Vegan Cinnamon Bun Recipe That’s Soft, Fluffy, and Easy

Updated On: October 4, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon buns fresh out of the oven. These delightful pastries have long been a favorite indulgence, but for those following a vegan lifestyle, finding a perfect cinnamon bun recipe can be challenging.

Luckily, this vegan cinnamon bun recipe offers all the gooey, sweet, and fluffy goodness you crave without any animal products. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, these buns are soft, tender, and generously swirled with cinnamon sugar.

Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a special treat, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Not only are these buns delicious, but they’re also easy to make. The dough is soft and pliable, perfect for rolling and shaping, and the vegan glaze on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

Plus, they freeze well, so you can enjoy them anytime. Ready to dive into this comforting, plant-based treat?

Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cinnamon bun recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses plant-based ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly.

No complicated dairy substitutes or specialty items are necessary. The dough is soft and fluffy, thanks to the use of non-dairy milk and a touch of apple cider vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s tenderness.

Additionally, the filling is packed with cinnamon and brown sugar, melting into a sticky, sweet swirl that perfectly complements the bread. The frosting is a simple vegan glaze made with powdered sugar and plant milk, giving the buns a shiny, irresistible finish.

Whether you’re a vegan or just looking to try something new, these cinnamon buns are sure to impress family and friends alike.

If you love baking, you might also enjoy other recipes like Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or try a sweet treat with the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
    • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
    • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk), warmed
    • ⅓ cup vegan butter, melted
    • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • For the Filling:
    • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
    • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
    • ⅓ cup vegan butter, softened
  • For the Glaze:
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional but helpful)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk or fork (for glaze)
  • Kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Instructions

  1. Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm almond milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the melted vegan butter, apple cider vinegar, and the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky but manageable.
  4. First rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  6. Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches.
  7. Add the filling: Spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  8. Form the buns: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  9. Second rise: Place the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving some space between each bun. Cover and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
  11. Make the glaze: While the buns bake, whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  12. Finish and serve: Remove buns from the oven and allow to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze generously on top. Serve warm for the best gooey, soft experience.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For an extra fluffy dough, try letting your dough rise overnight in the fridge. Just cover it well and bring to room temperature before shaping.

Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar filling for some crunch. You can also mix in raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.

Tip: If you don’t have almond milk, any plant-based milk like oat, soy, or cashew will work perfectly.

Variation: Swap out the classic glaze for a vegan cream cheese frosting to make these buns extra indulgent.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Bun (1 of 12)
Calories 280
Total Fat 9g
Saturated Fat 3g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 18g
Protein 4g
Sodium 180mg

Serving Suggestions

These vegan cinnamon buns are perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a festive brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a smoothie bowl.

You can also warm them slightly and spread a little vegan butter on top for an extra indulgent treat. If you’re hosting a gathering, these buns are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

They pair wonderfully with other vegan brunch dishes like a savory tofu scramble or a fresh green salad.

For more delicious vegan baked goods, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or explore hearty meal ideas with the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Conclusion

This vegan cinnamon bun recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic treat while sticking to a plant-based diet. The combination of fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze creates a mouthwatering experience that’s both comforting and satisfying.

With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, it’s a recipe that bakers of all skill levels can master.

Whether you’re making these for yourself, family, or friends, they’re sure to bring smiles and warm hearts. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making future breakfasts or snacks a breeze.

For even more delicious vegan recipes, don’t forget to explore our collection, including the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, which pairs perfectly with baked goods and savory meals alike.

Happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Cinnamon Bun

Description: Soft and fluffy vegan cinnamon buns with a sweet cinnamon filling and a creamy glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 8 buns

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm almond milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp almond milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm almond milk with 1 tbsp sugar; let sit 5 minutes.
  2. Mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Add melted vegan butter and yeast mixture; knead into a dough.
  4. Let dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
  5. Roll dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter over it.
  6. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top.
  7. Roll dough tightly and cut into 8 slices.
  8. Place buns in a greased pan and let rise 20 minutes.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
  10. Mix powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
  11. Drizzle glaze over warm buns before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 45g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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