Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Soft Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Fluffy Too!)

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

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm non-dairy milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and salt, then stir to combine.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until it’s soft and elastic.
  5. 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

  1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
  2. Spread the softened vegan butter over a large rectangle of rolled-out dough.
  3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 3: Roll and Slice the Dough

  1. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log.
  2. Cut into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
  3. Place the rolls in a lightly greased baking dish, leaving space between each one to allow for rising.

Step 4: Second Rise

  1. Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
  2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

  1. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
  2. Let cool slightly before adding the glaze.

Step 6: Make the Vanilla Glaze

  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. 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

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

2. Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
  • Sprinkle dairy-free chocolate chips inside for a decadent treat.

3. Pecan Caramel Rolls

Pecan Caramel Rolls
  • Top with chopped pecans and vegan caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

4. Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls

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.

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