Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnamon Filling and Vanilla Icing Recipe
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If you are craving a cozy, sweet treat that’s kind to animals and utterly irresistible, you have to try this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnamon Filling and Vanilla Icing Recipe. Imagine warm, fluffy rolls bursting with rich cinnamon flavor, lovingly wrapped in a soft dough and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create the perfect homemade indulgence that’s sure to brighten any morning or afternoon snack time. Once you master this, you’ll have a vegan classic to share and savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but incredibly important; each one plays a vital role in making these cinnamon rolls perfectly tender, sweet, and aromatic. From the creamy almond milk that moistens the dough to the fragrant cinnamon that gives the filling its warm character, every addition builds the layers of flavor and texture you’ll adore.
- Almond milk: Use lukewarm almond milk to activate the yeast and keep the dough soft and dairy-free.
- Instant dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness for the dough and to feed the yeast.
- Canola oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough without overpowering the flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that creates structure for soft, chewy rolls.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Vegan butter: Both for the gooey filling and to brush the pan, ensuring rich flavor and non-stick rolls.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes to the cinnamon filling.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that gives the rolls their iconic warm and fragrant taste.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the airy vanilla icing glaze.
- Dairy-free milk: Helps create a smooth, pourable icing without using animal products.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the icing with a sweet, comforting aroma that complements cinnamon perfectly.
How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnamon Filling and Vanilla Icing Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by combining lukewarm almond milk, instant dry yeast, sugar, and canola oil in a large bowl. Stir and let it rest for a minute to wake up the yeast — this little pause is key to ensuring your dough rises beautifully. Then, mix in the flour and salt until the dough begins to come together. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about five minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This sets the foundation for soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls.
Step 2: First Proofing
Shape your dough into a ball, oil your bowl to prevent sticking, and pop the dough inside. Brush the top lightly with oil, cover it, and let it relax in a warm spot for about an hour and a half until it doubles in size. A trick I love is to place the dough in a warm oven (just turned on for a minute then off) — it creates the perfect cozy environment for proofing.
Step 3: Making the Cinnamon Filling and Rolling
While the dough is proofing, mix softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a luscious, spreadable paste. Once your dough has puffed up, turn it out and fold it over itself five times for a bit of extra structure. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12 by 16 inches. Spread the cinnamon butter evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, roll it up tightly from the short end and gently stretch it to 11 inches. Pro tip: use clean dental floss to slice perfectly even rolls about an inch thick — it’s cleaner and less squishy than a knife!
Step 4: Second Proofing and Baking
Place your cut rolls into an oiled baking pan and let them proof again for 40 minutes so they get extra fluffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Before baking, brush the rolls with some dairy-free milk to help them develop a beautiful golden crust. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re lightly golden and your kitchen smells like heaven. Let them cool for a bit before icing.
Step 5: Preparing the Vanilla Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this over your warm cinnamon rolls to add the perfect sweet finish. The vanilla aroma mingles beautifully with the cinnamon filling, giving each bite that comforting café vibe at home.
How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnamon Filling and Vanilla Icing Recipe

Garnishes
While these cinnamon rolls shine on their own, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, walnuts, or a dusting of extra cinnamon on top can add delightful texture and visual appeal. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries can brighten the plate and add a fresh contrast to the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your warm rolls with a creamy cup of vegan coffee creamer-infused latte or a simple herbal tea for an inviting brunch feel. A bowl of fresh fruit salad can also balance the richness and make your breakfast or snack wholesome and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these cinnamon rolls in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personal portions. You could also assemble a vegan cinnamon roll trifle by layering torn rolls with dairy-free whipped cream and berries for a stunning dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for about a week. The dough stays soft, and the icing will soak in beautifully over time.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls either baked or unbaked. For baked rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, keeping them frozen up to three months. For unbaked rolls, flash freeze them on a tray and then transfer to a freezer bag so you can bake fresh cinnamon rolls whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until they’re soft and warm all the way through. You can also microwave a single roll for 20 to 30 seconds for a quick treat — just add extra icing if needed to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling!
