Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. That warm, sweet aroma wraps around your kitchen like a cozy blanket on a cold morning. Now imagine enjoying that same comforting experience—without any dairy or eggs. Yes, it’s absolutely possible. These vegan cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, gooey in the center, and topped with a creamy plant-based frosting that melts into every swirl.
This step-by-step vegan cinnamon rolls recipe is designed for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re preparing a special weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe delivers consistent, professional-level results. And the best part? You don’t need complicated ingredients or advanced baking skills.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to create perfectly fluffy vegan cinnamon rolls from scratch. Ready to turn your kitchen into a plant-based bakery? Let’s dive in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the baking process, let’s talk ingredients. Using high-quality components makes all the difference between average cinnamon rolls and unforgettable ones.
Dough Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the soft, fluffy vegan dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm unsweetened almond milk (about 110°F)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegan butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The warm almond milk activates the yeast and helps the dough rise beautifully. Vegan butter adds richness, while sugar feeds the yeast and enhances flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute oat milk or soy milk for almond milk—just ensure it’s unsweetened.
Cinnamon Sugar Filling Ingredients
The filling is where the magic happens. That gooey swirl inside each roll comes from:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup softened vegan butter
Brown sugar creates that deep caramel-like sweetness, while cinnamon adds warmth and spice. The softened vegan butter ensures the filling spreads smoothly across the dough.
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
No cinnamon roll is complete without frosting. For a creamy, tangy topping, you’ll need:
- 4 oz vegan cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons plant milk (if needed for consistency)
This frosting balances sweetness with a slight tang, just like traditional cream cheese frosting—but entirely dairy-free.
Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives
Don’t have all-purpose flour? Bread flour works too and gives a slightly chewier texture. Want a healthier twist? You can replace half the flour with whole wheat flour. Coconut sugar can substitute brown sugar, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
The key is maintaining balance. Baking is like chemistry—every ingredient plays a role. But once you understand the purpose behind each one, you can confidently customize the recipe to suit your preferences.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Now comes the exciting part—bringing everything together.
Step 1 – Activate the Yeast
Warm plant-based milk until lukewarm (not hot). Stir in sugar and yeast, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This confirms the yeast is active.
Step 2 – Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and melted vegan butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3 – Kneading for the Perfect Texture
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or mixer until smooth and elastic. This develops structure for fluffy rolls.
Step 4 – First Rise (Proofing the Dough)
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.
Step 5 – Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened vegan butter into a spreadable paste. Set aside.
Step 6 – Rolling and Shaping the Dough
Roll dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread filling evenly, then roll tightly into a log. Slice into equal rolls.
Step 7 – Second Rise
Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 8 – Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
Step 9 – Preparing the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of plant milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 10 – Frosting and Serving
Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts slightly. Serve fresh for soft, fluffy, bakery-style vegan cinnamon rolls.
Tips for Soft and Fluffy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
If you want truly bakery-style results, keep these professional tips in mind:
- Measure flour correctly – Spoon and level instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Don’t overheat plant milk – Warm, not hot.
- Allow full rise time – Rushing equals dense rolls.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth frosting.
- Avoid overbaking – Slightly underbaked is better than dry.
Think of yeast dough like a living thing—it needs warmth, time, and care. Treat it right, and it rewards you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go wrong. Here are common pitfalls:
- Using expired yeast
- Adding too much flour
- Skipping the second rise
- Rolling the dough too thin
- Baking at incorrect temperature
Each step builds on the previous one. Precision and patience make all the difference.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover vegan cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat:
- Microwave for 15–20 seconds
- Warm in oven at 300°F for 5–8 minutes
You can also freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.
Variations and Flavor Twists
Want to get creative? Try these ideas:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling
- Mix orange zest into the frosting
- Add cocoa powder for chocolate cinnamon rolls
- Drizzle maple glaze instead of cream cheese frosting
Small changes create entirely new flavor experiences.
Nutritional Information
While cinnamon rolls are indulgent, making them vegan eliminates cholesterol and reduces saturated fat compared to traditional recipes.
Approximate values per roll:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320–350 |
| Fat | 10–12g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Protein | 4–5g |
Exact values vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.
FAQs about Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
1. Can I make vegan cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes. After shaping the rolls, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. Before baking, allow them to come to room temperature and rise until puffy.
2. Why didn’t my dough rise properly?
This is usually caused by expired yeast or liquid that was too hot or too cold. Yeast works best with lukewarm plant milk.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend specifically made for yeast baking to achieve the best texture.
4. What plant milk works best?
Almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk all work well. For best results, choose unsweetened varieties to control sweetness.
5. Can I freeze baked cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze the rolls without frosting for best results. Reheat until warm, then add frosting before serving.
These tips will help you enjoy soft, fluffy vegan cinnamon rolls every time.
Conclusion
Making vegan cinnamon rolls from scratch may seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the process, it becomes incredibly rewarding. From activating the yeast to spreading that final layer of creamy frosting, each step builds toward something warm, comforting, and unforgettable.
These rolls prove that plant-based baking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, texture, or indulgence. They’re soft, fluffy, gooey in the center, and perfectly sweet—everything a classic cinnamon roll should be.
Now that you have the complete step-by-step guide, it’s time to step into your kitchen and create something amazing.
