Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and honey wafting through the kitchen. These Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups are simple to make, yet they carry the richness of traditional baked treats. With a nutty crunch from toasted walnuts, a hint of spice from cinnamon, and the natural sweetness of honey, this recipe creates a perfectly balanced bite. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert for guests, these roll-ups are guaranteed to impress.

My recipe story

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering where everyone was bringing a dish inspired by their childhood. My grandmother used to make honey-drenched pastries every holiday season, and this recipe is a modern nod to that tradition. Instead of intricate layers and hours of preparation, I wanted something easy enough for everyday enjoyment. The toasted walnuts reminded me of her kitchen, where she would roast them to perfection before folding them into desserts. With each bite, I’m reminded of cozy afternoons spent watching her bake, and I’m thrilled to share a simplified version that anyone can recreate at home.

Ingredient breakdown

Each ingredient in these Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups plays a vital role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. The star of the filling is the walnut mixture, which provides a nutty richness and hearty crunch. Toasting the walnuts before grinding them enhances their flavor, giving the filling an irresistible depth. Combined with sugar and cinnamon, the mixture balances sweetness and spice in every bite.

Honey is more than just a sweetener in this recipe—it adds a natural floral note and acts as a sticky glaze that ties everything together. When drizzled over the roll-ups, it caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a golden, glossy finish. Finally, the pastry or dough you choose for rolling holds it all together. You can use phyllo dough for a crisp bite, puff pastry for flakiness, or even tortillas for a lighter, more casual option.

The simplicity of the ingredient list makes this recipe approachable, but the combination of flavors feels luxurious. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create something truly special.

Equipment you’ll need

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin (if using pastry dough)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor (for grinding walnuts)
• Pastry brush (for applying honey or melted butter)

Step-by-step directions

1. Prepare the walnut mixture: Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet or oven until fragrant. Once cooled, grind them in a food processor until finely chopped. Combine the walnuts with sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, mixing until evenly distributed. This will be your flavorful filling base.
2. Prepare your pastry: Lay out the dough of your choice—phyllo, puff pastry, or tortillas—on a clean surface. If using phyllo, brush each sheet lightly with melted butter to prevent drying. For puff pastry, roll it out slightly to ensure thin, even layers.
3. Assemble the roll-ups: Sprinkle the walnut-cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough. Drizzle a light layer of honey across the surface for extra stickiness. Starting at one edge, gently roll the dough into a log, keeping it tight but not overly compressed.
4. Slice and arrange: Cut the rolled log into small sections, about 1 to 2 inches each. Place them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for expansion.
5. Bake to golden perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the roll-ups for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with additional honey while warm.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the roll-ups to cool slightly before serving. They taste best warm, when the honey is still sticky and the walnuts are aromatic.

Variations & substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. For a different flavor profile, substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or pistachios. Each nut offers its own distinct taste and texture. If you prefer a sweeter version, add a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries to the filling.

For those with dietary restrictions, you can use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar, or maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option. The type of dough is also adaptable—use gluten-free pastry dough if necessary, or swap in whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm them in a low oven for a few minutes to regain their crispness.

If you’d like to freeze them, assemble the roll-ups without baking. Place them on a tray in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

To make ahead, you can prepare the walnut mixture and keep it in an airtight jar for up to a week. When ready to bake, simply assemble and pop them into the oven.

Serving ideas & pairings

These roll-ups shine on their own but pair beautifully with other dishes. Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make an excellent addition to a brunch spread with fruit, yogurt, and savory options like quiche or omelets. For dessert, try plating them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra honey for a decadent touch.

FAQ

Can I make these roll-ups without nuts?
Yes! You can use breadcrumbs mixed with cinnamon and sugar as a nut-free alternative, or try shredded coconut.

Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely. Store-bought puff pastry or phyllo dough works perfectly and saves time.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can cut the sugar by half or replace it with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar.

Do these roll-ups need to be refrigerated?
Not if you plan to eat them within 2–3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.

Final thoughts

Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups are a delightful blend of tradition and simplicity. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch, or just a sweet snack, these roll-ups are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. They capture the warmth of cinnamon, the richness of honey, and the comfort of homemade baked goods—all in one delicious bite.

Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16–20 roll-ups
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sweet, nutty, and warmly spiced, these Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups are a quick treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups ground walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup honey, plus extra for drizzling
• 8 sheets phyllo dough (or puff pastry/tortillas)

• 3 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Toast walnuts until fragrant, then grind them finely in a food processor. Mix with sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
2. Lay out one sheet of phyllo, brush lightly with melted butter, and sprinkle with the walnut mixture. Drizzle with a touch of honey.

3. Roll tightly into a log, then slice into 1–2 inch pieces. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

4. Arrange pieces seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Drizzle with honey while warm, allow to cool slightly, and serve.

Notes

Best enjoyed warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze unbaked roll-ups for later. Pair with tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired