If you’ve ever craved the warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible delight of a Cinnabon cinnamon roll but follow a vegan lifestyle, you’re in for a treat! This vegan Cinnabon recipe recreates that iconic flavor and texture using plant-based ingredients.
Soft, fluffy dough swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a silky vegan cream cheese frosting—you won’t believe it’s dairy-free! Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to try a healthier twist on a classic, this recipe is perfect for your weekend baking or special occasions.
Not only does it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it’s also made from accessible ingredients and simple steps that anyone can follow. Let’s dive into the magic of making your very own vegan Cinnabon rolls at home, guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Cinnabon recipe hits all the right notes: soft and airy dough, a warm cinnamon filling, and a luscious frosting that’s completely dairy-free. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls bring comforting sweetness without any animal products.
You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make, with common pantry staples and simple techniques that even beginner bakers can master. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, with no artificial preservatives or additives.
And most importantly, these cinnamon rolls are irresistibly delicious—fluffy, gooey, and bursting with cinnamon goodness!
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm almond milk (or any plant-based milk), about 110°F
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ tsp salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup vegan butter, softened
- For the Frosting:
- ½ cup vegan cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp plant-based milk (as needed for consistency)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish or 9×13 inch pan
- Small bowl for frosting
- Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
- Sharp knife or dental floss (for cutting rolls)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the warm almond milk and brown sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add the melted vegan butter and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 6-7 minutes on medium speed.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Soften the vegan butter for spreading later.
- Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
- Add the filling: Spread the softened vegan butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the butter, ensuring even coverage.
- Form the rolls: Starting from a long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean edges.
- Second rise: Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover again and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown but not overly browned.
- Make the frosting: While the rolls bake, beat the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add plant-based milk 1 tbsp at a time until desired creamy consistency is reached.
- Frost and serve: Remove rolls from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Spread the frosting generously over warm rolls. Serve and enjoy the gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness!
Tips & Variations
“For extra fluffy rolls, make sure your yeast is fresh and your almond milk is warm but not hot—about 110°F is perfect to activate the yeast without killing it.”
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum.
- Maple cinnamon glaze: For a different twist, replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and plant milk.
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar filling for extra crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture to deepen the flavor.
- Make ahead: Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a quick breakfast treat.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Roll (1 of 12) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Saturated Fat | 2 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Sugar | 18 g |
Fiber | 1.5 g |
Sodium | 210 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your vegan Cinnabon rolls fresh out of the oven, ideally paired with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or your favorite plant-based milk latte. They also make a fantastic indulgent breakfast or brunch treat for family gatherings.
For a fun twist, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. These rolls also freeze well—wrap individual rolls tightly and reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick vegan sweet snack any day!
Love exploring vegan desserts? Check out our Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for a creamy complement, or add a savory touch to your meals with the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe.
For a zesty side, the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe is a must-try!
Conclusion
This vegan Cinnabon recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the classic cinnamon roll without any animal products. With its fluffy dough, sweet and spicy filling, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
The recipe is straightforward and flexible, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers looking for a comforting treat.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these rolls bring warmth and joy in every bite. Plus, you can customize them easily with nuts, spices, or different frostings to suit your taste.
So grab your rolling pin and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls—vegan style!
📖 Recipe Card: Cinnabon Recipe Vegan
Description: Delicious vegan cinnamon rolls with a soft, fluffy texture and rich cinnamon filling. Perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm almond milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup vegan butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 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 plant-based milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate yeast by mixing it with warm almond milk and sugar; let sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Add melted vegan butter and yeast mixture to the flour; knead until dough forms.
- Cover dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out dough into a rectangle.
- Spread softened vegan butter over dough.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over buttered dough.
- Roll dough tightly and cut into 8 rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla for icing.
- Drizzle icing over warm rolls before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 45 g
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