Name: Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 package instant dry yeast ((2 1/4 teaspoons)); 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, at room temperature; 1/2 cup vegan butter; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons vegan butter; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 6 tablespoons softened vegan butter (at room temperature); 1/4 cup vegan cream cheese (my favorite is Trader Joe's plain vegan cream cheese); 1 pinch salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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These vegan cinnamon rolls are super fluffy, soft, and gooey and they’re topped off with a delicious vegan cream cheese frosting. They’re always a huge hit and nobody will believe you they’re completely vegan!

Why This Recipe Works

I’ve always loved cinnamon rolls. When I became vegan, I was determined to make a vegan version that was just as good as classic cinnamon rolls!

I’ve made this recipe so many times and it’s a real crowd-pleaser. I like to make these cinnamon rolls for birthday parties and family get-togethers and they’re always gone super fast.

I’ve had so many people asking for the recipe and many people can’t believe the cinnamon rolls are made without using eggs and dairy products.

I kept this recipe super simple and you need only a handful of ingredients to make it. Instead of cow’s milk, I used almond milk. Soy or oat milk also work well. Besides, I left out the egg and used vegan butter instead of regular one.

To give the vegan cinnamon rolls the perfect cinnamon flavor, I added a bit of cinnamon to the dough. Most recipes only use cinnamon for the filling, but I think adding cinnamon to both the filling and the dough gives them the ultimate flavor.

I topped them off with an easy vegan cream cheese frosting that gives it the perfect sweet finishing touch.

What Goes Into This Recipe

Flour – I used all-purpose flour. I haven’t tried making them with a gluten-free flour blend yet, but I think it should work.
Vegan Butter – my favorite dairy-free butter for baking is Earth Balance. Miyoko’s also works well.
Vegan Cream Cheese – use plain dairy-free cream cheese. My favorite is Trader Joe’s vegan cream cheese.
Powdered Sugar – for the vegan cream cheese frosting.
Vanilla Extract – use pure vanilla extract without any kind of sweetener.
Active Dry Yeast – I used 1 package instant dry yeast, which equals 2 ¼ teaspoons.
Brown Sugar & Cinnamon – for the filling.

How To Make This Recipe

1. Step: Melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan on the stovetop. It shouldn’t boil.

2. Step: Place the brown sugar, the almond milk, and the melted vegan butter in a large bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Let it cool slightly for about 2 minutes. It should be warm but not hot. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Let it sit for 5 minutes. The yeast should be foamy.

3. Step: Then add the flour, the cinnamon, and the salt.

4. Step: Stir with a wooden spoon until combined. The dough will be sticky.

5. Step: Cover the bowl with a towel and set in a warm place for 1 hour. It will rise and should about double in size.

6. Step: Place on a floured surface. Knead with your hands. Then use a rolling pin and roll it out into a rectangle. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick.

7. Step: Melt the vegan butter and spread the melted butter evenly over the dough rectangle. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

8. Step: Starting at one of the short ends, tightly roll up the dough and seal the edges. Place it with the seam side down.

9. Step: With a sharp knife, cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.

10. Step: Generously grease square pan (or round pan) with vegan butter. Place the cinnamon rolls in the pan with the cut-side up. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 25- 30 minutes until lightly golden.

11. Step: In the meantime, make the vegan cream cheese frosting. Place all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl.

12. Step: Mix with an electric mixer until well-combined and fluffy.

13. Step: Let the cinnamon rolls cool down for about 10-15 minutes. Then evenly spread the cream cheese icing on top.

Recipe Notes

My favorite is Trader Joe’s plain vegan cream cheese. The recipe also works with Tofutti, Miyoko’s, or Kite Hill cream cheese.
If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar (one tablespoon at a time) until your desired consistency is reached.
If your powdered sugar contains sugar lumps, make sure to sift it before starting with the recipe for the frosting.
Make sure to add the cream cheese frosting when the vegan cinnamon rolls are still warm, but not hot. If they’re too hot it will melt and if they’re already cold it won’t be as easy to spread. I usually let them cool down for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs:

How Long Do The Cinnamon Rolls Last?

Stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in foil, they will last about two days. In the fridge, they will last longer (about 5-7 days).

Can I Freeze Them?

Yes, you can easily freeze them before you add the cream cheese frosting on top. Stored in freezer safe containers, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Do you want to make them ahead and freeze them for later? Here’s the best way to do this: bake them for only 10 minutes instead of 25-30 minutes like directed in the original recipe. Then let them cool down completely, cover the baking dish with two layers of aluminum foil, and freeze it.

To serve, place the cinnamon rolls in the fridge overnight to thaw. On the next day, bake them for 15-20 minutes. They will taste super fresh!

Can I Make Them Gluten-Free?

I haven’t made this recipe gluten-free yet. However, I think it should work by replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Could I Use Oil Instead of Vegan Butter?

The recipe would also work with oil instead of melted vegan butter (for the dough not the frosting). But I highly recommend using vegan butter as you won’t get the same flavor when using oil. The cinnamon rolls also won’t be as fluffy.

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I Love To Hear From You!

I hope you like these vegan cinnamon rolls as much as we do around here.

If you give them a try, I’d love to know what you think about them. Just leave me a comment and a star rating below. Your comments really make my day!

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Vegan Cinnamon Rolls