Serve Cinnamon Rolls Baked with Almonds

Nothing says “good morning” better than a batch of warm-from-the-oven almond cinnamon rolls, so here’s a recipe created for the Almond Board of California by Emily Richards, author of Get In The Kitchen and COOK. This nutritious and delicious treat combines sweet cinnamon with crunchy scrumptious almonds making them the perfect addition to any brunch – or to enjoy with a coffee.

Almond Cinnamon Rolls

Serves 16

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (550 mL) whole wheat flour (approx.)
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) wheat bran
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) ground almonds
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) packed brown sugar
• 1 packet (8 g) instant or quick rise yeast
• 1 cup (250 mL) almond milk, warmed
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) canola oil

Filling:

• 1/4 cup (60 mL) packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp (10 mL) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) natural almond butter
• Liquid honey or icing sugar (optional)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups (500 mL) of the flour, almonds, wheat bran, sugar and yeast. Make a small well in the middle of the flour mixture and pour in oil and almond milk. Using a wooden spoon, stir well to form soft sticky dough.

Turn out dough onto a floured surface and knead, adding remaining flour, for about 3 minutes or until smooth soft dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Roll out dough to 12 x 16 inch (30 x 40 cm) rectangle.

Filling: In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Spread almond butter evenly over top of dough and sprinkle with sugar mixture. Starting at one long side roll up jelly roll style and pinch seam to close.

Using a serrated knife cut into 16 pieces and place in paper muffin liners on a baking sheet. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes.

Bake in 375 F (190 C) oven for about 20 minutes or until golden. Serve warm. Drizzle with honey or dust with icing sugar to serve if desired.

Tip: For a light vanilla flavour, look for vanilla almond milk in the dairy case.

This recipe has been evaluated by the Heart and Stroke Foundation registered dietitians and is part of a healthy diet based on recommendations in Canada’s Food Guide.