When you think about desserts, cinnamon and cream cheese are two flavors that never fail to impress. From cinnamon rolls to cheesecake, they’re comforting, indulgent, and timeless. But if you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, many traditional sweets are off-limits. That’s where Keto Crispy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll Ups come in—a treat that offers all the flavor you crave without breaking your carb goals.
These roll ups are everything you want in a dessert or snack: they’re crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and perfectly sweet with a touch of cinnamon spice. Best of all, they’re easy to make, require only a handful of ingredients, and can be customized in endless ways.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making and enjoying Keto Crispy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll Ups. You’ll learn step-by-step instructions, ingredient substitutions, creative variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. By the end, you’ll have the ultimate guide to mastering this keto-friendly dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Keto-Friendly: Each roll up contains only about 3 net carbs, making them perfect for low-carb diets.
- Quick & Easy: With a prep time of about 20 minutes and cook time of 15 minutes, these can be on the table in under 40 minutes.
- Versatile: Add spices, sugar-free sauces, or nut toppings to make them your own.
- Kid-Approved: Children love them too, making them a great family-friendly snack.
- Party Ready: Their handheld size makes them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or movie nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple keto-friendly staples. Let’s break them down:
Main Ingredients
- Low-Carb Tortillas (6 small, street taco size): These form the crispy outer shell. Look for brands with 3–4 net carbs per tortilla. Almond flour or coconut flour tortillas also work well.
- Cream Cheese (5 oz, softened): The creamy filling that pairs perfectly with cinnamon. Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
- Butter (4 tbsp, melted): Used for pan-frying the roll ups, giving them a golden crisp exterior.
Sweetener & Spice
- Powdered Sweetener (¼ cup, such as Swerve or monk fruit erythritol): For blending with cream cheese to create a smooth filling.
- Granulated Sweetener (¼ cup): For coating the roll ups after frying, mimicking classic cinnamon sugar.
- Cinnamon (2 tsp, divided): The star spice—warming, aromatic, and essential for that cinnamon-roll flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and powdered sweetener. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Fill the Tortillas
Lay out the low-carb tortillas. Spoon a line of cream cheese filling down the center of each tortilla, keeping it even.
Step 3: Roll Them Up
Gently roll the tortillas into tight cylinders, sealing the edges by pressing slightly. Make sure the filling stays inside.
Step 4: Cook in Butter
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add melted butter. Place the filled tortillas seam-side down first, then rotate until all sides are golden and crispy.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sweetener
In a small bowl, mix the remaining cinnamon with the granulated sweetener. While the roll ups are still warm, sprinkle or roll them in this mixture for a perfect “cinnamon sugar” finish.
Serving Suggestions
These roll ups are delicious on their own, but here are ways to serve them:
- With Sugar-Free Chocolate Drizzle: Melt sugar-free chocolate chips and drizzle over the top.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream for a light contrast.
- With Berries: Pair with a few fresh raspberries or strawberries for natural sweetness.
- With Coffee or Tea: These roll ups make a fantastic companion to a warm beverage.
Nutritional Information (Per Roll Up, Approximate)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Net Carbs: 3g
Variations & Creative Twists
Flavor Variations
- Nutmeg Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the filling for autumn vibes.
- Cocoa Kick: Stir a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder into the filling for a chocolate cream cheese flavor.
- Maple Touch: Add a few drops of sugar-free maple syrup to the cream cheese mixture.
Texture Add-Ins
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch.
- Coconut Flakes: Add unsweetened shredded coconut to the filling.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in a spoonful of sugar-free peanut butter for a nutty twist.
Bite-Sized Version
Cut tortillas in half before filling and rolling to create mini roll ups—perfect for parties or portion control.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked roll ups on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen when ready.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet, air fryer, or oven. Avoid microwaving as it softens the crispiness.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Tortillas: Older low-carb tortillas tend to crack when rolled.
- Don’t Overfill: A modest amount of filling prevents leaks.
- Seal the Ends: Press the seam side firmly to keep the filling in place.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Too high and the tortillas burn before the inside warms through.
- Coat While Warm: The cinnamon-sweetener mix sticks best to hot buttered tortillas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Pan-frying in butter gives the crispiest result. Baking works, but the texture won’t be as crunchy.
Q2: What type of tortillas work best?
A: Use almond flour or coconut flour tortillas with 3–4 net carbs. Avoid wheat-based wraps if aiming for strict keto.
Q3: Can I make them dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter.
Q4: Do they taste like real churros?
A: Yes! The crispy coating and cinnamon-sweetener mix make them very similar to churros but without the carbs.
Q5: Can I add fruit inside?
A: Small amounts of berries can be added, but keep portions minimal to stay low-carb.
Q6: Are they good for diabetics?
A: Yes, when made with keto-approved sweeteners, these are diabetic-friendly. Always consult with a doctor for personalized advice.
Q7: How can I make them extra crispy?
A: Use an air fryer after pan-frying for 2–3 minutes to lock in crispiness.
Pairing Ideas
Pair your Keto Crispy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll Ups with:
- Keto hot chocolate
- Black coffee or espresso
- A creamy vanilla protein shake
- Herbal teas like chamomile or cinnamon tea
Why This Recipe Works
Unlike many keto desserts that can taste overly artificial or heavy, these roll ups strike the perfect balance. The tortillas crisp beautifully in butter, the cream cheese filling is rich but not overpowering, and the cinnamon-sweetener coating gives them a churro-like charm. They satisfy dessert cravings without derailing your diet.
Conclusion
Keto Crispy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll Ups are more than just a quick dessert—they’re a reminder that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor to enjoy a keto lifestyle. With only a handful of ingredients and less than 40 minutes of effort, you can create a dessert that feels indulgent but keeps your goals on track.
Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, enjoying them as a late-night treat, or prepping them for a week of snacks, these roll ups are sure to become a favorite.
