The Ultimate Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Plant-Based Baking Enthusiasts

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There’s something truly magical about the smell of cinnamon rolls in the oven. Fluffy, sticky, and comforting meets indulgent; these snacks are perfect. With increasing numbers of people mainly trying plant-based diets or just baking vegan, remaking everyone’s favorite cinnamon rolls vegan-style is now less an obstacle course than an opportunity!

Where to find tips on making vegan cinnamon rolls: This guide walks you through everything you need to know to create the perfect ones. Whether you’re a veteran from scratch baker, a health-conscious cook, or someone who needs a fun weekend project, we have a recipe for you. From ingredients to step-by-step instructions, tips, and creative variations, you’ll learn how to bake everything plant-based.

Why Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Are Taking Over Bakeries 

As more people explore a plant-based diet’s health, environmental, or ethical benefits, vegan baking is expanding rapidly. The emphasis on dairy-free and egg-free ingredients doesn’t require solemn sacrifice regarding taste or wellness. With recipes such as vegan cinnamon rolls, you get all the indulgence without traditional baked goods’ cholesterol or high saturated fat content.

Baking at home also offers the thrill of customization, the comfort of knowing exactly what’s in your food, and the pleasure of offering something wholesome and delicious to the people you love.

The Origins of Cinnamon Rolls & Making Them Vegan 

Originally from Northern Europe, cinnamon rolls (kanelbullar in Sweden) are so popular today around the world and have influenced the tastes of many countries. Traditional recipes use butter, milk, and eggs for a sweet and tender texture. The test of veganizing cinnamon rolls is keeping that signature taste and fluff while not using animal-based products.

Fortunately, with the right replacements and some techniques, you can achieve that classic mouthfeel while remaining on the plant side.

Step-By-Step Guide to Baking Vegan Cinnamon Rolls 

Ingredients You’ll Need 

For the Dough:

1. 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2. 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
3. 1 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk works best)
4. ¼ cup vegan butter (softened)
5. ¼ cup sugar
6. ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1. ½ cup brown sugar
2. 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3. 3 tablespoons vegan butter (melted)

For the Glaze:

1. 1 cup powdered sugar
2. 2 tablespoons almond milk
3. ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

1. Activate the Yeast: Heat your plant-based milk until it’s warm (not hot). Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Set aside for 5-10 minutes until bubbles form.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and softened vegan butter. Mix well and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Proof the Dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles.
4. Prepare the Filling: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
5. Roll and Fill: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Brush melted vegan butter over it and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface.
6. Shape the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Place the pieces in a greased baking dish.
7. Second Proof: Cover the rolls and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden on top.
9. Make the Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the warm rolls.

Enjoy your soft, melt-in-your-mouth vegan cinnamon rolls!

Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Cinnamon Rolls 

1. Soft Dough: Don’t overuse flour when kneading. A slightly tacky dough results in fluffier rolls.
2. Even Filling: Spread your cinnamon-sugar filling evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
3. Prevent Dryness: Bake until just golden brown. Avoid overbaking, which can make the rolls dry.

Health Benefits of Vegan Cinnamon Rolls 

1. Cholesterol-Free: Plant-based baking eliminates cholesterol, which is excellent for heart health.
2. Low in Saturated Fat: Vegan butter and almond milk reduce unhealthy fats compared to traditional recipes.
3. Rich in Spices: Cinnamon, the star ingredient, is known for its anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-regulating properties.

Customizing Your Cinnamon Rolls 

1. Add-Ins: Mix raisins, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries into the filling.
2. Frosting Options: Swap the glaze with vegan cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
3. Alternative Flavors: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or orange zest for seasonal twists.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour blends and adjust moisture with extra almond milk.

From Our Kitchen to Yours 

Recently, one of our readers tried this recipe, and upon trying it, our reader Sarah reported: “Hands down, the best vegan cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had! “They’re soft, sweet enough, and  easy to make!

We love hearing stories like Sarah’s—they inspire us to keep experimenting and creating recipes that align with the tenets of plant-based living without skimping on indulgence.

Time to Get Baking! 

Now that you know all the steps and tips for making the perfect vegan cinnamon roll, it’s time to preheat that oven! Let us know how it goes, and don’t forget to try variations on the creative!

