The Ultimate Vegan Cinnamon Buns Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of freshly baked cinnamon buns, made entirely plant-based! This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating fluffy, gooey, and utterly delicious vegan cinnamon buns that rival any traditional recipe.

Vegan Cinnamon Bun Ingredients: A Match Made in Heaven

Before we embark on our baking journey, let’s gather our delicious ingredients. This recipe is surprisingly simple and uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm plant-based milk (soy or almond milk work best)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup vegan butter, softened

For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional but Highly Recommended!):

• ½ cup vegan cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup vegan butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons plant-based milk

Vegan cinnamon bun ingredients arranged on a marble countertop

How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Buns: A Step-by-Step Journey

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Whisk gently to dissolve. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add the melted vegan butter and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Vegan cinnamon bun dough rising in a glass bowl

6. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: While the dough is rising, make the cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
8. Spread the Filling: Spread the softened vegan butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter, leaving a small border along the edges.
9. Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
10. Second Rise: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

Unbaked vegan cinnamon rolls in a baking dish

11. Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
12. Prepare the Frosting: While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the vegan cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened vegan cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and plant-based milk, beating until light and fluffy.
13. Frost and Serve: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let cool slightly. Frost the warm cinnamon rolls generously with the vegan cream cheese frosting.

Enjoying Your Vegan Cinnamon Buns: Tips and Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially for the dough and frosting, ensures that everything blends together smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dough ingredients, avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough cinnamon buns. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Warm Rising Place: For the best rise, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. A slightly warmed oven (turned off) works perfectly.
• Storage: Store leftover vegan cinnamon buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freshly baked vegan cinnamon buns with frosting

Vegan Cinnamon Bun FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions

1. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
While all-purpose flour works best, you can experiment with a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

3. Can I freeze vegan cinnamon buns?
Absolutely! After baking and cooling, wrap individual cinnamon buns tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up before serving.

4. What can I substitute for vegan cream cheese in the frosting?
If you don’t have vegan cream cheese, you can try using a thick cashew cream as a base for the frosting.

5. Can I add nuts to the cinnamon filling?
Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Chopped pecans or walnuts would make a delicious addition to the cinnamon sugar mixture.

There you have it – a vegan cinnamon bun recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Happy baking!