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 200°C
Make the cream‑cheese frosting
While the rolls bake, combine the remaining 4 oz cream cheese, vanilla extract and stevia in the food processor. Blend until smooth and thick.
Time: PT3M
Finish and serve
Remove the rolls from the oven, let cool 2 minutes, then dollop or pipe the cream‑cheese frosting over each roll.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 3 g net
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Keto, Low‑Carb, Gluten‑Free, Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Xanthan gum (may contain soy)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Monterey Jack
- Instead of Eggs: Egg replacer (for vegans)
- Instead of Coconut Flour: Almond flour (will change texture)
- Instead of Stevia Granulated: Erythritol, monk fruit blend
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking soda + cream of tartar
- Instead of Xanthan Gum: Guar gum
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Ghee
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon powder
- Instead of Brown Sugar Substitute: Erythritol brown blend
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste
- Instead of Cream Cheese (for frosting): Neufchatel cheese
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Microwave
- Food Processor
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Parchment Paper
- Flat Baking Tray or Rolling Pin
- Small Bowl
- 9‑inch Cake Tin
- Pastry Brush
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melting the mozzarella and cream cheese together ensures a smooth dough base.
- Rolling the dough to an even 0.2 inch thickness prevents dense rolls.
- Brushing the butter‑cinnamon mixture on all sides guarantees caramelized flavor.
- Do not over‑bake; 15 minutes at 200 °C is sufficient.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Wet your hands with a little water to prevent the dough from sticking while shaping.
- Using parchment paper on both sides makes rolling and transferring the dough mess‑free.
- For extra caramelization, sprinkle a pinch of extra brown‑sugar substitute on top before baking.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too sticky to handle.
Add 1‑2 tbsp more coconut flour, mixing until the dough is pliable but not dry.
Rolls are dense and not fluffy.
Check that baking powder is fresh and do not over‑mix the dough; bake at the correct temperature.
Filling leaks out during baking.
Make sure the butter‑cinnamon mixture is brushed evenly and the dough is sealed tightly at the seam.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped rolls for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Not recommended beyond 2 hours due to dairy frosting.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dough, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Frosting can be made a day ahead and kept chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of low carb keto cinnamon rolls in American cuisine?
Cinnamon rolls are a classic American bakery treat that originated in Scandinavia and became popular in the United States during the 20th century. The low‑carb keto version adapts the traditional recipe for modern low‑sugar, high‑fat diets, allowing those following keto to enjoy a nostalgic comfort food without the carb load.
What are the traditional regional variations of cinnamon rolls in the United States and how does this keto version differ?
In the U.S., you’ll find classic sweet rolls, Swedish kardemummabullar (cardamom rolls), and the sticky pecan‑topped versions from the South. This keto recipe replaces wheat flour with coconut flour, uses a sugar‑free sweetener, and adds mozzarella for binding, creating a low‑carb texture while keeping the familiar cinnamon flavor.
How is the authentic traditional way cinnamon rolls served in American bakeries?
Traditional American cinnamon rolls are usually served warm, glazed with a sweet icing or cream‑cheese frosting, and often dusted with powdered sugar. They are enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack with coffee. The keto version mimics this presentation but uses a sugar‑free frosting and a butter‑cinnamon glaze for a low‑carb finish.
What occasions or celebrations are cinnamon rolls traditionally associated with in American culture?
Cinnamon rolls are a staple at weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, and coffee‑shop gatherings. They are also popular for family breakfast treats on holidays like Thanksgiving or New Year’s when a comforting, sweet pastry is desired.
What makes low carb keto cinnamon rolls special or unique in keto cuisine?
These rolls achieve a fluffy, buttery crumb without wheat flour, using coconut flour and mozzarella for structure. The use of a sugar‑free sweetener and a rich cream‑cheese frosting keeps the net carbs under 5 g per roll, making them rare in keto cuisine where baked pastries are often avoided.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making low carb keto cinnamon rolls from Nicko's Kitchen?
Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, which can make it tough, using too much coconut flour leading to a dry roll, and under‑baking which leaves the interior gummy. Follow the exact thickness and baking time, and brush the butter mixture on all sides for even caramelization.
Why does this low carb keto cinnamon roll recipe use mozzarella cheese instead of more traditional low‑carb binders?
Mozzarella melts into a stretchy, elastic texture that helps mimic the gluten network lost when wheat flour is omitted. It also adds moisture and a subtle richness, making the rolls softer than a dough made with only cream cheese and coconut flour.
Can I make the low carb keto cinnamon rolls ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. The rolled dough can be wrapped tightly in plastic and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. After baking, store the cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze individually for up to a month.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the low carb keto cinnamon rolls are done baking?
The tops should be golden‑brown with a glossy sheen from the butter‑cinnamon glaze. When gently pressed, the rolls should feel firm on the outside but still soft and springy inside. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
What does the YouTube channel Nicko's Kitchen specialize in?
Nicko's Kitchen focuses on budget‑friendly, family‑size meals and low‑carb/keto adaptations of classic comfort foods. The channel emphasizes simple techniques, accessible ingredients, and step‑by‑step visual guides for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Nicko's Kitchen's approach to keto cooking differ from other keto cooking channels?
Nicko's Kitchen blends traditional comfort‑food flavors with keto modifications, often using clever ingredient swaps like mozzarella for binding. The channel prioritizes cost‑effective ingredients and clear visual instructions, making keto cooking approachable for families on a budget.
What other keto recipes is the YouTube channel Nicko's Kitchen known for?
Nicko's Kitchen is known for keto-friendly pizza crusts, low‑carb bread rolls, cauliflower mac and cheese, and sugar‑free desserts such as chocolate mousse and almond flour cookies.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