For more tasty vegan baking recipes, subscribe to our email list and join our community of plant-based food lovers. Your story might even appear on our next blog post!

Why Go Vegan with Your Baking? 

Opting for vegan baking is not only a delicious choice but also a purposeful choice. Plant-based ingredients help you heal the world! Traditional baking uses many animal byproducts, which can put a greater strain on the environment due to resource-heavy husbandry. Transitioning to alternatives of almond milk, oat milk, or vegan butter brings down your carbon footprint even more.

Baking plant-based also caters to a broader audience, including those who may have lactose intolerance, egg allergies, or ethical reasons for avoiding animal products. It’s a chance to welcome everyone to the table, bringing together friends and family around flavors everyone can appreciate. Even better, substituting plant-based ingredients sparks creativity to find new swaps and methods you can employ across a spectrum of recipes.

Whether you’re vegan or intrigued by the world of plant-based baking, one thing is clear: This isn’t a fad — it’s an exciting, tasty movement for bakers to explore.

Perfecting the Art of Plant-Based Baking 

Plant-based baking is more than following a recipe—it’s about knowing how each ingredient works and how you can play with them to achieve results. Here’s what you need to know to take your vegan baking to the next level and ensure every creation succeeds.

Mastering Egg Substitutes 

Eggs in traditional baking usually provide structure, moisture, and binding. Fortunately, there are a ton of plant-based substitutes that perform these functions without even trying. Mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce add moisture, and each imparts a taste that lends itself to desserts, such as muffins and cakes. Flaxseed or chia seed gels are the binding staples when you need them. An essential combination of 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons water replaces one egg in most recipes.

Choosing the Right Plant-Based Milk 

Plant-based milk runs the gamut in terms of nutrition. Both almond and oat milk are light enough not to overpower most recipes and are good across the board. If richness is paramount — you’re making custards or richly textured cakes, for example — then coconut or cashew milk is ideal. Always experiment with your batter and taste-test it to ensure the milk adds depth to the overall flavor.

The Importance of Texture in Vegan Baking 

Plant-based baking can be tricky about texture. Ingredients like eggs or dairy butter are the main contributors to fluffiness in traditional recipes, so makers of plant-based desserts must lean on substitutes like aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or plant-based yogurt. Depending on the recipe and what substitutes are being used, baking time and temperature adjustments might also be necessary.

Community Favorites to Inspire You 

We requested our readers to send in their favorite plant-based baked creations, and we’re featuring some standout ideas here to inspire your next treat:

1. Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: A citrusy, perfumed loaf that’s lovely with a light glaze.
2. Dark Chocolate Avocado Brownies: Silky, decadent, and shame-free—filled with healthy fats!
3. Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins: Perfect for breakfast or a snack, with bursts of juicy blueberries in every bite.

Get Creative and Share Your Success 

Your kitchen is a great place to experiment and expand your cooking skills. And whether you’re returning to classic recipes or developing new ones, the range of plant-based baking is infinite. We would love for you all to share your favorite recipes and experiences; tag us so we can celebrate with you!

Our goal is to empower you to bake delicious treats that are better for the planet and better for you and are a joy to share with others.

Conclusion

Using plant-based ingredients creates delicious and satisfying desserts and contributes to a more sustainable and health-conscious lifestyle. These recipes show that you can be indulgent and eat mindfully simultaneously. “I hope this inspires all of you to experiment in the kitchen and share the joy with every bite.” Every step toward plant-based baking is in the right direction—for you, the people you love, and the Earth.

1. Can I make these vegan cinnamon rolls gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, gluten-free dough tends to be more delicate, so you may need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum or extra almond milk to adjust the texture.

2. What’s the best plant-based milk for cinnamon rolls?

The best options are almond, oat, or soy milk, as they have a neutral flavor and create a soft dough. If you want extra richness, coconut or cashew milk can work well, but they may slightly alter the taste.

3. How do I store and reheat vegan cinnamon rolls?

• Storage: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness.

4. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes, then roll, fill, and bake as usual.

5. What can I use instead of vegan butter?

If you don’t have vegan butter, you can use:

• Olive oil (for a more neutral taste)
• Coconut oil (for a slightly different flavor)
• Applesauce (for a lower-fat option)