Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something special about freshly baked cinnamon rolls—soft, fluffy dough, filled with warm cinnamon sugar, and topped with a creamy, decadent icing. These Vegan Cinnamon Rolls take the classic recipe to a whole new level, using plant-based ingredients while maintaining all the deliciousness of the traditional version. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Made with simple, vegan-friendly ingredients, these cinnamon rolls are easy to prepare and bake, making them ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting, plant-based treat. The combination of the rich dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and the sweet, tangy cream cheese icing creates the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re vegan or not, these cinnamon rolls will satisfy your cravings and make your kitchen smell like heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Vegan-Friendly: Made with plant-based ingredients, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for vegans and anyone looking to reduce dairy consumption.
2. Soft and Fluffy: The dough is light, soft, and perfectly fluffy, making each bite a delightful experience.
3. Irresistible Filling: The combination of vegan butter, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a rich and flavorful filling that melts in your mouth.
4. Cream Cheese Icing: The smooth, tangy cream cheese icing adds the perfect finishing touch, making each roll even more indulgent.
5. Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, these cinnamon rolls are a versatile treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Plant milk (soy milk recommended), warmed slightly
• Sugar
• Quick yeast
• Plain white flour
• Fine sea salt
• Vegan butter, soft and at room temperature

For the Filling:

• Vegan butter, soft and at room temperature
• Soft dark brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• Vegan butter, soft and at room temperature
• Vegan cream cheese, at room temperature
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• Icing sugar (powdered sugar or confectioners sugar)

Variations

• Different Icing: You can swap the cream cheese icing for a simple vanilla glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of plant milk and vanilla extract.
• Nutty Filling: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon filling for a bit of crunch.
• Fruit Twist: Incorporate raisins or chopped dried fruits like cranberries for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Chocolate: Spread a thin layer of melted vegan chocolate over the dough before adding the cinnamon filling for a chocolate-cinnamon combo.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the warm plant milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the vegan butter and the yeast mixture, and stir until the dough comes together.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.

Step 5

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 6

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into 12 equal pieces.

Step 7

Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased baking dish, ensuring they are close together. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

Step 9

While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a bowl, beat together the vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, vanilla extract, and icing sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 10

Once the cinnamon rolls are done, let them cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese icing over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Warm Milk: Make sure the plant milk is only slightly warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Kneading: Kneading the dough well ensures a soft and fluffy texture. Don’t rush this step.
• Rising Time: The dough needs time to rise, so be patient! A warm, draft-free area is ideal for the dough to rise properly.
• Roll Tightly: When rolling the dough, make sure to roll it as tightly as possible to get those beautiful swirls in the cinnamon rolls.
• Check Doneness: Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil and continue baking.

How to Serve

• Serve these cinnamon rolls as a sweet breakfast or brunch treat, paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
• They also make a perfect dessert for a cozy evening or a special occasion.
• Top with extra icing or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to warm them up.

Freezing

These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cinnamon rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they are warm and soft again. You can also microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of plant milk?

Yes, you can use almond, oat, or coconut milk as an alternative to soy milk.

2. Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the plain white flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check that the yeast is gluten-free as well.

3. How can I make the dough rise faster?

You can place the dough in a warm oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water underneath to create a warm, humid environment.

4. Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, after kneading, place the dough in the refrigerator to rise overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

5. Can I make the rolls smaller or larger?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the rolls to suit your preference. Just be mindful of the baking time; smaller rolls may bake faster, while larger rolls will take longer.

6. How can I make the filling extra gooey?

For a gooier filling, add a tablespoon or two of maple syrup or a bit more vegan butter to the filling mixture.

7. Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?

Yes, you can use regular butter if you’re not following a vegan diet.

8. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition to the cinnamon filling.

9. Can I make these without the icing?

Yes, the cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but the cream cheese icing adds a delightful sweetness that complements the rolls.

10. How long do these cinnamon rolls last?

These rolls are best enjoyed within a few days, but they can be kept fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. After that, they might start to dry out.

Conclusion

These Vegan Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy icing. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can make these irresistible rolls right at home. Whether you’re treating yourself to a weekend breakfast or serving them to guests, these cinnamon rolls will always be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them warm, and savor every bite of this comforting, plant-based treat.

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