These unbelievably vegan cinnamon rolls are honestly the best cinnamon rolls you will ever eat! Even non-vegans LOVE them! 

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 1/4 cups (540 g) + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, divided (plus more for flouring surface)
• 1 packet (8 g) activated yeast
• 1/2 cup (90 g) granulated sugar or coconut sugar, divided
• 1 1/4 cup (270 mL) dairy-free milk, unsweetened, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (57 g) salted vegan butter, melted and room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (87 g) unsweetened applesauce or dairy-free yogurt, room temperature

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup (113 g) vegan butter or coconut oil, softened
• 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) vegan heavy cream

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 g) vegan butter, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preparation: Grease a medium-sized bowl with olive oil or coconut oil and set aside. Ensure the vegan butter for the dough is melted and cooled.
   
2. Activate the Yeast: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the dairy-free milk until it reaches 110°F (43°C). Add 1 tbsp coconut sugar and 1 tbsp flour. Gently whisk together, then sprinkle in the yeast, mix lightly, cover, and let activate for 10 minutes in a warm area.
   
3. Make the Dough: Pour the activated yeast mixture into a large bowl or a stand mixer with the dough attachment. Add the remaining sugar, applesauce, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until combined. Add about half of the flour and mix on medium speed until incorporated. Add the remaining flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Lightly flour a clean surface and place the dough onto it, sprinkling some extra flour on top.
   
4. First Proof: Knead the dough lightly for 2-4 minutes until it forms a smooth, non-sticky ball. Place the dough into the greased bowl, cover with a cloth or wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
   
5. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, grease a large casserole dish with oil and set aside. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, and set aside.
   
6. Shape the Cinnamon Rolls: After the dough has doubled, lightly punch it down. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a large rectangle (12 x 18 inches). Spread the softened vegan butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Roll the dough tightly away from you and slice into 12 even rolls. Place them into the prepared dish.
   
7. Second Proof: Cover the dish and let the rolls rise in a warm area for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
8. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls: Pour the vegan heavy cream into the crevices between the rolls. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
   
9. Prepare the Icing: In a medium bowl or stand mixer, cream the vegan butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and cream until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
   
10. Serve: Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
    

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 5g
• Calcium: ~90mg
• Iron: ~2.5mg

Why Choose Vegan Cinnamon Rolls?

Vegan cinnamon rolls are an excellent choice for various reasons:

• Dairy-Free and Egg-Free – Many people have dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices that prevent them from consuming dairy or eggs. This recipe allows them to enjoy a delicious pastry without compromising their diet.
• Healthier Alternative – While still a treat, these cinnamon rolls tend to be slightly healthier than traditional versions since they avoid cholesterol-laden butter and eggs.
• Ethical and Sustainable – Choosing plant-based ingredients helps reduce the environmental footprint associated with animal agriculture.
• Equally Delicious – One of the biggest misconceptions about vegan baking is that it lacks flavor or texture. These cinnamon rolls prove that vegan baking can be just as indulgent, soft, and satisfying as conventional baking.

Tips for Making the Best Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

1. Use High-Quality Vegan Butter
   Vegan butter plays a crucial role in making these cinnamon rolls soft and flavorful. Choose a high-quality brand that mimics the creaminess of traditional butter. If you prefer a more natural alternative, coconut oil can also work, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
2. Allow Proper Dough Rising
   One of the secrets to achieving fluffy cinnamon rolls is to give the dough enough time to rise. The first proofing stage allows the yeast to activate and create air pockets that result in soft, pillowy rolls. A warm environment (around 75-85°F) is ideal for helping the dough rise properly.
3. Roll the Dough Evenly
   When rolling out the dough, make sure it’s even in thickness to ensure that all the rolls bake uniformly. Too thin, and the rolls may become tough. Too thick, and they may not bake all the way through.
4. Don’t Skip the Vegan Heavy Cream Trick
   A well-known trick in cinnamon roll baking is pouring heavy cream over the rolls before baking. This technique helps keep the rolls moist and gooey. Since traditional heavy cream is not vegan, this recipe uses a plant-based version to achieve the same effect.
5. Use a Sharp Knife or Dental Floss to Cut the Rolls
   A sharp knife ensures clean slices without squishing the dough. Another pro tip is to use unflavored dental floss: slide it under the rolled dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight for a clean cut without damaging the shape.

Customizing Your Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make it your own. Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle dairy-free chocolate chips over the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough.
• Fruit-Flavored: Add a layer of finely chopped apples, raisins, or cranberries to the filling for a fruity twist.
• Maple Glaze: Instead of a classic icing, drizzle with a maple-flavored glaze for a unique taste.
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace some of the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep the cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If storing for a longer period, refrigerate them for up to four days. For reheating, warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Adding a small amount of plant-based milk over the rolls before reheating can help maintain their moisture. If you want to freeze the cinnamon rolls, you can do so before or after baking:

• Freezing Unbaked Rolls: After slicing the dough into rolls and placing them in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with the second proofing before baking.
• Freezing Baked Rolls: Let the baked cinnamon rolls cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven until warm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Activating the Yeast Properly
  If the yeast isn’t properly activated, the dough won’t rise, resulting in dense cinnamon rolls. Make sure the milk is warm (but not too hot) before adding the yeast, and allow it to sit until foamy.
• Over-Kneading or Under-Kneading the Dough
  Kneading the dough too much can make the rolls tough, while under-kneading can cause them to fall apart. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Skipping the Second Proofing
  Many bakers get impatient and skip the second proofing step, but this is essential for getting soft, fluffy rolls.
• Overbaking the Rolls
  Cinnamon rolls should be baked until just golden brown. Overbaking can dry them out and make them tough.

Conclusion

Vegan cinnamon rolls prove that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create an irresistible, gooey, and soft pastry. With simple ingredient swaps and a careful baking process, you can achieve the same texture and flavor as traditional cinnamon rolls while keeping them entirely plant-based. These cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion, from holiday breakfasts to weekend treats.