9-Ingredient Vegan Cinnamon Rolls (2024)

These vegan cinnamon rolls are made with just 9 ingredients and ready in 90 minutes! Paired with a 2-ingredient icing, they’re sweet, gooey, and full of spiced goodness. Try this recipe out for an easy twist on the original!

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

• 9 ingredients: Who can argue with 9 simple pantry staples?! No expensive or hard-to-find ingredients are necessary.
• Crowd-pleaser: Vegan or not, this recipe is a serious crowd-pleaser. We always get asked by non-vegan friends and family for the recipe!
• Simple instructions: There’s no need to be afraid of making cinnamon rolls, even if you’re not an avid baker! You’ll be surprised at just how easy it is to prepare bakery-style cinnamon buns at home.
• Icing choices: You can use our 2-ingredient icing for convenience or splurge on a homemade vegan cream cheese frosting from our vegan pumpkin bars.

If you love vegan cinnamon rolls, be sure to explore our other holiday baking recipes like vegan apple cake, vegan churros, vegan apple cider donuts, and buñuelos.

🍞 9-ingredient vegan cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon rolls were one of our favorite desserts growing up, so we thought it was about time we shared a vegan cinnamon rolls recipe! Honestly, we couldn’t be happier with the results, and we know you’re going to be just as obsessed.

Each roll is tender, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon flavor. The rich, spiced, and sweet filling oozes out with every bite. We kept the glaze simple to prevent overpowering the rolls themselves, but feel free to use your favorite glaze or icing!

As avid cinnamon roll eaters, we know that no one will be able to tell this recipe is plant-based. It has all the same great textures and flavors as traditional recipes without the need for dairy. Try serving it to your friends and family and see their reaction!

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

• Soy milk: Used in both the dough and icing, soy milk provides a rich, creamy base. Almond milk or oat milk can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Vegan butter: Essential for that rich, buttery taste in the dough and filling. You can use coconut oil as a substitute but make sure it’s flavorless if possible.
• Granulated sugar: To activate the yeast and add a subtle sweetness to the dough. Opt for vegan-friendly (bone char-free) granulated sugar or cane sugar.
• Active dry yeast: Makes the cinnamon roll dough rise, giving it that fluffy texture. We prefer active dry yeast here, but you can also use instant yeast.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the rolls. For a healthier twist, you could try half whole wheat flour, though the texture will be denser.
• Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a rich sweetness that complements cinnamon incredibly well. If you’re in a pinch, you can use an equal amount of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of molasses.
• Ground cinnamon: Gives these rolls their signature spiced flavor. Make sure to use Ceylon (true) cinnamon, not cassia cinnamon, for the best results.
• Powdered sugar: Makes for a smooth and creamy glaze. No powdered sugar on hand? Make your own by blending granulated sugar with a bit of cornstarch.
• Salt: Just a pinch is necessary to balance the sweet flavors in the dough and filling.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to make vegan cinnamon rolls

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Warm the soy milk, vegan butter, and sugar in a small saucepan until lukewarm. The temperature of the milk should be warm to the touch but not hot, ideally around 110°F, to activate the yeast without killing it. Add the yeast, cover the pot, and let it bloom for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Form the dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Then, stir in the activated yeast mixture until a shaggy dough begins to form. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic.

If the dough sticks, sprinkle a bit more flour as you go. Don’t rush the kneading process as it develops gluten bonds, giving the rolls their structure and chewiness.

Step 3: First rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size. If your kitchen is cool, we recommend placing the bowl in the oven with the light on to create the perfect proofing environment.

Step 4: Shape the rolls

While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened vegan butter. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper or a baking mat into a large rectangle and spread the filling evenly across, leaving a small border.

Roll up the dough gently but tightly with the help of your parchment paper, seal the edge, and cut it into 12 rolls. We suggest using a very sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls cleanly without squishing them.

Step 5: Second rise & bake

Arrange the rolls in a 9×13 baking dish, cover them, and let them rise again while the oven preheats. Once it’s ready, uncover the rolls and bake them until golden brown.

Step 6: Make the glaze

In the meantime, whisk together powdered sugar and soy milk to create your glaze. Adjust the amount of soy milk to achieve your desired consistency — less milk for a thicker glaze, more for a thinner one. You can also use lemon juice for a tangier flavor.

Step 7: Glaze & serve

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle them generously with the glaze. The heat will help it melt into every nook and cranny. Serve them warm for the best taste and texture. Happy eating!

If you have questions about making vegan cinnamon rolls, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🌡️ Storage & reheating

The good news is that vegan cinnamon rolls store and reheat incredibly well! Here’s how:

• Room temperature: Keep the rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
• Fridge: For longer storage, transfer the vegan cinnamon rolls to the fridge for up to a week. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
• Freezer: Wrap them in plastic wrap then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a container. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight then on the counter for 30 minutes before baking them.
• Reheating: To re-warm your vegan cinnamon rolls, heat them in an air fryer on the warm setting, the oven at 300F, or the microwave on low for a tender texture.
• Prep ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for the first rise. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the next steps.

♻️ Variations

• Pumpkin spice: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to your filling for an autumn-inspired flavor.
• Orange zest: Include fresh orange zest in your dough and glaze for a citrusy note.
• Chocolate chip: Sprinkle vegan chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar layer before rolling.
• Coffee-infused: Mix espresso into the glaze for a coffee-flavored topping.
• Apple pie: Add a layer of diced vegan apple pie filling before rolling the dough.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

• Activate the yeast: Make sure your milk mixture is at the right temperature to activate the yeast without killing it. 100-110F is the ideal temperature.
• Measure flour correctly: Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour for the most consistent results.
• Don’t skip kneading: Kneading develops gluten bonds in the dough, which is key for creating tender cinnamon rolls with structure.
• Keep them moist: Cover the rolls during both proofing periods to prevent them from drying out.
• Give them space: Space the rolls out in the pan to allow room for expansion.
• Glaze while warm: Apply the glaze right after baking so it melts into the rolls.

💬 FAQ

🍴 More vegan desserts

Looking for more delicious treats like these vegan cinnamon rolls? Try out these recipes:

• Vegan Banana Bread: Perfect for using up overripe bananas.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic favorite, made without eggs or dairy.
• Vegan Pumpkin Pie: Rich, spiced, and ideal for the holidays.
• Vegan Oatmeal Cookies: Ultra-chewy, perfectly spiced, and so satisfying.