There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, and this Vegan Cinnamon Roll Recipe will fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. These fluffy, decadent rolls are surprisingly easy to make from scratch, and the results are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe uses simple, plant-based ingredients to create that classic cinnamon roll flavor and texture.
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm plant-based milk (soy or almond milk work well)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup melted vegan butter, plus extra for greasing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter
For the Vegan Cream Cheese Icing:
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened
- 8 ounces vegan cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons plant-based milk, as needed for consistency
Vegan cinnamon roll dough ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions for Irresistible Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own bakery-worthy cinnamon rolls at home.
-
Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.
-
Make the Dough: Add the melted vegan butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add in 3 cups of flour, mixing well after each addition.
-
Knead to Perfection: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
-
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Kneading vegan cinnamon roll dough.
-
Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
-
Roll It Out: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
-
Spread the Filling: Brush the melted vegan butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter, leaving a small border around the edges.
-
Roll and Slice: Starting at the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 even slices.
Spreading cinnamon filling on the dough.
-
Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
-
Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
Make the Icing: While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened vegan butter and vegan cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Add the plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency.
-
Frost and Enjoy: Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting with the vegan cream cheese icing. Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of homemade vegan cinnamon rolls.
Freshly baked vegan cinnamon rolls.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
- Use high-quality vegan butter and cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t over-knead the dough as this can make the rolls tough.
- Make sure the yeast is active by checking for foam after blooming.
- Let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place. A slightly warm oven (turned off) works well.
- Don’t overbake the rolls or they will be dry.
“The key to light and fluffy cinnamon rolls is using the right amount of flour and allowing for proper rising time. Don’t be afraid to adjust the flour based on your dough’s consistency.” – Emily Carter, Vegan Pastry Chef
Vegan Cinnamon Roll Variations
- Add a pinch of cardamom to the filling for a warm, slightly spicy flavor.
- Swirl in some vegan chocolate chips with the cinnamon sugar filling for double the indulgence.
- Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and plant-based milk instead of the cream cheese icing.
- Get creative with toppings! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a drizzle of melted chocolate all make delicious additions.
Different variations of vegan cinnamon rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, punch down the dough, shape the rolls, and let them rise until puffy before baking.
How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can try substituting up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast, but you can skip the blooming step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.
What can I use if I don’t have vegan cream cheese?
You can make a delicious glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with plant-based milk and a splash of vanilla extract.
These vegan cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite treat! With their soft, fluffy texture and irresistible cinnamon flavor, they are the perfect way to start your morning or enjoy as a sweet indulgence any time of day.
If you’re looking for other delicious vegan breakfast recipes, try our vegan french toast casserole for a crowd-pleasing brunch option, or whip up a batch of overnight oats recipe vegan for a quick and easy weekday breakfast. And for a sweet and simple treat, you can’t go wrong with our vegan christmas biscuits recipe. For a healthy and portable snack, check out our vegan oat granola bar recipe.
