If you have a soft spot for warm, cozy baked treats but want to keep things plant-based, this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine sinking your teeth into fluffy, tender rolls bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness, topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that melts as soon as it touches the warm dough. These cinnamon rolls are not only comforting and delicious but crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel great about. From the gentle rise of the yeast dough to the sweet swirl of cinnamon filling, every step builds to a treat that feels like a big, heartfelt hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe means having a handful of straightforward ingredients that work together beautifully. Each component brings its own magic, creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that iconic golden color.
- Warm almond or oat milk: This non-dairy milk creates a tender, moist dough and activates the yeast perfectly.
- Active dry yeast: Responsible for making the dough rise fluffy and soft with an airy crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just the right touch of sweetness to the dough.
- Melted coconut oil or vegan butter: Adds richness and a subtle, buttery flavor without any dairy.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chewiness; keep a bit handy for dusting.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Gives the filling that classic deep caramel flavor and moist texture.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible and warming.
- Softened vegan butter: Creates a luscious layer for the filling to cling to and intensifies richness.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze, adding smooth sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a beautiful fragrant note that complements cinnamon perfectly.
How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
Start by warming your almond milk or oat milk until it’s just lukewarm – this helps wake up the yeast without killing it. Stir in the active dry yeast and granulated sugar, then let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and alive. This foaming is your green light to proceed because the yeast is ready to work its magic. Next, add in the melted coconut oil or vegan butter, the all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix everything gently until a soft dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface for kneading. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth, elastic, and slightly springy to the touch.
Step 2: First Rise
Place your dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. This gentle environment helps the dough ferment and double in size, which will take around 1 hour. Watching your dough puff up is like witnessing the early stages of a delicious transformation.
Step 3: Roll and Add the Filling
Once the dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches. Spread the softened vegan butter evenly all over the dough to create a buttery canvas. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this fragrant blend evenly on top. This filling is what makes every bite a flavorful sensation.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Carefully roll the dough up tightly from the long side, turning it into a cinnamon-swirled log. Using a sharp knife, cut it into 12 equal pieces and place them gently into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spaced just enough to let them rise again. Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for that pillowy soft texture we all crave in cinnamon rolls.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. The kitchen will fill with the intoxicating scent of warm cinnamon, cutting through the air and making it impossible to wait another second.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While your rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons of almond milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, luscious glaze. Once the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle this glaze generously over each, allowing it to drip and melt into every crevice, turning these rolls into a sweet masterpiece.
How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts over the glazed rolls for a delightful crunch. A tiny pinch of ground nutmeg or a dusting of cocoa powder adds a touch of sophistication to this humble treat.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamon rolls with freshly brewed coffee or a creamy cup of chai tea for a blissful breakfast moment. They also go wonderfully alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of coconut yogurt if you want to add some freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your rolls as individual portions on colorful ceramic plates with a drizzle of extra glaze around the edges for a café-style presentation. You can also stack a couple high on a wooden board, garnished with edible flowers or mint leaves for a brunch centerpiece that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself blessed with leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and scrumptious without drying out. For longer storage, refrigeration is fine but may require reheating to restore their tender texture.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully both before and after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, follow the recipe but skip the second rise and baking steps, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, let rise again, and bake fresh. For baked rolls, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze, reheating gently when craving a warm treat.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes covered with foil to keep moisture in, or zap a single roll in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. A quick reheat makes the glaze softly melty again and refreshes the dough’s inviting softness.
FAQs
Can I use a different plant milk in this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Any unsweetened plant milk such as soy, cashew, or rice milk works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s warmed to activate the yeast properly.
Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?
You can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary as gluten contributes to the rolls’ elasticity and rise. Adding a binder such as xanthan gum can help improve texture.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size and feel airy when gently poked; the indentation should remain or slowly fill back in. This means the yeast has done its job perfectly.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or raisins?
Yes! Chopped nuts or raisins make fantastic additions to the cinnamon filling for extra texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them over the butter before layering the cinnamon-sugar mix.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are common pantry staples. Following the rise times and kneading instructions will guide you to delicious, bakery-style results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade cinnamon rolls, especially when they are completely plant-based and bursting with flavor. This Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe offers you a cozy, sweet indulgence you can feel good about sharing with friends and family. I promise, once you try it, these rolls will become one of your favorite go-to treats for leisurely weekend mornings or anytime you need a warm hug from the oven.
Print
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 1/2 hours rising)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Cinnamon Rolls recipe offers soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced sweet rolls without any animal products. Made with warm almond milk, a tender yeast dough, a cinnamon-sugar filling, and a sweet vanilla glaze, these cinnamon rolls are an ideal vegan breakfast or dessert treat that everyone can enjoy. Easy to prepare with simple plant-based ingredients, they bake up golden brown and delicious with a gooey cinnamon center and a light glaze on top.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm almond milk or oat milk
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or vegan butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup softened vegan butter
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Warm the almond milk until just lukewarm, then stir in the yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make the Dough: Add the melted coconut oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside. Softened vegan butter will be used to spread on the dough.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the risen dough out into a rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches. Spread the softened vegan butter evenly over the entire surface.
- Add Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough surface, covering edge to edge for maximum flavor.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the warm glaze over freshly baked cinnamon rolls before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake fresh in the morning for convenience.
- For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Coconut sugar can be used instead of brown sugar for a refined sugar-free version, though it will change the flavor slightly.
