The traditional cinnamon roll recipe is not vegan as its dough contains butter and dairy milk. Most cinnamon roll recipes also use cream cheese glazing, and cream cheese is also made from cow milk. Making vegan cinnamon rolls requires quite a lot of changes to the classic recipes, but I’ve developed a fool-proof recipe that makes it a breeze. You might have tried my vegan versions of classic recipes, such as Vegan Crepes, Vegan Pancakes, or Vegan Blueberry Donuts. If so, you know that this recipe will show you how to make vegan cinnamon rolls the easy way! You can make easy vegan cinnamon rolls at home. It requires some patience and some organization to create delicious bakery-style goodness at home. But, I will show you how to organize yourself to make these vegan cinnamon rolls. Trust me, it’s so rewarding to make your own breakfast cinnamon buns, and I guarantee the whole family will love this recipe. But, if you are strapped for time and want cinnamon rolls in a hurry, you can make my even easier Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls!
Preparation
The first step is to measure all your ingredients into small bowls. Then, place them in different spots so you don’t get confused. Group your ingredients for:
The dough The brown sugar The cinnamon filling The glazing
Ingredients and Substitutions
First, make the cinnamon roll dough. This requires a few ingredients, including:
Soy Milk – I insist on soy milk because plant-based milk with less than 2% fat gives a dry texture to cinnamon rolls. So, for this special vegan baking recipe, I won’t recommend almond milk, for example. Oat milk or coconut milk can also work. Vegan Cream – This brings fat to replace the eggs that are in the classic recipe. Vegan Butter – I am using Earth Balance or Naturli in this recipe. Please don’t use coconut oil, or the dough won’t be soft. Active Dried Yeast – Yeast is a great vegan source of minerals and brings a light taste to the rolls. Cane Sugar – other options are unrefined cane sugar or coconut sugar. But watch out! This last option darkens the dough instead of the typical golden brown shade. Flour – there are a few options. The easiest is to use all-purpose flour, unbleached if preferred. Other options are white spelt flour or a combination of whole wheat flour and white flour. See my recipe card below for the exact amount for each of these. I don’t recommend using gluten-free flours for this recipe because the rolls wouldn’t rise. Optional – You can add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for even more flavors.
How To Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Rising The Dough
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Rolling The Dough
Adding Filling
Cutting Into Rolls
Baking
Bake the cinnamon rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20 to 30 minutes. Note that the longer you bake them, the drier and less soft they will be. I actually recommend underbaking cinnamon rolls to increase their soft, pillowy texture. 20 minutes of baking time is ideal.
Making the Vegan Cinnamon Roll Icing
To glaze your dairy-free cinnamon rolls, combine powdered sugar with softened vegan butter, dairy-free milk, and maple extract or vanilla extract for flavor. Stir until glossy, and thick then spread generously all over the lukewarm buns.
Expert Tips To Make Perfect Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
With these tips, I’m certain you will have no problem making the best vegan cinnamon rolls.
Toppings & Serving Suggestions
You can use this recipe as is or transform with additional toppings like the options below:
Raisins – You can sprinkle up to 1/2 cup of dried sultana raisins or dark vegan chocolate chips all over the dough rectangle, on top of the cinnamon sugar. Make sure you gently press them into the dough, or they will run away from the roll when rolling. Walnuts – Chop 1/3 cup of walnuts into small bits and sprinkle them on top of the rolls before baking them.
Serve your vegan cinnamon rolls plain or drizzle on them my favorite add-ons:
Vegan Whipped Cream Vegan Banana Pudding Powdered sugar
How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Even Healthier
You can use this recipe to make healthier cinnamon rolls. Follow the swaps below:
Flour – Use 2 cups of white flour with 1 cup of whole wheat flour or 2 cups of white spelt flour with 1 cup of whole spelt flour. Sugar – Use unrefined cane sugar or low GI sugar or coconut sugar. Powdered Sugar – Use powdered xylitol or erythritol to cut the sugar.
Storage Instructions
You can store the rolls at room temperature for 3 days if your house is at 66°F (19°C). Otherwise, place them in the fridge in a sealed cake box. They will be delicious for up to 5 days. You can also freeze these vegan rolls in a sealed container. Make sure they don’t touch each other, so it is easier to thaw them individually. Thaw the rolls one day before on a plate at room temperature.
More Vegan Breakfast Recipes
I love freshly baked goods as a vegan breakfast. It brings the best smell to the house, and it’s so rewarding to bake bread. Below I listed my favorite vegan bread recipes for breakfast:
