Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls—warm, fluffy, and packed with gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness. These vegan cinnamon rolls are just as decadent as the classic version, but they’re made entirely without dairy or eggs!
With a soft, pillowy dough, a sweet cinnamon filling, and a rich vanilla glaze, these rolls are perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or any time you need a comforting treat. Plus, they’re easy to make with simple ingredients, and you can even prepare them ahead of time for a stress-free breakfast.
Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to making the best vegan cinnamon rolls ever!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
✔ 100% Vegan – No eggs, no dairy, just pure plant-based deliciousness.
✔ Soft & Fluffy – The dough is light, airy, and perfectly tender.
✔ Gooey Cinnamon Filling – A rich mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vegan butter.
✔ Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is probably already in your pantry!
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep them the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Ingredients for Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base for soft, pillowy rolls.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast – Helps the dough rise beautifully.
- 1/4 cup sugar – Adds slight sweetness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
- 1 cup warm non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat) – Activates the yeast.
- 1/4 cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil – Adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Boosts flavor.
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar) – Creates the perfect gooey filling.
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon – The star ingredient!
- 1/4 cup softened vegan butter – Helps the filling spread evenly.
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For a smooth, sweet finish.
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk – Helps thin out the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds delicious depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm non-dairy milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and salt, then stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until it’s soft and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Spread the softened vegan butter over a large rectangle of rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 3: Roll and Slice the Dough
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log.
- Cut into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Place the rolls in a lightly greased baking dish, leaving space between each one to allow for rising.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Let cool slightly before adding the glaze.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.
Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
✔ Use Warm Milk – If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise properly. Aim for about 110°F (43°C).
✔ Knead the Dough Well – This ensures a light and fluffy texture.
✔ Let the Dough Rise Fully – Don’t rush the process; the dough should double in size before rolling it out.
✔ For Extra Gooey Rolls – Brush the rolls with melted vegan butter before baking.
✔ Make Them Ahead – Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
Variations & Customizations
Want to get creative? Try these delicious variations!
1. Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

- Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree to the dough for a fall-inspired twist.
2. Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

- Sprinkle dairy-free chocolate chips inside for a decadent treat.
3. Pecan Caramel Rolls

- Top with chopped pecans and vegan caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
4. Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls

- Swap the vanilla glaze for a maple syrup glaze for added warmth.
How to Store & Reheat Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
- Keep for up to 5 days and reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.
Freezing Instructions:
- Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping, then thaw overnight and bake fresh.
- Or freeze fully baked rolls and reheat when ready to eat!
These vegan cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, gooey, and absolutely irresistible! Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a sweet snack, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone—vegan or not.