Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
This delicious vegan cinnamon roll recipe was supported by WhatIF Foods, makers of sustainably-crafted plant-based milks made from regeneratively grown Bambara groundnuts. Enjoy!
Everyone should have a go-to cinnamon roll recipe in their collection, and this one is bound to become your favorite. With its soft, pillowy dough, a dreamy cinnamon-sugar filling, and that perfect, velvety frosting, these cinnamon rolls are the epitome of sweet indulgence and cozy comfort.
Hailing from a historic vegan bakery in Cleveland, Ohio, where they were dubbed “magical” and “life-changing” by loyal patrons, these cinnamon rolls are a heavenly treat. They now grace kitchens worldwide, thanks to passionate vegan baker Jen Regan’s cherished recipe.
Get ready to fall in love with the best cinnamon rolls you’ve every taste, just as countless others have before you, as they make their mark as a timeless classic.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With These Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
- Irresistible Swirls of Sweetness: These cinnamon rolls are a mouthwatering fusion of soft, fluffy dough and a rich, cinnamon-sugar filling that will leave your taste buds dancing in delight.
- Totally Plant-Based: Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring plant-based options, these rolls are a testament to how indulgent, satisfying, and dairy-free treats can be.
- Quick and Easy: With simple, straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these scrumptious rolls. In just a few hours, you’ll be savoring the warm, gooey, homemade perfection.
- A Perfect Pastry Pairing: These vegan cinnamon rolls are the ultimate companion to your morning coffee, a cozy weekend brunch, or a sweet treat to brighten any time of day.
Key Ingredients
- Ground Flaxseed Meal: Used as a vegan egg substitute, ground flaxseed meal creates a flax “egg” when mixed with water. It’s essential for binding the dough together. If needed, you can substitute with chia seed meal or a commercial egg replacer.
- Plant-Based Milk: Any type of milk will work in this recipe (in a pinch you could even use water)! We used BAMnut Milk from WhatIF Foods since it’s one of the most sustainable milk options made from regeneratively grown bambara groundnuts. It’s creamy, rich in protein, and works beautifully in these cinnamon rolls!
- Vegan Butter: Ensure your vegan butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation into the dough and filling. Look for a high-quality, non-hydrogenated option for the best results.
- Active Dry Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired for successful dough rising. You can also use instant yeast by adding it directly to the dry ingredients, skipping the initial proofing step.
- Vegan Cream Cheese: Opt for a plain vegan cream cheese. It’s the perfect base for a creamy frosting!
How To Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Make The Dough
Step 1: For the dough, combine the flaxseed meal and 5 tablespoons of warm water in a small bowl, letting it rest and thicken for at least 5 minutes. In a medium pot over medium heat, warm the soy milk until small bubbles form. Remove from heat, stir in the vegan butter, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: In a large bowl, blend the yeast, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1⁄4 cup of warm water, letting it sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.
Step 3: Add the flaxseed mixture, soy milk concoction, and vanilla extract, then stir in 2 1⁄4 cups of flour, the remaining granulated sugar (1⁄4 cup minus 1 teaspoon), and salt with a fork. Gradually introduce the remaining cup of flour and knead for approximately 5 minutes until the dough is smooth. Form the dough into a ball, cover with a damp paper towel, and allow it to rise for 1 hour in a warm spot (ideally 80 to 90 degrees F).
Prepare The Filling
Step 4: For the filling, combine the vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl, mashing them with a fork until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Roll And Bake
Step 5: Roll out the dough into a 12 × 15-inch rectangle on a floured surface using a floured rolling pin. Evenly spread the brown sugar mixture across the dough.
Step 6: Roll the dough tightly from one of the shorter sides to create a 12-inch-long roll, sealing it by pinching the edge. Slice the roll into 12 equally sized pieces with a sharp knife and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 7: Cover with a damp towel or paper towel and let them rise for 1 to 2 hours until they have doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 8: Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake. To prevent the filling from sticking, immediately lift the rolls off the pan using a spatula and transfer them to a cooling rack.
Prepare The Frosting
Step 9: Let the rolls cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, use an electric hand mixer to beat together the vegan cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until the frosting is smooth and thick, and spread it evenly over each cinnamon bun.
How To Store
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cinnamon rolls within 1-2 days, you can store them at room temperature. Allow the rolls to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigeration is a great option. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 5-7 days. Before serving, you can gently reheat them in the microwave or oven to restore their freshness.
- Freezing: To store cinnamon rolls for an extended period, freezing is the best choice. Once the rolls have cooled completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven or microwave as desired.
Variations
Ready to take your cinnamon roll game to the next level? We invite you to explore a world of exciting flavor twists and unique adaptations to make these vegan cinnamon rolls truly your own! For a fun variation (and when you have a little extra time), give this cinnamon challah bread a try. It’s perfection!
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the cinnamon-sugar filling for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Fruit Fusion: Add a layer of diced apples, raisins, or dried cranberries to the filling for a fruity twist that complements the cinnamon.
- Zesty Citrus: Mix some citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) into the brown sugar filling for a refreshing, tangy touch.
- Chocolate Lovers: For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or vegan chocolate chunks onto the dough before rolling it up.
- Creamy Caramel: Drizzle a homemade vegan caramel sauce over the rolls before baking for a luscious, gooey topping.
- Fruity Icing: Add fruit puree (like raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry) to the frosting for a fruity burst of flavor.
- Coffee-Infused: Mix finely ground coffee into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a mocha-inspired twist.
- Glazed Bliss: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a classic vanilla glaze or a maple glaze, providing a different sweetness to your rolls.
- Savory Surprise: If you’re feeling adventurous, try a savory version! Use garlic, herbs, and vegan cheese in the filling, then top with a savory vegan cream cheese or garlic-infused glaze.
Feel free to get creative and combine these ideas to create your own signature vegan cinnamon roll variation. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
These pre-packaged cinnamon rolls contain whey, a milk protein, making them not vegan-friendly.
Yes, Annie’s organic cinnamon rolls are vegan! They come with a dairy-free icing and use oil instead of butter to make it completely vegan!
More Vegan Baking Recipes
Craving more baking recipes? Here are some of our favorites:
- Create your own delightful toaster pastries with these vegan pop tarts, featuring flaky, golden crusts and fruity fillings.
- Elevate your tea time with these vegan scones, which are tender, buttery, and perfect for pairing with your favorite spreads and jams.
- Enjoy the classic flakiness and buttery taste of croissants without animal products in these delicious and vegan-friendly pastries.
- Dive into the world of decadent and rich chocolate goodness with these fudgy vegan brownies that are incredibly moist and indulgent.
- Whip up a batch of these tender and juicy vegan blueberry muffins for a breakfast treat that’s bursting with fruity goodness.
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- electric hand mixer
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
- 5 tablespoons plus ¼ cup warm water, divided
- ¾ cup soy milk, any variety
- ¼ cup vegan butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling:
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
Frosting:
- 4 ounces plain vegan cream cheese, (half an 8-ounce container)
- ¼ cup vegan butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, plus additional if needed to thin out
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- To make the dough, in a small bowl, whisk together the flaxseed meal and 5 tablespoons of warm water. Set aside to rest and thicken for at least 5 minutes.
- In a medium pot over medium heat, heat the soy milk until tiny bubbles form. Remove from the heat, stir in the vegan butter, and let cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, mix together the yeast, 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar, and 1⁄4 cup of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Add the flaxseed meal mixture, soy milk mixture, and vanilla extract. Using a fork, stir in 21⁄4 cups of the flour, the remaining granulated sugar (1⁄4 cup minus 1 teaspoon), and the salt.
- Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour and knead for about 5 minutes, until the flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth. Form the dough into a ball in the bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place (ideally 80 to 90 degrees F).
- To make the filling, in a small bowl, combine the vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon and mash with a fork until the butter is fully incorporated and no chunks remain. Set aside.
- On a floured surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough into a 12 × 15-inch rectangle. Using your fingers, spread the brown sugar mixture evenly across the dough. Starting at one of the shorter sides, tightly roll the dough so you have a 12-inch-long roll. Pinch to seal. With a sharp knife, cut the roll into 12 equally sized slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Cover with a damp towel or paper towel and let rise for 1 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the rolls for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not overbake. Using a spatula, lift the rolls off the pan immediately to prevent the filling from sticking, and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow the rolls to cool fully before frosting.
- To prepare the frosting, using an electric hand mixer, beat together the vegan cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt and beat until the frosting is smooth and thick. Spread the frosting evenly over each cinnamon bun.
Nutrition
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These are AMAZING. I wish I could attach the smell in my house right now to my comment, haha! I’ll be making these vegan cinnamon rolls every fall or winter, for sure. New baking tradition!
So sweet and delicious!
So delicious!
Cinnamon rolls are my favorite dessert! This vegan recipe is out of this world delicious. You have to try it! Perfect for Sunday brunch or Christmas morning breakfast 😀
Great holiday breakfast addition. These are so moist and delicious.Yum
These vegan cinnamon rolls are so fluffy and ooey-gooey delicious! They are fun for a weekend brunch and I’m definitely going to be making them for the upcoming holidays!