Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Easy & Delicious Recipe

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the warm, gooey world of vegan cinnamon rolls? You heard right! We're about to bake up some seriously delicious, plant-based treats that will have everyone begging for more. Whether you're a seasoned vegan baker or just starting out, this recipe is super easy to follow and guarantees amazing results every time. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla – let's get baking!

Why Vegan Cinnamon Rolls?

Let's be real – cinnamon rolls are a classic comfort food for a reason. But sometimes, traditional recipes are packed with dairy and eggs, making them off-limits for our vegan friends. That's where vegan cinnamon rolls come to the rescue! Not only are they inclusive for everyone to enjoy, but they can also be surprisingly healthier without sacrificing any of that delicious flavor and texture we all crave. Plus, making them yourself means you control all the ingredients, so you know exactly what's going into your sweet treat.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we start, let's gather all the ingredients. Don't worry, most of these are pantry staples, and the rest are easily found at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need for these vegan cinnamon rolls:

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work great)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup (60g) vegan butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 1/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup (120g) vegan butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get down to business! Follow these simple steps, and you'll be enjoying warm, gooey vegan cinnamon rolls in no time.

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a large bowl, warm the plant-based milk to about 105-115°F (40-46°C). Add the sugar and yeast, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step is crucial – it ensures your yeast is alive and kicking, ready to make your dough rise to perfection. If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old, and you'll need to start with fresh yeast.

2. Make the Dough:

Once the yeast is foamy, add the melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Stir well to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Remember, patience is key! Kneading develops the gluten, which gives your rolls that perfect chewy texture.

3. First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! The yeast is working hard, creating those air pockets that make cinnamon rolls so light and fluffy. You can speed up the rising process by placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off, of course!).

4. Prepare the Filling:

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy. This delicious mixture is what gives cinnamon rolls their signature flavor, so don't skimp on the cinnamon!

5. Assemble the Rolls:

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.

6. Cut the Rolls:

Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. For perfectly even slices, you can use a ruler to measure and mark the dough before cutting. Dental floss is a great trick for clean cuts without squishing the rolls!

7. Second Rise:

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes in a warm place. This second rise helps the rolls become even more light and fluffy before baking.

8. Bake the Rolls:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the vegan cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them – you want them to be perfectly baked but not burnt. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with foil.

9. Make the Glaze:

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. A good glaze should be thick enough to coat the rolls but still pourable.

10. Glaze and Serve:

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy! These vegan cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator.

Tips for the Perfect Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

  • Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is active for the best rise.
  • Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough rolls.
  • Warm Environment for Rising: A warm spot helps the dough rise faster.
  • Soft Vegan Butter: Ensure the vegan butter is soft for easy mixing in the filling.
  • Evenly Spread Filling: Distribute the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Don't Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the rolls.
  • Generous Glaze: Don't be shy with the glaze – it adds extra moisture and sweetness.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to get creative with your vegan cinnamon rolls? Here are a few fun ideas to try:

  • Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
  • Raisins: Sprinkle raisins over the filling for a chewy texture.
  • Apple Pie Spice: Mix apple pie spice into the cinnamon-sugar filling for a fall-inspired flavor.
  • Orange Zest: Add orange zest to the dough or glaze for a citrusy twist.
  • Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle vegan chocolate chips over the filling for a chocolatey treat.

Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have any vegan cinnamon rolls leftover (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

  • Storing: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat the rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds each or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warm.

Enjoy Your Homemade Vegan Cinnamon Rolls!

There you have it! A simple, straightforward recipe for incredibly delicious vegan cinnamon rolls that everyone will love. From activating the yeast to drizzling the glaze, each step is designed to bring you closer to that perfect, warm, gooey bite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats. Happy baking, and enjoy!