Fluffy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Heavenly Morning Magic

Crafting homemade fluffy vegan cinnamon rolls brings pure morning magic to your kitchen.

Sweet aromas will drift through every room, promising delectable comfort.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes the canvas for rich cinnamon swirls that melt in your mouth.

Kneading ingredients transforms simple pantry staples into an irresistible treat anyone can master.

Warm spices create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a gentle culinary hug.

Baking these rolls means filling your space with nostalgic scents and tender textures.

Prepare to savor each heavenly bite of these plant-based delights that redefine breakfast bliss.

Cinnamon Rolls, the Vegan Way

  • Enjoy a warm, gooey treat that comes together easily and fills your kitchen with irresistible cinnamon aroma.
  • Perfect for brunch gatherings, family breakfasts, or sweet afternoon snacks that everyone will love.
  • Easily adapt the recipe with different milk alternatives or adjust sweetness to suit personal taste preferences.

What Builds Fluffy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Dough Ingredients:
  • Almond Milk: A warm plant-based milk that activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and provides subtle sweetness.
  • Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a fluffy texture.
  • Coconut Oil: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender dough.
  • Vanilla: Provides a warm, sweet flavor to the dough.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.
  • Flour: The primary structure and base of the cinnamon roll dough.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness in the filling.
  • Cinnamon: Provides the classic warm and aromatic flavor of cinnamon rolls.
  • Coconut Oil (Melted): Helps the filling adhere to the dough and adds moisture.
Icing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Almond Milk, Vanilla: Combined to create a smooth, sweet glaze that complements the cinnamon rolls.

Baking Up Fluffy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Create a warm, bubbly foundation by stirring together yeast, sugar, and almond milk in a spacious mixing bowl.

Allow the blend to become frothy and alive for about 10 minutes.

Watch for tiny bubbles that signal the yeast is ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Create Silky Dough Base

Incorporate these ingredients into the activated yeast:
  • Coconut oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • All-purpose flour

Knead the mixture thoroughly until a smooth, elastic texture develops.

The dough should feel soft and pliable, not sticky or dry.

Step 3: Allow First Fermentation

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled container.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and place in a draft-free zone.

Let the dough expand and rise for approximately one hour until it doubles in volume.

Step 4: Develop Cinnamon Filling

Prepare the delectable inner layer by mixing:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape.

Brush generously with melted coconut oil, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Rolls

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

Slice into 12 equal sections using a sharp knife.

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring they’re nestled close together.

Step 6: Conduct Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them expand for an additional 30 minutes.

They should look puffy and slightly touching each other.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they transform into a beautiful golden-brown color with crispy edges.

Step 8: Create Luxurious Drizzle

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Almond milk
  • Vanilla extract

Generously drizzle the creamy glaze over warm rolls just before serving.

Plant-Based Tips for Cinnamon Roll Perfection

  • Ensure your almond milk is warm (not hot) to help yeast activate without killing it, creating the fluffiest texture possible.
  • When rolling, pull the dough tightly to prevent air pockets and ensure uniform, compact cinnamon rolls with defined swirls.
  • Use a slightly warm, draft-free spot like inside an unheated oven with the light on to help dough rise consistently and evenly.
  • Cover rolls with a damp kitchen towel during both rising periods to keep the dough moist and prevent crusty, hard edges.
  • Insert a toothpick in the center of the rolls – if it comes out clean with no raw dough, they're perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

Store Fluffy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Right

  • Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place completely cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Drizzle extra icing to refresh moisture and flavor.
  • Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Warm in oven at 300F for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Add fresh icing before serving for best taste.

Pour or Pair with Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

  • Beverage Bliss: Pair these cinnamon rolls with a steaming mug of vanilla chai latte for a cozy, warming experience that complements the sweet and spicy notes.
  • Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a rich, smooth cold brew or caramel macchiato to balance the sweetness and enhance the cinnamon's warmth.
  • Fruity Fusion: Enjoy with a chilled glass of fresh apple cider or a berry smoothie to add a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet rolls.
  • Dessert Dance: Match with a scoop of vegan vanilla bean ice cream or coconut whipped cream for an indulgent, creamy accompaniment.

Alternative Takes on Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend of rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Swap traditional flour with almond or coconut flour, use monk sweetener instead of sugar, and incorporate cream cheese into the filling for a low-carb adaptation.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute almond milk with oat milk, use sunflower oil instead of coconut oil, and ensure all ingredients are nut-free for those with allergies.
  • Reduced Sugar Option: Use stevia or erythritol in place of brown sugar, decrease the amount of sweetener in the filling and icing, and focus on enhancing the cinnamon flavor for a healthier treat.

FAQs

  • Why use almond milk in this recipe?

Almond milk provides a dairy-free liquid that helps activate the yeast and creates a light, tender texture in vegan cinnamon rolls while adding a subtle nutty flavor.

  • Can I replace coconut oil with another fat?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil with vegetable oil or vegan butter. Each will slightly change the flavor and texture, but will still work well in the recipe.

  • How do I know if my yeast is active?

The yeast is active when it becomes foamy and bubbly after 5-10 minutes of sitting in warm almond milk. If no bubbles form, the yeast might be old or the liquid was too hot or cold.

  • What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh, the liquid is warm (not hot), and the dough is placed in a draft-free, warm area. Room temperature around 75-80°F is ideal for dough rising.

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Fluffy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible vegan cinnamon rolls elevate weekend breakfast with their warm, aromatic swirls of comfort. Sweet dough wrapped around fragrant spices promises pure morning delight you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups (875 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons or 7 grams) instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) warm almond milk
  • 1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted coconut oil

Icing Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons almond milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by whisking warm almond milk with sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and bubbly for 7-10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Create a soft dough by incorporating coconut oil, vanilla, salt, and gradually adding flour. Knead thoroughly for 6-7 minutes until the texture becomes elastic and smooth.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled container, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a draft-free area for approximately 60-75 minutes until it doubles in volume.
  4. Prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl. Roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape and generously brush with melted coconut oil.
  5. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the dough’s surface, then carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 12 equal portions using a sharp knife.
  6. Arrange the rolled sections in a greased baking dish, ensuring slight spacing between each roll. Cover and allow a second rise for 25-35 minutes until they appear puffy.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 22-28 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown exterior.
  8. Whisk powdered sugar with almond milk and vanilla to create a smooth, drizzling consistency for the icing. Pour over the warm rolls just before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly and create a softer texture.
  • Allow extra rising time in cooler kitchens, as yeast activates best in warm environments around 80-85°F.
  • Replace almond milk with soy or oat milk for alternative allergies or preferences while maintaining similar moisture content.
  • Ensure coconut oil is slightly warm but not hot when mixing to prevent killing the yeast and disrupting dough development.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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