Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Vegan cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These soft, pillowy rolls feature a heavenly combination of cinnamon and sugar, all topped with a creamy glaze. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or dessert, their rich flavor and fluffy texture will captivate your taste buds and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Ideal for gatherings or cozy mornings at home, these vegan cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious rolls.
- Delicious Flavor: The warm mixture of cinnamon and sugar creates a comforting taste that appeals to all ages.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert; these rolls fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to make them uniquely yours!
- Plant-Based Goodness: Enjoy a sweet treat that aligns with vegan dietary choices without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your vegan cinnamon rolls effectively, having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Rolling pin: This tool helps you achieve the perfect dough thickness, ensuring even baking results.
- Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures your rolls rise properly and bake evenly, giving you perfect results every time.

Ingredients
To create these scrumptious vegan cinnamon rolls, gather the following ingredients:
For the Dough
- 1 cup almond milk (or any another 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 your almond milk until it’s lukewarm.
- Sprinkle in the instant dry yeast along with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the remaining sugar, canola oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill
- After rising, punch down the dough gently to remove air bubbles.
- Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick on a floured surface.
- Spread the vegan butter over the dough evenly followed by brown sugar mixed with cinnamon.
Step 4: Shape and Cut Rolls
- Starting from one long edge of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape.
- Slice the rolled dough into 9 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Final Rise and Bake
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Prepare Glaze
- While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 7: Serve
- Once baked, let cool slightly before drizzling with glaze.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious vegan cinnamon rolls!
How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Serving vegan cinnamon rolls can elevate your breakfast or dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy them!
With Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Banana Slices: Add banana slices on top for extra sweetness and creaminess.
Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds a rich flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Accompanied by Dairy-Free Cream Cheese
- Vegan Cream Cheese: Spread some vegan cream cheese on warm rolls for a tangy touch that enhances the flavors.
Enjoyed with Nut Butter
- Almond or Peanut Butter: Spread nut butter on your cinnamon rolls for a protein boost and nutty flavor.
Served with Hot Coffee or Tea
- Coffee: Pair your rolls with a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweetness.
- Herbal Tea: For a lighter option, serve with herbal tea for a soothing experience.
How to Perfect Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Perfecting vegan cinnamon rolls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time!
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rise and fluffiness in the dough.
- Knead Well: Knead the dough until it’s smooth; this helps develop gluten for better texture.
- Let It Rise Properly: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size for light rolls.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them while baking; overbaking can lead to dry rolls.
- Glaze While Warm: Drizzle the glaze on warm rolls so it melts into every crevice for maximum flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Pairing side dishes with vegan cinnamon rolls can create a delightful meal. Here are some excellent options!
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits that adds freshness and balance.
- Oatmeal: Warm bowls of oatmeal topped with fruits provide heartiness alongside sweet rolls.
- Smoothie: A refreshing smoothie made from spinach, banana, and almond milk complements the sweetness nicely.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy dish offers texture contrast and can be flavored with vanilla or cocoa.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fruits for added crunch and nutrition.
- Granola Bars: Chewy granola bars make for an excellent snack option alongside your cinnamon rolls.
- Savory Breakfast Hash: A mix of sautéed veggies provides a savory balance to the sweet rolls.
- Coconut Milk Rice Pudding: This creamy dessert pairs well due to its comforting texture and mild sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking vegan cinnamon rolls can be delightful, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Bold yeast selection: Using expired or inactive yeast can lead to dense rolls. Always check the expiration date and ensure it’s active before use.
- Bold measuring flour incorrectly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Bold skipping the rising time: Not allowing the dough to rise properly will result in tough rolls. Be patient and let it double in size for the best texture.
- Bold overworking the dough: Kneading too much can make the dough tough. Mix until just combined, then gently knead until smooth.
- Bold ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can impact texture. Preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store vegan cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
- Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap rolls in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place one roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds, checking for warmth.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and cover with a lid. Warm rolls for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making vegan cinnamon rolls.
Can I use almond milk instead of other non-dairy milk for Vegan Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, almond milk works perfectly! You can also choose soy, oat, or any other non-dairy milk as an alternative.
How do I know when my dough is ready?
The dough should double in size during the rising time. It should feel soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky when touched.
Can I customize my Vegan Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to your filling for added flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead. Just dissolve it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to your mixture.
How can I make my Vegan Cinnamon Rolls healthier?
Consider reducing sugar or using whole wheat flour as a substitute to increase fiber content while keeping them delicious!
Final Thoughts
Vegan cinnamon rolls are a versatile treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Their sweet aroma and fluffy texture are sure to please anyone who tries them. Customize with your favorite fillings or toppings to create your unique version!
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in the warmth and sweetness of these Vegan Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Soft and fluffy, each roll is generously swirled with a heavenly combination of cinnamon and sugar, then topped with a creamy glaze that adds the finishing touch. Whether enjoyed as a cozy breakfast or a delectable dessert, these rolls will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table. Easy to make and customizable to suit your taste, they are sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 9 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 2½ teaspoons instant dry yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup canola oil (or other plant-based oil)
- 3⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup vegan butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1½ tablespoons dairy-free milk
Instructions
- Warm the almond milk until lukewarm. Sprinkle in yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar; let sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add remaining sugar, canola oil, salt, and flour; mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth; let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, roll out into a rectangle, spread vegan butter, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll tightly into a log shape, slice into 9 pieces, and place in a greased baking dish.
- Let rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract for glaze; drizzle over warm rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (80g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg