Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Icing Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a dessert that’s tender, gooey, and totally indulgent yet 100% plant-based, then you’re going to love what I have for you today. This Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Icing Recipe is my go-to for cozy mornings and weekend brunches—it’s soft, fragrant, and topped with a luscious icing that’s just the right touch of sweetness. I absolutely love how this recipe comes together with simple ingredients, and that sweet, cinnamon-y aroma filling the kitchen will make you feel like you’re in a bakery (without the dairy or fuss!). So, stick around and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make these irresistible rolls that’ll keep your friends and family asking for more.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s great about this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Icing Recipe is how every ingredient plays its part perfectly—nothing too fancy, just simple pantry staples that combine for that ultimate cinnamon roll experience. Here’s a little heads-up to help when you go shopping or double-check your kitchen.

• Almond milk or another non-dairy milk: I love using almond milk for its mild flavor, but oat or soy works just as well.
• Instant dry yeast (or active dry yeast): Instant yeast saves time, but if you only have active yeast, just proof it in the milk mixture a bit longer.
• Sugar: Regular sugar sweetens the dough—white sugar for the dough, brown sugar for that deeper caramel-y filling.
• Oil (canola, sunflower, olive, avocado, or melted vegan butter): I switch between canola and melted vegan butter for the dough based on what I have; both yield soft rolls.
• All-purpose flour: This is the base for the dough; I like to spoon it into the measuring cup and level for accuracy.
• Salt: Just a teaspoon enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
• Vegan butter (softened): For that rich, melty filling—make sure it’s softened so it spreads easily.
• Cinnamon: The star spice! Freshly ground cinnamon gives the best flavor, but pre-ground works great too.
• Powdered sugar: For the icing, it makes the glaze silky smooth.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the sweet icing.

Variations

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. I like to have fun with these rolls, and I encourage you to make them your own!

• Add nuts or raisins: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts right on top of the cinnamon sugar filling for an added crunch.
• Maple or agave syrup in the icing: Instead of powdered sugar, try a drizzle of pure maple syrup mixed with a bit of almond milk for a different kind of sweetness.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that’s good for baking—just be aware the texture might be a little denser.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.

How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Icing Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by warming 1 cup of almond milk to lukewarm—it should feel like a warm bath on your wrist, not hot enough to burn. Pour it into a large mixing bowl, then add your yeast, sugar, and oil. Give it a good stir and set it aside for about a minute. This little mix starts waking up the yeast. Once bubbly and a bit frothy, add in the flour and salt. Use a wooden spoon to combine everything into a rough dough ball. Then, transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about five minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth. You’ll feel the transformation—that’s the magic of gluten developing!

Step 2: Proof the Dough

I’ve learned the proofing step really sets this recipe apart. Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl greased with oil. Brush the top of the dough with a little more oil to keep it moist. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Here’s a neat trick: put it in a slightly warm oven—just turn your oven on for 1 minute, off, and slide the dough in. It’s like a little cozy blanket! Let it rise for about 1½ hours or until it has doubled in size. Patience here pays off big time.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Shape the Rolls

While the dough is proofing, whip up your filling by mixing the softened vegan butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until you get a thick, spreadable paste. Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently, then fold it over itself five times—this helps strengthen the dough for a better texture. Roll it out into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle (about 30 by 40 cm), spread that rich cinnamon filling evenly, leaving a small border around the edge.

Start rolling from the short side to make a tight log, then stretch it gently to approx 11 inches (28 cm). Here’s a little secret I swear by: use a piece of dental floss to slice the rolls—it makes the cuts clean and even, no squishing the dough like with knives. Cut into 9 pieces about an inch each, and place them in an oiled baking pan, spacing them out a bit.

Step 4: Final Proof and Bake

Let the rolls proof a second time for around 40 minutes, again in a warm spot. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Just before baking, give the rolls a light brush with dairy-free milk to help them develop a pretty golden top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and puffed up. When they come out, let them cool for about 15 minutes—that’s the perfect time to whip up the icing.

Step 5: Make the Sweet Icing and Serve

Whisk together powdered sugar, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. The icing is simple but elevates these cinnamon rolls from delicious to dreamy. Drizzle generously over the slightly warm rolls. I like to serve mine right away while the rolls are still tender and the glaze glossy. You’ll find that sweet, creamy icing brings just the right balance to the warm, spicy filling.

How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I typically keep garnishes simple since the rolls themselves are already packed with flavor. A light sprinkle of chopped pecans or a few extra dustings of cinnamon on top of the icing adds beautiful texture and a bit of crunch. Sometimes, I add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness, especially when serving for brunch.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of almond milk for breakfast. For a more filling brunch, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a tofu scramble—that way you balance the sweet with some savory and bright flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried presenting them in pretty bundt pans for a cinnamon roll “cake” effect, which always wows guests. You can also make mini cinnamon rolls in muffin tins for fun individual servings. Wrapping each roll individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes for adorable party favors or gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon rolls keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I usually wrap them tightly or use a sealable container to keep them moist and soft. They’re still delicious the next day warmed up with a little extra drizzle of icing.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! After the second proof and slicing, I sometimes freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls individually on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you want fresh rolls, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—super convenient for busy weekends.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8-10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 20 seconds works in a pinch, though you lose a bit of that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Icing Recipe a try because I know you’ll fall in love with how incredibly delicious and comforting it is. Whenever I make these, my kitchen fills with that irresistible cinnamon aroma and my family eagerly gathers around, eager for a warm, sticky roll. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big cozy hug on a plate. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the bliss of homemade vegan cinnamon rolls—it’s worth every minute.

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