Vegetarian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe That Everyone Will Love

There’s something truly magical about cinnamon rolls — their soft, fluffy texture combined with the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar makes them an irresistible treat. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special occasion, cinnamon rolls never fail to bring comfort and joy.

For those following a vegetarian lifestyle or simply looking to enjoy a delightful homemade pastry without eggs or dairy, this vegetarian cinnamon rolls recipe is the perfect solution. Crafted with simple plant-based ingredients, these rolls are incredibly tender, rich in flavor, and topped with a luscious glaze that melts in your mouth.

This recipe is easy enough for beginners but also rewarding enough for seasoned bakers who want to impress family and friends. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to fill your kitchen with the nostalgic scent of fresh baking.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create these scrumptious cinnamon rolls that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian cinnamon rolls recipe offers the best of both worlds — classic comfort food made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. You’ll appreciate how the dough turns out soft and pillowy thanks to the careful balance of yeast, flour, and plant-based milk.

The cinnamon-sugar filling is perfectly sweet and fragrant, while the glaze adds just the right amount of creamy sweetness without using any dairy.

Unlike many traditional recipes that rely on butter and eggs, this version uses vegan-friendly alternatives, making it suitable for vegetarians and anyone looking to reduce their animal product consumption.

It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with nuts, raisins, or even a touch of orange zest for a citrus twist. Best of all, these cinnamon rolls stay fresh for days and can be reheated easily for a quick indulgence anytime.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or coconut)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or vegan butter substitute (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2-3 tbsp plant-based milk (for glaze)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, ½ cup raisins

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 inch baking dish or equivalent
• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
• Sharp knife or dental floss (for cutting rolls)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk (about 110°F/43°C) with the granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the dough. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine 3 cups of the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup flour, a little at a time, until the dough becomes soft and elastic but still slightly tacky.
3. Knead the dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes by hand, or 5-7 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until smooth and elastic.
4. Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the filling. While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside the vegetable oil or melted vegan butter for spreading later.
6. Roll out the dough. Once risen, punch down the dough gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches, about ¼ inch thick.
7. Spread the filling. Brush the surface of the dough evenly with the vegetable oil or melted vegan butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top. If using, scatter chopped nuts or raisins over the filling.
8. Form the rolls. Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
9. Arrange and let rise again. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
10. Bake the cinnamon rolls. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
11. Make the glaze. While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar and plant-based milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
12. Glaze and serve. Once rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes, then drizzle generously with the glaze. Serve warm for the best experience.

Tips & Variations

“For even softer rolls, try brushing the tops with a little extra plant-based milk before baking.”

Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding shredded apple, pumpkin puree, or even a sprinkle of cardamom for a unique twist. Want to make these rolls vegan?

Simply use a plant-based butter substitute and confirm your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly.

If you prefer icing over glaze, mix vegan cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla for a luscious frosting. For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and try dried cranberries instead.

Storage tip: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegetarian cinnamon rolls are perfect on their own with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a heartier breakfast, serve with fresh fruit or a bowl of dairy-free yogurt topped with granola.

They also make a delightful dessert paired with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For holiday brunches, pair them with savory dishes like scrambled tofu or a vegetable frittata.

Looking for more delicious vegetarian treats? Try this Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or explore our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for more baking inspiration.

Conclusion

Making vegetarian cinnamon rolls from scratch is a rewarding experience that fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers a warm, comforting treat for any time of day. This recipe balances simplicity and flavor, creating soft, fluffy rolls with a perfectly spiced cinnamon filling and a sweet glaze finish.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to homemade pastries, these rolls are approachable and fun to make.

By using plant-based ingredients, this recipe is inclusive for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy classic cinnamon rolls without animal products. Plus, the versatility allows you to customize the filling and toppings to suit your personal tastes.

For more creative vegetarian recipes that bring wholesome flavor to your table, be sure to check out our collection of Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners. Happy baking and bon appétit!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Cinnamon Rolls”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls made without any animal products. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or sweet treat.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “12 rolls”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast”, “1 cup warm almond milk”, “1/2 cup granulated sugar”, “1/3 cup vegan butter, melted”, “3 cups all-purpose flour”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 cup brown sugar”, “2 tablespoons ground cinnamon”, “1/4 cup vegan butter, softened (for filling)”, “1 cup powdered sugar”, “2 tablespoons almond milk (for icing)”, “1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dissolve yeast in warm almond milk and let sit for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix sugar, melted vegan butter, flour, and salt into the yeast mixture to form dough.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Knead dough until smooth and let rise for 1 hour.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll out dough into a rectangle and spread softened vegan butter over it.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the buttered dough.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll dough tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place rolls in a greased pan and let rise for 30 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake at 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla to make icing.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle icing over warm rolls before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45 g”}}