5 Best Honey Substitutes for Cinnamon Rolls

Quick tip: Maintains moisture and sweetness with a subtle caramel flavor that complements cinnamon rolls well.

Maple syrup closely matches honey’s viscosity and sweetness, making it an excellent substitute in cinnamon rolls. The natural sugars in maple syrup caramelize during baking, enhancing the crust and adding depth to the flavor profile.

When using maple syrup, ensure to slightly reduce other liquids in the recipe if the dough feels too wet, as maple syrup has a slightly higher water content than honey. Monitor dough consistency carefully during mixing.

Compared to honey, maple syrup imparts a more pronounced caramel and woody flavor, which pairs beautifully with cinnamon but may slightly alter the traditional honey sweetness.

Quick tip: Less sweet and thicker, it adds chewiness but may require slight adjustment in dough hydration.

Brown rice syrup is less sweet and more viscous than honey, which can add a subtle maltiness and chewiness to cinnamon rolls. Its glucose-based sugars provide good browning and moisture retention.

Because it is less sweet, use about 25% more to achieve comparable sweetness. Adjust dough hydration slightly to compensate for its thickness to avoid a dense crumb.

The final rolls will be less sweet and have a mild nutty flavor, which can be pleasant but less traditional than honey’s floral notes.

Quick tip: Rich and fruity flavor with a thick consistency that enhances sweetness and moisture.

Date syrup is made from concentrated dates and provides a rich, fruity sweetness with a thick texture similar to honey. It contains natural sugars that promote browning and moisture retention in cinnamon rolls.

Because of its strong flavor, use it in equal amounts but consider the impact on the roll’s flavor profile, as it will add a deeper fruitiness. Ensure dough hydration is balanced to avoid stickiness.

Date syrup results in a darker, more intensely flavored roll with a moist crumb, which can be a desirable twist but deviates from the classic honey-sweetened profile.

Quick tip: Mildly sweet with a slight caramel flavor, it keeps dough moisture balanced but may darken the rolls.

Coconut nectar is a natural sweetener with a mild caramel flavor and similar viscosity to honey, making it a good textural substitute. It contains sugars that aid in browning and moisture retention.

Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but be aware it can darken the dough and final baked rolls. Monitor dough consistency as it may require slight hydration adjustments.

The rolls will have a subtle caramel undertone and a slightly darker crust, offering a unique flavor variation while maintaining the desired texture.

Quick tip: Less sweet and thick, it adds a malty flavor but can make rolls denser if overused.

Barley malt syrup is thick and less sweet than honey, with a distinctive malty flavor that can complement cinnamon rolls. Its sugars contribute to browning and moisture but may affect yeast activity due to lower fructose content.

Use about 25% less to avoid overly dense dough and monitor fermentation closely as maltose can slow yeast activity. Adjust hydration as needed.

The final product will have a malt-forward flavor and a denser texture compared to honey-sweetened rolls, which may appeal to some but is less traditional.