Best Vegan Dinner Rolls Recipe for Soft, Fluffy Buns

There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, fluffy dinner rolls fresh from the oven. They’re the perfect companion to any meal, whether you’re enjoying a hearty stew, a fresh salad, or a festive holiday spread.

But when you’re committed to a vegan lifestyle, finding a dinner roll recipe that’s both tender and flavorful without eggs or dairy can be a challenge. That’s why I’m excited to share this best vegan dinner rolls recipe, designed to deliver soft, pillowy rolls with a beautiful golden crust—all while being completely plant-based.

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and the process is straightforward enough for beginners yet rewarding for seasoned bakers. From the first bite, you’ll notice the perfect balance of slight sweetness and rich, yeasty aroma.

Whether you’re making a batch for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these rolls will quickly become a household favorite. Plus, they pair beautifully with so many dishes, including some of my other vegan recipes like Julie Marie Eats Recipes and the Leche De Pantera Recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan dinner rolls recipe stands out because it combines easy-to-find ingredients with a foolproof method to create rolls that are soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. The secret lies in the use of plant-based milk and a bit of oil to keep the crumb moist and tender without any dairy or eggs.

Plus, the dough is versatile and forgiving, making it perfect for all skill levels. You can easily double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd or want extra rolls for leftovers.

And if you love experimenting, you can turn these rolls into garlic knots, slider buns, or even sweet rolls by tweaking the flavors a bit.

Not to mention, these rolls freeze beautifully, so you can bake once and enjoy multiple times. They’re a fantastic addition to any vegan dinner table, especially when paired with dishes like the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a light meal or the hearty Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for something more filling.

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm plant-based milk (such as almond or soy, about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
• Optional: vegan butter for brushing after baking

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• 9×13 inch baking pan or round cake pan
• Pastry brush (for optional vegan butter)
• Oven thermometer (to ensure correct baking temperature)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk with the sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: Add the vegetable oil and applesauce to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
3. Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture. If you’re using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until a rough dough forms. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon to combine until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 6-7 minutes.
5. First rise: Lightly oil your mixing bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about the size of a golf ball). Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking edges underneath and rolling on the surface.
7. Second rise: Arrange the dough balls in your greased baking pan, close together but not squished. Cover again and allow to rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
9. Optional finishing touch: Brush the warm rolls with melted vegan butter for a glossy, soft crust.
10. Cool and serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

“For the softest rolls, don’t skip the second rise—it allows the dough to develop that irresistible fluffiness.”

• Use warm liquids: Make sure your plant-based milk is warm but not hot. Too hot will kill the yeast.
• Applesauce as egg replacer: This keeps the rolls moist and helps with binding. You can substitute with mashed banana or flax egg if preferred.
• Add herbs or garlic: For savory rolls, mix in 1 tsp dried rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough.
• Sweet rolls: Add 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
• Freezing tips: Freeze cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan dinner rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with your favorite vegan butter or olive oil and balsamic dip.

They make a wonderful side to soups, stews, or salads. For a cozy meal, pair them with a creamy vegan mushroom gravy or alongside a vibrant kale salad.

They’re also fantastic as sandwich buns for sliders or mini burgers. Try them stuffed with vegan deli slices and fresh greens for a quick lunch option.

Or use them as a base for garlic knots by brushing with garlic-infused olive oil and parsley before baking.

For inspiration, check out other vegan-friendly recipes like the Magic Dough Recipe or the Leche De Pantera Recipe to complement your meal perfectly.

Conclusion

Making the best vegan dinner rolls at home doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have soft, golden rolls that everyone will love.

This recipe proves that dairy and eggs are not necessary to create delicious, fluffy bread that pairs beautifully with any meal.

Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these rolls will become a staple in your kitchen. They freeze well, are easy to customize, and bring that comforting homemade touch to your dining table.

Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorite recipes like the Julie Marie Eats Recipes for more vegan inspiration. Happy baking!

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