Quick and Easy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Plant-Based Treat

Read time: 8 mins.

Introduction

For me, vegan cinnamon rolls are like a time machine. They take me straight back to those cherished Sunday brunches with my family. Growing up, cinnamon rolls were a staple in our home, and my mom made the best ones.

When I went vegan, I was scared I’d have to say goodbye to that comforting ritual. But instead of letting go, I decided to roll up my sleeves (pun intended!) and reinvent the recipe. Oops! Some of those trials were a bit of a mess, flour everywhere, and let’s not even talk about the times the dough didn’t rise. 😅 But oh, when I finally got it right, it was like a sweet victory!

These cinnamon rolls are truly my favorite vegan and gluten-free recipe (right up there with my ultimate vegan banana bread and zucchini rolls) ADD LINKS HERE. It’s a tasty bridge between my past and present, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

Reasons to Fall in Love with This Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be absolutely smitten with these cinnamon rolls for so many reasons. The reasons this recipe will win your heart are:

• Ready in No Time: From start to finish, you’ll have these rolls ready to devour in about an hour, making it a quick and satisfying treat.

• Simplicity at Its Best: The recipe is so straightforward that even someone who’s not a baking expert can follow it without any issues. The step-by-step instructions make it almost foolproof!

• Gooey Goodness: The gooey cinnamon sugar center is absolutely divine. Each roll is packed with that ooey-gooey goodness that’s become my new favorite treat.

• Pantry Staples: The ingredients are basic pantry staples, making it easy to whip these up anytime.

• Overnight Option: The dough can be preparing night before, so you just need to pop them in the oven the next morning. I always make these when Mark has an early office day, he gets to enjoy fresh, warm rolls before heading out the door.

Making Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Your Own

I love adding little personal touches to recipes, and this one is no exception. Here are some fun variations that are sure to hit the spot:

• Gluten-Free Version: If you’re steering clear of gluten, no worries! Just swap in a gluten-free flour blend and double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free too.

• Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Want to celebrate fall? Add some pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin spice to the dough. It’s like autumn in every bite!

• Sourdough Option: For all you sourdough fans out there, try using sourdough starter instead of yeast. You’ll need to tweak the flour and liquid amounts, but oh boy, the tangy flavor is so worth it!

• Apple Twist: Here’s a little fruity surprise. Add finely chopped apple mixed into the cinnamon filling for a natural sweetness and a delightful texture. Perfect for using up those extra apples and adding a fresh note to your rolls!

• Frosting Fun: While a simple vanilla glaze is always a winner, why not switch things up? Cream cheese frosting or a maple glaze could be just the thing to take your rolls to the next level. It’s the cherry on top (or rather, the frosting on top)!

• Quick Shortcut: Short on time? Grab some store-bought vegan biscuit dough. It’s a quick and easy way to get homemade rolls with minimal fuss. Just 5 minutes and you’re good to go!

Recipe: Easy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Ever wondered if vegan cinnamon rolls are a tough nut to crack? With this recipe, it’s a piece of cake! You’ll end up with dough that’s soft as a pillow, a filling that’s sweet and spicy, and a frosting that ties it all up in a bow. Ready to roll? Here you go!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 3 Tbsp vegan butter (I love using Earth Balance for this)
• 1 packet instant yeast (I opt for Fleischmann’s instant one)
• 1 Tbsp Wholesome organic cane sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 3 Tbsp vegan butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup organic cane sugar
• 1/2 – 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon (adjust to your taste)

For the Topping:

• 2 Tbsp vegan butter (melted)

For the Vanilla Glaze Frosting:

• 1 cup organic powdered sugar
• 1-2 Tbsp almond milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Start by warming the almond milk and vegan butter together until it’s just about to steam. Let it cool to 110°F (43°C)—this is the perfect temp for activating the yeast without killing it.
2. Pour the warm mixture into a big bowl and sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it gets all frothy. Stir in the sugar and salt.
3. Slowly add the flour, mixing as you go. The dough will be a bit sticky, but that’s okay. Once it’s too thick to stir, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it gently until it becomes a smooth, elastic ball. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size.

Make the Filling:

• Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Brush it generously with melted vegan butter and sprinkle evenly with the sugar and cinnamon. This is where the magic happens—those layers of buttery, cinnamon goodness!

Assemble and Bake:

• Roll the dough up tightly from one end to the other, and slice it into 10-12 rolls. Arrange them in a greased 8×8-inch pan or a round pan—whichever you have on hand.
• Brush the tops with a little more melted vegan butter, cover the pan, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
• Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells incredible. Let them cool for a few minutes before you dig in.

Frosting:

• In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drizzle this sweet glaze generously over the warm rolls for a perfect finishing touch.

And the Result….

These cinnamon rolls are a labor of love and so worth it! They’re ideal for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special treat with family. They’ll keep nicely covered at room temperature for a few days, but I bet they won’t last long. If you’re preparing them ahead of time, just freeze them before baking and thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake them fresh in the morning for a delightful start to your day!

How Nutritious are these Rolls?

Serving: 1 roll | Calories: 225 | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 2.5 g | Total Fat: 18 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 150 mg | Potassium: 100 mg | Fiber: 0.8 g | Sugar: 16 g | Vitamin A: 0 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 50 mg | Iron: 0.8 mg

You Ask?

1. Can I make vegan cinnamon rolls without specialty vegan products?

Yes, you can use common substitutes like almond or soy milk and vegan butter. Just check for any hidden animal products in the ingredients.

2. How do I make sure my vegan cinnamon rolls rise?

Use fresh yeast and warm liquid. Let the dough rise in a warm place, and be patient as vegan dough may take longer.

3. Can I use gluten-free flour for vegan cinnamon rolls?

Yes, but use a gluten-free blend with xanthan or guar gum. The texture might differ from traditional rolls.

4. Is Cinnamon Toast Crunch vegan?

No, Cinnamon Toast Crunch is not considered vegan. It contains sugar and may have dairy derivatives like natural flavors. Always check the product label for the most current information.

5. How long do vegan cinnamon rolls stay fresh?

Vegan cinnamon rolls stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months.

6. Can I add nuts or fruit to my vegan cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! You can mix in nuts like pecans or walnuts, or dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for extra flavor and texture.