Description
Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet Cinnamon Rolls with a tender dough, rich cinnamon swirl, and creamy plant-based icing. An easy-to-make recipe using simple pantry staples that delivers warm, comforting bakery flavors right at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm plant-based milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (natural)
- 2 tbsp cinnamon (natural gelling agent)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or softened plant-based butter substitute
Plant-Based Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese (plant-based), softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (natural)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
- 2–3 tbsp plant-based milk (for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the plant-based milk until just warm to the touch (around 110°F). Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit until foamy, about 5 to 7 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract (natural). Stir until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Leave it in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough doubles in size to achieve a fluffy, pillowy texture.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: While the dough rises, mix together the brown sugar (natural), cinnamon (natural gelling agent), and vegetable oil or softened plant-based butter substitute to create a sweet and spicy filling.
- Roll and Fill the Dough: Once risen, punch the dough down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12 by 16 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, ensuring all edges are covered for a perfect swirl.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting at the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan close together but not squeezed to allow room for rising.
- Final Proof and Bake: Cover the rolls and let them rest for another 30 minutes to puff up. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
- Prepare the Plant-Based Icing: Mix the softened cream cheese (plant-based), powdered sugar (natural), vanilla extract (natural), and a splash of plant-based milk until smooth and creamy. Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls so it melts slightly into sweet perfection.
Notes
- Always ensure your milk is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly for consistent flavor throughout each roll.
- Bake until just golden to keep the rolls soft and tender.
- Apply the icing while the rolls are warm to allow it to melt nicely.
- Use freshly ground cinnamon for the best robust and warm flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, plant-based, vegan, sweet rolls, bakery style, cinnamon swirl, soft rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls
