Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Vegan cinnamon rolls are a decadent, plant-based twist on a classic breakfast treat that delights with soft, tender dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy, luscious icing. These rolls capture everything you love about traditional cinnamon rolls but are made entirely without dairy or eggs, making them accessible to vegans, vegetarians, and anyone seeking a lighter, cruelty-free dessert. The magic of vegan cinnamon rolls lies in their balance of texture and flavor: a slightly chewy exterior, a moist, tender crumb, and a gooey cinnamon swirl that melts in your mouth with every bite.

More Hearty Desserts

People love vegan cinnamon rolls for their versatility and comfort factor. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven as a breakfast treat, shared at brunch with friends, or served as a quick vegan sweet treat for dessert, they never fail to impress. Using ingredients like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and natural sweeteners, these rolls maintain a rich, indulgent flavor without relying on animal products. They are also ideal for experimenting with variations such as vegan cinnamon rolls with cashew icing, vegan sourdough cinnamon rolls, or even vegan and gluten-free recipes desserts.

These rolls are not just delicious; they’re approachable. By following a methodical process, even home bakers with minimal experience can achieve moist vegan cinnamon rolls that rival bakery-quality versions. For those looking for vegan cinnamon rolls easy, this recipe provides step-by-step guidance to create a soft, flavorful dough and a gooey filling that delivers comfort, sweetness, and a touch of indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cinnamon rolls recipe stands out because it offers an unbeatable combination of flavor, texture, and accessibility.

Soft and Moist Texture – The dough is tender, slightly chewy, and perfectly rises, producing chewy vegan cinnamon rolls with a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Rich, Gooey Cinnamon Filling – Sweet cinnamon, brown sugar, and vegan butter combine to create gooey vegan cinnamon rolls that fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Simple and Approachable – This simple vegan cinnamon roll recipe requires no complicated techniques, making it perfect for home bakers trying vegan copycat recipes desserts.
Versatile Toppings and Glazes – Options like classic powdered sugar icing, vegan cinnamon rolls with cashew icing, or maple drizzle allow customization to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal – These rolls are soft, sweet, and indulgent, making them perfect for gatherings, brunches, or even as a special treat for yourself.

These reasons make this recipe the ultimate choice for anyone searching for best vegan cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls homemade vegan, or vegan cinnamon rolls easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned bakers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls

This recipe includes a moderate rise time for the yeast-based dough, ensuring your vegan cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly aerated.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup vegan butter, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup vegan butter, softened

For the Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons plant-based milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 2 tablespoons blended cashews for vegan cinnamon rolls with cashew icing

Substitution Notes:

Flour: Can use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier texture or a gluten-free blend for vegan and gluten-free recipes desserts.
Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup works in place of brown or granulated sugar.
Plant-based milk: Any non-dairy milk is suitable; oat milk creates a creamier dough.
Butter: Margarine or coconut oil can replace vegan butter for a slightly different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm your plant-based milk until it is warm to the touch (not hot) and pour it into a small bowl. Stir in granulated sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active, which is essential for vegan sourdough cinnamon rolls or traditional yeast-based dough.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and activated yeast mixture. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step ensures your rolls are moist vegan cinnamon rolls with a tender crumb.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Proper rising ensures soft, fluffy rolls with that classic bakery-quality texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Keep the vegan butter softened and ready to spread. For gooey vegan cinnamon rolls, ensure the butter is soft enough to spread easily without tearing the dough.

Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously across the top. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, pinching the seam to seal.

Step 6: Cut the Rolls

Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the rolled dough into 12 even pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion. Let the rolls rise again for 15-20 minutes to develop their soft texture.

Step 7: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. For vegan cinnamon rolls no yeast, you can use baking powder-based dough but expect slightly denser rolls.

Step 8: Prepare the Icing

While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. For vegan cinnamon rolls with cashew icing, blend soaked cashews with a little plant milk until smooth and combine with sugar for a creamy glaze.

Step 9: Glaze the Rolls

Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle icing generously over the rolls while warm. This step ensures a gooey vegan cinnamon roll experience with a soft, melty finish.

How to Serve

Serve vegan cinnamon rolls warm for maximum indulgence. Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or plant-based milk for a comforting breakfast or brunch. For a bakery-style presentation, arrange rolls on a wooden board or decorative plate and drizzle extra icing just before serving. You can sprinkle chopped nuts, vegan chocolate chips, or cinnamon on top for added texture and flavor. These rolls are also ideal as quick vegan sweet treats for gatherings, parties, or holiday mornings.

Additional Tips

Use room-temperature plant-based milk and butter for optimal dough consistency.
Ensure yeast is fresh and active for best rise in vegan cinnamon rolls recipe.
Avoid over-kneading the dough, which can make rolls tough instead of soft and chewy.
Let rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent icing from melting off entirely.
For vegan sourdough cinnamon rolls, adjust rising times based on starter activity.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Cinnamon Rolls With Cashew Icing – Add creamy cashew glaze for a rich, nutty flavor.
Vegan Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls – Use a sourdough starter for depth of flavor and a slightly tangy note.
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast – Make a quick version using baking powder; these are denser but still delicious.
Chocolate Vegan Cinnamon Rolls – Add cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate twist.
Gluten-Free Vegan Cinnamon Rolls – Use a gluten-free flour blend for allergy-friendly baking.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Warm before serving.
Freezing: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
Reheating: Warm rolls in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes or microwave briefly for a soft, gooey texture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per roll)

Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 15 g

These values make vegan cinnamon rolls an indulgent yet plant-based easy vegetarian dessert suitable for any occasion.

Final Words

Making vegan cinnamon rolls at home is a rewarding experience that elevates plant-based baking. These rolls combine tender, soft dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, and luscious icing, providing bakery-quality results in your own kitchen. They are perfect for special occasions, weekend brunches, or simply treating yourself to vegan simple dessert indulgence.

By mastering this vegan cinnamon rolls recipe, home bakers gain confidence in creating both traditional and inventive variations. From chewy vegan cinnamon rolls to vegan sourdough cinnamon rolls, this recipe lays the foundation for exploring new flavors, toppings, and techniques while maintaining simplicity and approachability.

With a bit of practice, patience, and attention to detail, these rolls will become a go-to recipe for recipes for vegans, vegan bakery quality baking, and vegan dessert recipes that are soft, flavorful, and irresistible. Whether served warm with icing or chilled for a slightly firmer bite, vegan cinnamon rolls offer comfort, sweetness, and the satisfaction of homemade indulgence.

FAQ’s

Yes, assemble rolls and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning for fresh rolls.

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust liquid slightly if the dough is dry.

Powdered sugar glaze, almond butter glaze, or coconut cream icing work beautifully.

Yes, following this recipe ensures moist vegan cinnamon rolls that rival traditional dairy versions.

Yes, the vegan cinnamon rolls no yeast variation uses baking powder but will be slightly denser.