Cinnamon Tortilla Rolls – Quick, Healthy & Delicious Twist on a Classic

If you’ve ever craved a warm, cinnamon roll but didn’t want to fuss with dough, kneading, or waiting around for yeast to rise, this one’s for you. In today’s post, we’re making cinnamon tortilla rolls — a lighter, quicker twist on the classic treat you love. With just a few simple ingredients and under 10 minutes of your time, you’ll have a snack that tastes indulgent but is surprisingly low in calories.

These sweet tortilla rolls are creamy, cinnamon-spiced, and slightly crisp on the outside, with a soft, swirled center. Whether you’re using an oven or an air fryer, they come out golden and delicious every time. Let’s kick things off with a little story — and then dive right into why these deserve a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.

Why Cinnamon Tortilla Rolls Just Make Sense

The unexpected origin of a healthy cinnamon roll

A few years ago, I was styling a shoot for a brunch brand in Barcelona — and the client wanted something “rustic but modern, healthy but comforting.” A contradiction? Maybe. But it got me thinking. I went home, dug through my fridge, and stared down a pack of tortillas, some cream cheese, and a nearly empty jar of cinnamon. Then came the moment: what if I could recreate the comforting swirl of a cinnamon roll… using a tortilla?

Fast-forward to today — these cinnamon tortilla rolls are a staple in my kitchen. They’re ideal for when you want that cozy flavor of cinnamon buns but not the heaviness. Plus, with only 49 calories per roll, you can enjoy them guilt-free and even double up!

A smarter way to indulge in cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon rolls can be hefty — all that sugar and dough means they’re usually reserved for holidays or brunch blowouts. But this version is the kind of treat you can whip up after dinner on a Tuesday night. And unlike most baked goods, you don’t need to preheat for long or even plan ahead.

Using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt keeps things creamy without overdoing it. And the air fryer? It gives them that slightly crisp edge in just 8 minutes flat.

If you’ve ever tried lighter bakes like my Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake or Lemon Crazy Cake, you’ll love how these rolls balance comfort and simplicity the same way.

How These Cinnamon Tortilla Rolls Stack Up to Traditional Ones

Healthier ingredients, same cozy flavor

The usual cinnamon roll base — yeasted dough, butter, and brown sugar — is delicious but intense. With tortillas, you cut the fat and carbs significantly. The filling is just sweetened cream cheese dusted with cinnamon sugar (you can even use coconut or brown sugar for a more natural option). And the icing? A Greek yogurt drizzle that still hits that creamy note without the need for powdered sugar.

Here’s how they compare in a snapshot:

Classic Cinnamon Rolls	Tortilla Cinnamon Rolls
350–400 calories per roll	49 calories per roll
Prep time: 1–2 hours (including rising)	Prep time: 5–8 minutes
High in fat and refined carbs	Lower fat, high-protein icing

Perfect for snacking or party platters

One of the best things about cinnamon tortilla rolls is how well they work in small portions. You can make just a few for yourself, or whip up a whole tray for guests — like I did last weekend alongside my Almond Croissant Cookie Bars and Croissant Chocolate Chip Cookies for a sweet snack board. They’re also ideal for kid-friendly baking sessions since there’s no raw dough to worry about.

Make It Happen: From Tortilla to Cinnamon Roll in Minutes

Step-by-step: How to make cinnamon rolls using tortillas

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The beauty of this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. Here’s exactly how I do it in my kitchen when the cinnamon craving hits:

Start by laying out two flour tortillas. I like using regular medium-size ones, but whole wheat or gluten-free versions work too. Spread each one with a generous layer of cream cheese (about 1½ tablespoons). You can go full-fat for richness or use low-fat cream cheese to keep the calories in check — both work beautifully.

In a small bowl, combine your sweetener of choice (I use erythritol for a no-sugar version) with a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture gives you that nostalgic swirl of sweet spice without the sugar crash. Sprinkle this all over the cream cheese-covered tortillas.

Next, slice each tortilla into six equal strips, roughly 1.2 inches wide. Layer two strips on top of each other, then roll them up tightly into swirled mini rolls. You’ll end up with six cinnamon rolls total. This method gives the rolls a satisfying height and a denser center — almost like a traditional roll, but quicker.

For another quick, flavor-packed option, check out how I used a similar rolling method in my Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake crust.

Air fryer vs. oven: which one wins?

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Honestly? Both give delicious results — but if I had to choose, I’d go with the air fryer. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and creates a slightly crispier edge that plays beautifully with the creamy center.

• Air fryer method: Preheat to 160°C (320°F). Arrange the rolls in the basket with a little space between them. Cook for 8 minutes until golden and slightly firm to the touch.
• Oven method: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and bake the rolls for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Pro tip: Watch closely for the last 2 minutes, especially in the air fryer — they can go from golden to too-dark quickly.

Once they’re done, drizzle with the healthy yogurt glaze made from Greek yogurt, sweetener, and just a splash of milk if needed. The glaze adds that classic “frosted” feel — without the powdered sugar. It’s similar in vibe to the creamy finish in my Lemon Tiramisu, only simpler.

Custom Cinnamon Tortilla Rolls: Variations & Storage Tips

Flavor swaps & add-ins for your cinnamon rolls

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One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Once you’ve mastered the base version, you can make it your own with just a few small tweaks. Let’s talk variations — these are crowd-tested in my kitchen and perfect when you want a little twist on tradition.

• Chocolate chip swirl: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside before rolling. They melt into the cream cheese and give you major Biscoff Banana Pudding dessert vibes.
• Nut butter & banana: Spread peanut butter or almond butter under the cream cheese and add a few banana slices before rolling. These taste like dessert tacos and pair well with a drizzle of honey.
• Fruity center: Add finely chopped apple or berries to the center for a fruit-stuffed version that brings in the coziness of a pie. Think Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake rolled up.

Want something richer? Go half cream cheese and half chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent swirl. For a bolder, bakery-style finish, try brushing the tops with a little melted butter and dusting with coconut sugar and cinnamon before baking.

These tortilla rolls can easily go from “weekday healthy” to “weekend splurge” — just like my Chocolate Brownies with Avocado, they’re what you make of them.

How long do cinnamon tortilla rolls last?

While these are best served warm from the oven or fryer, they hold up surprisingly well when stored properly.

• At room temp: Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. I recommend skipping the yogurt glaze if you plan to store them this way — drizzle it just before serving instead.
• In the fridge: You can keep them chilled for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to revive the crispy edges.
• Freezing? I don’t recommend freezing once they’re baked — the texture gets too chewy. But you can prep and freeze the raw, rolled-up tortillas (unglazed) and cook straight from frozen — just add 2–3 minutes to your air fryer time.

That said, these are rarely leftover in my house. When I made a batch alongside the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake for a weekend brunch spread, every roll was gone in minutes.

Cinnamon Tortilla Rolls FAQs

Final Thoughts: Dessert, Simplified

Cinnamon tortilla rolls are proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen or a long ingredient list to create something warm, sweet, and satisfying. They’re fast, flexible, and feel-good — the kind of dessert that works just as well for a cozy night in as it does on a weekend brunch table.

From the satisfying swirl of cinnamon and cream cheese to the crisp edges that form in the oven or air fryer, these rolls check all the boxes: quick, healthy, and crave-worthy.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it or save it for later on our Pinterest boards. You can also follow along on Facebook for even more easy, delicious baking inspiration straight from my kitchen to yours.

Let’s keep things sweet, simple, and unforgettable — one roll at a time.

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