Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

Would you believe me if I told you these cinnamon rolls are vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free and absolutely delicious? Because they are!

But the magic ingredient here is the humble cinnamon. Did you know that this warming spice does more than just flavor your favorite treats? Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants, boasts anti-inflammatory properties, and is known to aid in digestion. It can also help regulate your blood sugar, making these rolls a treat that not only tastes good, but also feels good!

Whipping up a batch of these ooey-gooey, guilt-free beauties means filling your home with that wonderful, comforting scent of cinnamon - an added bonus! Indulge in the sweetness of life, with the added benefits of healthier choices.

Ingredients

Dough:

1. 3 cups gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum), or Spelt flour (not gluten free)

2. 1 packet (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) dry yeast

3. 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, warmed

4. 3 tablespoons of raw honey or agave nectar

5. 1/4 teaspoon salt

6. 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

Filling:

1. 1/2 cup pureed dates

2. 3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk

3. 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup light cream cheese

• 2 tablespoons raw honey or agave nectar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Warm the almond milk to about 110°F (43°C). It should be warm but not hot to the touch.
   

2. Dissolve the honey (or agave nectar) into the warmed almond milk, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy. If it doesn't foam up, your yeast may be inactive and you'll need to get new yeast.
   

3. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and applesauce. Mix to form a dough.
   

4. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
   

5. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Puree the dates in a food processor until they form a paste. Add the almond milk, and cinnamon, and continue to process until the mixture is well combined.
   

6. After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle that's about 1/4 inch thick.
   

7. Spread the date filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border along the edges.
   

8. Starting at one long side, roll up the dough tightly. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 12 equal slices.
   

9. Place the slices, cut side down, in a baking dish coated with non-stick spray. Cover and let rise in a warm place until they're nearly doubled in size (about 30 minutes).
   

10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they're golden brown.
    

11. While the rolls are baking, soften the cream cheese and then mix all the ingredients until they're well combined. Spread this frosting on the rolls after they've cooled slightly from the oven.
    

12. Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven, let them cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze over top.
    

Enjoy your healthier, gluten-free, ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls!