Cinnamon Date Almond Rolls

These cinnamon date rolls have become my favorite wholesome snack for busy afternoons and quick breakfast bites. Packed with natural sweetness and warming spice, they come together with just a food processor and a handful of nutritious ingredients.

I started making these when I wanted a healthier energy boost for my family instead of store bought bars and now my friends always ask for the recipe

Ingredients

• Almonds: Add bulk healthy fats and a toasted nutty flavor. Choose raw almonds with a smooth even color for the best taste
• Walnuts: Provide richness and a softer bite. Look for walnuts that are pale and unbroken for freshness
• Medjool dates: Bring sweetness, chewiness, and natural caramel notes. The dates should be soft, plump, and sticky, not dry or crystallized
• Vanilla: Boosts all the warm flavors. Use pure vanilla extract for best aroma
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the nutty flavor. Fine sea salt works best to evenly season
• Water: Helps bind if your dough seems too dry. Use filtered water in tiny amounts
• Cinnamon: Creates definition and a comforting swirl. Pick a fresh aromatic cinnamon for maximum flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Nut Base:

Pulse the almonds and walnuts in your food processor until the pieces are roughly pea sized. A few smaller bits are fine since texture adds character to the rolls

Form the Date Mixture:

Add pitted medjool dates, vanilla, and salt to the processor. Pulse again on high until the mixture starts to clump and form a sticky dough ball. If it stays crumbly, add water one spoonful at a time until it comes together and barely sticks to your hands

Create the First Layer:

Remove half of the dough and press it firmly into an even rectangle shape about one quarter inch thick on parchment paper. Try to make the edges straight for tidy rolling

Mix in the Cinnamon:

Return the remaining dough to the machine, add all the cinnamon, and pulse until the spice is evenly distributed throughout the rest of the mixture. The dough should take on a deeper brown color

Assemble the Layers:

Place the cinnamon layer on top of the plain nut date base. Gently press so the layers stick but keep their definition

Roll It Up:

Start from a short edge and roll the combined dough tightly, using the parchment to help guide and compress the roll. Place it seam side down to hold its shape

Chill and Slice:

Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and freeze for at least one hour. This makes the dough much easier to cut. Once very firm, slice into half inch rounds

Ready to Eat:

Serve immediately or store for an on the go snack whenever you need it

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I love the pure scent that fills the kitchen when cinnamon mixes in. My kids love unwinding the rolls like a sweet nutty pinwheel treat

Storage Tips

Keep your cinnamon date rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. A freezer bag works great if you want to make a big batch ahead. They stay chewy straight from the fridge or soften a bit at room temperature

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans also work. Dates are essential for stickiness but you can swap half of them for dried apricots for a twist. If you like a more pronounced spice, try half cinnamon and half cardamom or pumpkin pie spice

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these rolls as a quick breakfast side with Greek yogurt or tuck a couple into your lunchbox for a satisfying afternoon snack. Cut them into mini bites for party platters. They are perfect with tea or coffee and make a healthy alternative to cookies

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The joy of this recipe is watching your snack come together with your own hands simple and satisfying. These rolls never last long in my home and they are a great conversation starter whenever friends drop by

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of dates work best?

Medjool dates are ideal for their soft texture and pronounced caramel-like sweetness, ensuring the dough binds well and yields rich flavor.

→ Can I substitute the nuts?

Yes, cashews or pecans can replace almonds or walnuts, though flavor and texture will vary slightly according to the nut chosen.

→ How do I achieve even slices?

Chill the roll thoroughly in the freezer to firm it up, then use a sharp knife for neat, uniform slices without crumbling.

→ How should these be stored?

Keep the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for longer-term storage and a firmer texture.

→ Is additional sweetener needed?

No extra sweetener is necessary; the natural sugars in dates provide all the sweetness and help bind the mixture together.