Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Vegan cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. Soft and pillowy dough infused with swirls of cinnamon sugar makes for an irresistible combination. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are easy to make and will impress your family and friends. The aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake is simply enchanting, ensuring they become a favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Fluffy: The light texture of these vegan cinnamon rolls makes them incredibly enjoyable to eat.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making this recipe accessible.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast or a delightful dessert; they fit any occasion!
- Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can whip these rolls up in no time.
- Plant-Based Goodness: Made entirely from vegan ingredients, they’re suitable for everyone to savor.

Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these scrumptious vegan cinnamon rolls, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for an efficient cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for easy combining of all ingredients without mess.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to create perfect cinnamon roll shapes.
- Baking dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and browning of each roll.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup almond milk (or any other non-dairy milk)
- 2½ teaspoons instant dry yeast (or active dry yeast)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup canola oil (sunflower oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or melted vegan butter)
- 3⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- ¼ cup vegan butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons cinnamon
For the Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1½ tablespoons dairy-free milk (oat, almond, soy)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, warm the almond milk until it’s lukewarm.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add in the sugar, canola oil, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface.
- Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl; cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- Once risen, punch down the dough and place it on a floured surface.
- Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Evenly spread the filling mixture over the rolled-out dough.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- Starting from one side, carefully roll up the dough tightly.
- Cut into 9 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
Step 7: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Glaze Your Rolls
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Enjoy these delicious vegan cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven!
How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Vegan cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Their delightful sweetness and comforting aroma make them a crowd favorite. Here are some creative ways to serve them:
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair your vegan cinnamon rolls with seasonal fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for a refreshing contrast.
Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- A drizzle of maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a rich flavor that complements the cinnamon.
Accompanied by Non-Dairy Ice Cream
- Serve warm rolls with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Topped with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
- For an extra creamy touch, spread some vegan cream cheese frosting on top for a rich and tangy flavor.
Alongside Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness and elevate your breakfast.
How to Perfect Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Creating the ideal vegan cinnamon rolls requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results:
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Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Old yeast can lead to dense rolls.
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Warm Ingredients: Gently warm your non-dairy milk and oil before mixing. This helps activate the yeast effectively.
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Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for fluffy texture.
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Allow Enough Rise Time: Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Patience here pays off.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking. Overbaking can dry them out; they should be golden brown.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Enjoying vegan cinnamon rolls is even better when paired with delightful side dishes. Here are some great options:
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Fruit Salad
A colorful mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the rolls. -
Vegan Breakfast Sausages
Savory vegan sausages provide a hearty contrast, making for a well-rounded meal. -
Chia Seed Pudding
This creamy, nutrient-packed pudding complements the rolls’ sweetness without being overpowering. -
Scrambled Tofu
Fluffy scrambled tofu seasoned with herbs makes for a protein-rich side that pairs nicely. -
Smoothie Bowl
A thick smoothie bowl topped with granola offers a refreshing and nutritious accompaniment. -
Coconut Yogurt
Dairy-free yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making vegan cinnamon rolls can be simple and fun, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Using cold ingredients: If your almond milk or vegan butter is too cold, it will hinder yeast activation. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best rise.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your rolls dense. Use a kitchen scale or fluff up the flour before spooning it into your measuring cup.
- Ignoring the rising time: Skipping the rising time means you’ll miss out on that soft texture. Be patient and let your dough rise until it doubles in size.
- Overbaking the rolls: Keep a close eye on the oven. Overbaked cinnamon rolls can turn dry and lose their fluffy charm. Remove them as soon as they are golden brown.
- Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds a delightful sweetness and moisture. Don’t skip this step; it truly elevates the flavor of your vegan cinnamon rolls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds until warm, covering with a damp paper towel.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a lid on low heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making vegan cinnamon rolls.
Can I make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
What kind of non-dairy milk works best?
Almond milk is great, but soy or oat milk also work well. Choose your favorite based on taste preference.
How do I ensure my Vegan Cinnamon Rolls rise properly?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated. Warm dough is crucial, so avoid drafts during rising times.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Vegan cinnamon rolls offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. They are perfect for breakfast or dessert and can be easily customized with toppings or fillings of your choice. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in the comfort of warm, Vegan Cinnamon Rolls that are both delicious and easy to make! These soft and pillowy treats are swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. The irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake will have everyone excited for a taste. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these delightful rolls in no time, impressing family and friends alike. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or topped with a sweet glaze for an extra special touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 9
- Category: Breakfast/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- 2½ teaspoons instant dry yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 3⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Warm almond milk until lukewarm. Sprinkle yeast over and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Combine sugar, canola oil, flour, and salt into the yeast mixture. Mix to form a dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth for about 1 hour.
- Mix melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle; spread the filling evenly over it.
- Tightly roll the dough and cut into 9 equal pieces; place in a greased baking dish.
- Let rise again for about 30 minutes before baking at 350°F (175°C) for around 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze; drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (90g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg