Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of indulging in soft, gooey, and utterly delicious cinnamon rolls without using any animal products, this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor and creamy vegan icing, these rolls are perfect for cozy mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you want to treat yourself and loved ones to a plant-based delight. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to vegan treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each playing a key role in transforming basic staples into fluffy, flavorful cinnamon rolls that everyone will rave about.

• 360 ml plant milk (soy recommended): Provides moisture and activates the yeast for a perfect dough rise.
• 40 g sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• 1 x 8g sachet of quick yeast: Powers the dough to rise beautifully light and soft.
• 600 g plain white flour: The backbone of the dough, delivering structure and tenderness.
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 90 g vegan butter (soft, room temperature): Infuses the dough with richness and buttery notes.
• 120 g vegan butter (soft, room temperature): For the luscious cinnamon-sugar filling.
• 140 g soft dark brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The warm, aromatic spice that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible.
• 50 g vegan butter (soft, room temperature): For the creamy icing base.
• 80 g vegan cream cheese (room temperature): Creates that dreamy, tangy frosting that’s a cinnamon roll must-have.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Adds fragrant notes enhancing the icing’s flavor.
• 250 g icing sugar (powdered sugar): Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese icing perfectly.

How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by gently warming the plant milk until it’s lukewarm but not hot—this is crucial as it activates the yeast without killing it. Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top, allowing it to dissolve and then froth for 5 to 10 minutes. This bubbly mixture ensures your dough will rise to fluffy perfection.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the softened vegan butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms before turning it out onto a floured surface. This step sets the stage for the dough’s soft, tender crumb.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough

Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic. This process develops gluten, giving your cinnamon rolls their classic fluffy and chewy texture. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

While your dough is rising, mix the vegan butter, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. This rich, aromatic filling is what makes these rolls so comforting and delectable.

Step 5: Rolling Out the Dough and Adding the Filling

Once the dough has puffed up nicely, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, roughly 12 by 18 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the surface, ensuring every bite promises that perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

Step 6: Rolling and Slicing into Rolls

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, sealing the seam as you go to keep the filling in place. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 even rolls. This part always feels so rewarding as you see the swirled cinnamon layers come to life.

Step 7: The Second Rise

Arrange the rolls snugly side by side in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise guarantees that melt-in-your-mouth softness and delightful puffiness.

Step 8: Baking the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through. Your kitchen will soon be filled with that irresistible cinnamon aroma that spells cozy happiness.

Step 9: Preparing the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, whip together the vegan butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until super smooth and creamy. This luscious icing is what takes these rolls to the next level of indulgence.

Step 10: Final Touch and Serving

Once the rolls are out of the oven, give them a few minutes to cool slightly, then generously drizzle or spread the icing over the warm buns. Serve these vegan delights warm for the ultimate cinnamon roll experience that will wow vegans and non-vegans alike.

How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the icing, adding crunch and a nutty depth. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup also elevates the flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai tea or fresh-brewed coffee. For a fuller brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or vegan scrambled tofu for a beautiful balance of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cinnamon rolls stacked on a pretty cake stand or nestled in a wicker basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin for a charming, rustic vibe. For gatherings, individual jars or boxes make for delightful vegan gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover vegan cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for a next-day treat that tastes nearly as good as freshly baked.

Freezing

To save these cinnamon rolls for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months, letting you enjoy a vegan homemade indulgence whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated cinnamon rolls gently in a microwave or oven to revive that soft, gooey texture. Cover loosely with foil if reheating in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use any plant milk for this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?

Absolutely! Though soy milk is recommended for its neutral flavor and good protein content aiding in dough rise, almond, oat, or any other unsweetened plant milk work well too. Just make sure it’s lukewarm when activating yeast.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, the first rise gives the dough its light texture, while the second rise, after rolling and shaping, creates those beautifully puffed, airy cinnamon rolls you’re aiming for.

Can I make the dough and store it overnight?

Definitely. After kneading, you can refrigerate the dough overnight to develop flavor. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling for the best results.

How do I ensure the rolls stay moist after baking?

Cover the rolls tightly with foil or plastic wrap once cooled slightly to lock in moisture. The icing also adds delicious creaminess that helps keep the rolls moist.

Can I substitute the vegan cream cheese in the icing?

You can use coconut cream or a vegan yogurt alternative to keep the icing creamy, though cream cheese adds a distinct tangy richness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about homemade cinnamon rolls, especially when they’re lovingly crafted using this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Soft, sweet, and bursting with cinnamon goodness, these rolls bring warmth and joy with every bite. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and treat yourself and those you love to a vegan delight that’s both comforting and unforgettable.

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