If you have been searching for a truly comforting, sweet treat that’s completely plant-based, this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is going to be your new favorite weekend indulgence. Soft, fluffy rolls packed with a fragrant cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious vegan cream cheese icing make each bite feel like a cozy hug on a plate. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a special dessert, these rolls combine simple, wholesome ingredients to create an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth experience that will impress anyone, whether vegan or not.

Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, from the soft vegan butter that creates tender layers to the dark brown sugar and cinnamon that fill each roll with warm, spicy sweetness. The plain white flour provides structure, while the plant milk and quick yeast work together to develop that perfect, fluffy texture we all crave.

360 ml plant milk: I recommend soy milk, unflavored and unsweetened, warmed slightly to activate the yeast effectively.
40 g sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
1 x 8g sachet of quick yeast: Ensures the dough rises beautifully and gets that airy softness.
600 g plain white flour: The main structure for the dough, choose high-quality for best results.
½ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
90 g vegan butter (soft and room temperature): Incorporated into the dough for tenderness and flavor.
120 g vegan butter (soft and room temperature): Used for the cinnamon sugar filling to give it richness.
140 g soft dark brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness to the filling.
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that fills each roll with warmth and aroma.
50 g vegan butter (soft and room temperature): For the cream cheese icing, adding creaminess and flavor.
80 g vegan cream cheese (room temperature): Creates that classic tangy cream cheese frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Enhances the sweetness with a floral note.
250 g icing sugar (powdered sugar): Sweetens and thickens the icing for a smooth finish.

How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your plant milk until it’s just lukewarm, because too hot will kill the yeast and too cold will slow its activation. Mix in the sugar and quick yeast and then wait patiently for it to become frothy, which signals that your yeast is alive and kicking. This is the start of the magic that makes your dough rise into soft, fluffy rolls.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Combine your flour and salt in a large bowl, then add the softened vegan butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms. Kneading is key here—turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the texture is smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten (even vegan dough needs it!), which gives your rolls their bounce.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise somewhere warm. The dough should double in size in about 1 to 1.5 hours. This step is where the yeast works its magic, making sure the final rolls are soft and airy rather than dense and heavy.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix your softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture is velvety and well combined. This filling is the flavor powerhouse of this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, delivering that classic cinnamon sweetness with every bite.

Step 5: Roll Out and Spread the Filling

After the dough has puffed up, punch it down gently to release the gas, then roll it on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Evenly spread your cinnamon sugar filling over the surface, making sure no area is left uncovered so every bite is decadently sweet.

Step 6: Shape and Slice the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough up tightly from the long edge, sealing the edges so the filling stays in place while baking. Slice the rolled dough evenly into 12 portions. This ensures delightful, perfectly sized cinnamon rolls that will all bake evenly and look beautifully uniform.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place the rolls close together in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover them, and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise ensures the rolls puff up even more during baking, giving that cloud-like texture we all adore in cinnamon rolls.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. This creates a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and tender.

Step 9: Make the Vegan Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, whip together the vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy—the perfect luscious topping to complement the sweet cinnamon rolls.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Pull the rolls from the oven and let them cool just slightly before drizzling the cream cheese icing over the top. Serve warm, and get ready for a moment of pure plant-based indulgence. You might find yourself going back for seconds — no judgment here!

How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For an added touch of elegance and texture, sprinkle some crushed pecans or chopped walnuts on top of the cream cheese icing once it’s been spread over the warmed rolls. You can also add a dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup that complements the cinnamon perfectly. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a few raspberries on the side brighten up the plate and cut through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Vegan cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a hot beverage like freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or creamy almond latte to balance the sweetness. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside seasonal fruit salad or a tofu scramble to create a lovely brunch spread that everyone will love. These sweet rolls are versatile enough to delight at any time of day!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or celebrate a special occasion, bake these rolls in individual ramekins for single-serve cinnamon roll “cupcakes.” You can also layer sliced rolls into a fancy vegan bread pudding or use leftover dough to make pull-apart cinnamon roll mini muffins, perfect for sharing. Play with presentation and have fun making this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe uniquely yours.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover vegan cinnamon rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness and softness, you can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but make sure to bring back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Freeze the baked, cooled rolls in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked, prepared rolls after the first rise, tightly covered, and thaw overnight in the fridge before allowing the second rise and baking.

Reheating

To warm your leftover rolls, wrap them in foil and heat in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 10-15 minutes until soft and heated through. You can also microwave a single portion for about 20 seconds, then add fresh icing for that just-baked experience. The warmth revives the fluffy texture and brings back that irresistible aroma!

FAQs

Can I use almond milk instead of soy milk in this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?

Yes, almond milk or any other unsweetened plant milk can be used, but soy milk tends to activate the yeast better due to its protein content. Just make sure it’s warmed slightly to help the yeast do its job.

Do I need to proof the yeast before mixing the dough?

Yes, proofing the yeast by mixing it with warm plant milk and sugar helps confirm the yeast is active and ready to make your dough rise beautifully. If your mixture doesn’t become frothy, the yeast might be old or the liquid too hot or cold.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

This particular recipe is designed with plain white flour for the best texture. While substitutions with gluten-free flour blends are possible, you may need additional binding agents and should expect a different overall texture and rise.

How sweet are these cinnamon rolls?

They have a balanced sweetness that’s enhanced by the brown sugar filling and icing, but not overly sugary. You can adjust the amount of sugar or icing to your taste if you prefer a more or less sweet roll.

Can I use store-bought vegan cream cheese for the icing?

Absolutely! Store-bought vegan cream cheese works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it mixes smoothly with the vegan butter and sugar.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is truly a gem that brings pure warmth, joy, and nostalgia right to your kitchen, all while keeping things 100% plant-based. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy Sunday morning or surprising loved ones, these rolls promise to delight with every bite. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!