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to replicate the dough’s elasticity. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I substitute other non-dairy milks besides almond milk?
Yes! Oat, soy, cashew, or rice milk all work great. The key is that the milk is unsweetened and lukewarm when mixing with the yeast for perfect rise.
How do I know when the dough has properly proofed?
If your dough has doubled in size and gently springs back when you poke it with a finger, it’s ready to shape. Proofing times can vary depending on room temperature, so be patient.
Is there a way to make the cinnamon rolls less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar slightly in the dough or filling, but keep enough to help the yeast work well. Also, consider using less powdered sugar in the icing or omitting it altogether for a more subtle sweetness.
Can the vegan cinnamon rolls be made without oil?
While oil adds softness and rich flavor, you can experiment with apple sauce or mashed banana as a substitute, though these will change the texture and taste somewhat.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy cinnamon roll that’s been made with care and love, especially when it’s completely vegan. This Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnamon Filling and Vanilla Icing Recipe promises to become your go-to for weekend breakfasts, dessert, or any time you want to share a smile around the table. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embrace the joy of homemade cinnamon rolls—you won’t regret it!
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PrintVegan Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnamon Filling and Vanilla Icing Recipe
Deliciously soft and fluffy vegan cinnamon rolls made with non-dairy milk and plant-based ingredients. These cinnamon rolls feature a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a smooth dairy-free icing, perfect for a cozy morning treat or special brunch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup (250 grams) almond milk or any other non-dairy milk, lukewarm
- 2½ teaspoons (7 grams) instant dry yeast or active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar
- ⅓ cup (74 grams) canola oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or melted vegan butter
- 3⅓ cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
Filling
- ¼ cup (60 grams) vegan butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons (10 grams) cinnamon
Icing
- ¾ cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 1½ tablespoons (20 grams) dairy-free milk (oat, almond, soy)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup lukewarm almond milk, 2½ teaspoons instant dry yeast, ¼ cup sugar, and ⅓ cup canola oil. Stir to mix and let sit for 1 minute. Add 3⅓ cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt to the bowl and mix with a wooden spoon until a dough ball forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until elastic and smooth.
- Proof Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl brushed with oil. Brush the dough surface with oil, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, ensuring space for dough expansion. Allow to proof in a warm environment for 1½ hours or until doubled in size. For best results, proof in a slightly warm oven (turn on for 1 minute, then off).
- Prepare Filling and Shape Rolls: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup softened vegan butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and 4 teaspoons cinnamon to form a thick spreadable paste. Once the dough has doubled, transfer it back to the worktop and fold it over itself 5 times, pulling edges to the center. Roll dough out into a 12 x 16-inch (30 x 40 cm) rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly on the dough, leaving a ¼ inch (½ cm) border around edges. Roll up the dough starting from the short side into a log, then stretch it gently to 11 inches (28 cm) long. Use dental floss wrapped around the log to cut into 9 even rolls approximately 1 inch (3 cm) thick each. Transfer rolls into a greased baking pan.
- Second Proofing and Baking: Let the rolls proof again in a warm place for 40 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the rolls with dairy-free milk. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes.
- Make Icing: Whisk together ¾ cup powdered sugar, 1½ tablespoons dairy-free milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use lukewarm almond milk to properly activate the yeast.
- For a cleaner and more even cut, use dental floss instead of a knife to slice the rolls.
- Proofing in a warm oven helps the dough rise faster and better.
- Any neutral oil or melted vegan butter can be used in the dough and for greasing the pan.
- Letting the rolls cool slightly before icing prevents the glaze from melting too much.
- Brown sugar in the filling can be substituted with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Keywords: vegan cinnamon rolls, vegan breakfast recipes, dairy-free cinnamon rolls, plant-based pastries, cinnamon sugar rolls, vegan baking
