These honey cinnamon roll-ups are crispy, golden, and irresistibly sweet with warm cinnamon and sticky honey in every bite. Inspired by the flavors of traditional baklava, this simplified version delivers the same comforting taste with far less effort. Made with just a handful of ingredients and cooked to perfection in the air fryer or oven, this treat is perfect for a quick dessert or satisfying snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It captures the sweet, spiced flavor of baklava without the complicated layering.
Only a few simple pantry ingredients are required.
Ready in under 20 minutes.
Perfect for air fryer cooking, but easily adaptable to the oven.
Kid-friendly and great for entertaining.
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
No special pastry skills required.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
10 slices soft white sandwich bread
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts (optional)
1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
Trim the crusts off each slice of bread using a sharp knife.
Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread until thin and flexible.
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Brush one side of each flattened bread slice lightly with melted butter.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered side.
Drizzle a small amount of honey (about 1 teaspoon) over each slice.
If using walnuts, sprinkle a small amount evenly over the surface.
Starting from one edge, roll each slice tightly into a log shape.
Brush the outside of each roll-up lightly with more melted butter.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
Cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove carefully and drizzle with additional honey while warm.
Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
To bake in the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake on a lined baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Servings and timing
Servings: 5 (2 roll-ups per serving)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time (air fryer): 6 to 8 minutes
Cook time (oven): 10 to 12 minutes
Total time: Approximately 18 minutes
Variations
Add finely chopped pistachios instead of walnuts for a more traditional baklava flavor.
Mix 2 tablespoons of cream cheese with 1 tablespoon honey and spread before rolling for a creamy filling.
Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for deeper spice flavor.
Replace white bread with whole wheat bread for a nuttier taste.
Drizzle with a simple syrup made from 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons water for extra sweetness.
Add a light orange zest sprinkle for a citrus note.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soft rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
Do these taste exactly like baklava?
They mimic the honey and cinnamon flavors of baklava but are much simpler and quicker to prepare.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can assemble the roll-ups a few hours in advance and cook them just before serving.
What type of bread works best?
Soft white sandwich bread works best because it rolls easily without cracking.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup can be substituted, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Are nuts necessary?
No, the nuts are optional. The roll-ups are delicious even without them.
How do I keep them crispy?
Serve immediately after cooking and reheat in an air fryer or oven rather than a microwave.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze after cooking and cooling. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes.
Can I make them less sweet?
Reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons and drizzle less honey.
Can I use puff pastry instead of bread?
Yes, but baking time will increase, and the texture will be flakier rather than soft inside.
Conclusion
Honey cinnamon roll-ups are a quick and satisfying way to enjoy the comforting flavors of baklava without the time-consuming preparation. With their crisp exterior, warm cinnamon sweetness, and sticky honey finish, they are perfect for dessert, tea time, or an indulgent snack. Whether made in the air fryer or oven, this simple recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups are crispy, golden bread spirals filled with cinnamon sugar and honey, inspired by baklava flavors and quickly prepared in the air fryer or oven for a sweet, crunchy treat.
Total Time:18 minutes
Yield:5 servings
Ingredients
10 slices soft white sandwich bread
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts (optional)
1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Trim crusts from each bread slice and flatten with a rolling pin until thin.
Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Brush one side of each slice with melted butter.
Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Drizzle about 1 teaspoon honey over each slice and sprinkle walnuts if using.
Roll each slice tightly into a log shape.
Brush the outside lightly with more melted butter.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place roll-ups seam-side down in basket, leaving space between each.
Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
Drizzle with additional honey while warm and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
For oven method, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until crisp and golden.
Notes
Serve immediately for best crispiness.
Reheat in air fryer or oven to restore crunch.
Soft white bread rolls most easily without cracking.
Nuts are optional but add traditional baklava texture.
Reduce honey and sugar slightly for a less sweet version.
