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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

    September 12, 2022 by LaKita 30 Comments

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    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    overhead view of finished vegan cinnamon rolls topped with glaze in white baking dish
    overhead view of finished cinnamon roll recipe in baking dish

    Make these Vegan Cinnamon Rolls that are dairy-free, egg-free, soft, fluffy and topped with a sweet and delicious glaze. Totally made from scratch and sure to be enjoyed by everyone!

    If you're craving more sweet and delicious cinnamon roll recipes, then be sure to try making a batch regular of Cinnamon Rolls or even these Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls.

    overhead view of finished vegan cinnamon rolls in a white square baking dish

    These cinnamon rolls are egg-free, and dairy-free, making them the perfect vegan dessert option. They are also soft, fluffy, and topped with a delicious glaze that makes them similar to a honey bun.

    If you've ever struggled to make cinnamon rolls, this post is full of tips and tricks to help make the process easy to create the best cinnamon rolls that are sure to be loved and enjoyed by everyone.

    Let's get started!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Equipment You'll Need
    • Instructions
    • Recipe Tips & Tricks
    • Storage
    • Double Batch
    • Recipe
    • More Recipes You'll Love

    Ingredients You'll Need

    ingredients needed to make cinnamon rolls in separate containers
    1. Active Dry Yeast - You can use 2 ¼ teaspoons or 1 packet, either works just fine. Just be sure to measure if you're using bulk yeast. May substitute instant yeast if you prefer.
    2. Sugar - Use granulated or cane sugar to add sweetness and help to proof the yeast to make the cinnamon rolls.
    3. All-Purpose Flour - Be sure to scoop the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Don't scoop the measuring cup directly into the bag/container or it will pack the flour. For the most accurate amount, use a food scale.
    4. Salt - Helps to balance the sweetness and prevents the cinnamon rolls from tasting flat. Use any that you prefer, I prefer to use kosher salt for baking.
    5. Coconut Oil - This ingredient is what provides the fat for the recipe and is the vegan substitute for regular butter.
    6. Ground Cinnamon - I used a good amount of ground cinnamon which I think makes these cinnamon rolls stand out and give them the best flavor.
    7. Vegan Butter - Can be used to coat the pan to prevent the rolls from sticking and also added to the center of the rolls for a slightly buttery flavor. May also use margarine or coconut oil instead if you prefer.
    8. Non-Dairy Milk - Helps to make the glaze to top the rolls, may use any soy, nut, or non-dairy milk that you prefer.
    9. Vanilla Extract - Be sure to use pure vanilla extract to add flavor to the glaze that tops each cinnamon roll.

    See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities.

    Equipment You'll Need

    • A stand mixer with the hook attachment or a large bowl with a hand mixer.
    • Rolling pin to roll out the dough.
    • A baking dish that is at least a 9x13-inch or similar.
    • Knife or unflavored floss to cut the rolls.
    • Small bowl to mix the ingredients to make the glaze topping.
    • A whisk to mix the glaze ingredients together.

    Instructions

    Begin the recipe by warming some water in a small bowl, careful not to make it too hot. Add the yeast and granulated sugar and stir it and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The yeast will proof and become foamy. If not try it again, the yeast may be bad or the temperature of the water is too hot. If the water is too hot, then it will kill the yeast.

    close up side view of proofed yeast mixture in glass measuring cup

    Add the yeast mixture, melted coconut oil, salt, and all-purpose flour using a stand mixer with a large bowl and dough hook. Mix until combined.

    Once it comes together to form a soft dough ball, remove it from the mixer bowl and add it to a separate bowl that is lightly coated in coconut oil. Allow the dough to rise in a draft-free place for 1 to 2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.

    soft dough ball in glass mixing bowl
    dough that has doubled in size after resting for an hour in a glass bowl

    In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling and set aside. Prepare the pan that you plan on baking your cinnamon rolls in, and coat the bottom and sides of the baking dish in melted coconut oil or vegan butter.

    Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough into an even rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Evenly spread the vegan butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

    rolled out dough topped with vegan butter, sugar, and ground cinnamon

    Working from the long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough from the top edge to the bottom edge. Use a knife or unflavored floss to cut the dough into thick rolls and place them into the prepared baking dish. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise for 30 minutes to 1 hour or until they double in size.

    cut rolls in prepared baking dish
    rolls that have rested for an hour before baking in prepared dish

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and place the baking pan with the rolls into the oven to bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and light golden brown.

    Make the glaze topping in a small bowl by whisking together some powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, vegan butter or coconut oil, salt and vanilla extract until combined. Spread the glaze generously over the top of each cinnamon roll. Serve warm and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy!

    finished cinnamon rolls topped with glaze in baking dish

    Recipe Tips & Tricks

    • Be sure to allow the yeast to sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes. It will bubble up a bit and that means the yeast has activated. If you notice that it doesn't bubble and become foamy, that means the yeast is dead and your dough will not rise. You will need to start the process over again and check the date on the package of yeast before using it.
    • You may mix the dough by hand but just take into consideration that it will take longer and a bit of arm strength to mix the ingredients until the dough forms. 
    • When allowing the dough to rise, be sure you cover it, or it will dry out the dough. Use a light kitchen towel, loosely wrapped plastic wrap, or even a two-layer cover of paper towels. Also, make sure it is not in a cool or drafty area. I find placing it into a cold (turned off) oven works very well.
    • When rolling out the dough, try to make sure that it's an even thickness all the way around. Aim for ¼ inch thickness.
    • To make the process easier, add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to the stand mixer bowl and allow it to proof before adding the other ingredients on top.

    Storage

    Refrigerate - Place any leftovers into an airtight container or plastic bag in the fridge. You can store the rolls in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    Freezing - You may freeze any cinnamon rolls that you don't plan to eat right away. Just place a freezer-friendly container or wrap them in plastic wrap and then two layers of aluminum foil. The cinnamon rolls freeze for 2 to 4 months. Thaw the rolls in the fridge the night before you plan to eat them and then reheat as you would like.

    Double Batch

    Cinnamon rolls take a bit of effort, and many love to make larger batches to save some in the freezer for later. You can double the recipe by doubling the necessary ingredients and using two 9x13 pans. This is great for larger families who need more or if you want to freeze the extra batch for later. 

    I do recommend fully baking the rolls before freezing, but you can also freeze the dough raw without the glaze. Just add additional time to cooking when ready to bake to ensure it bakes all the way through. 

    Recipe

    overhead view of finished cinnamon roll recipe in baking dish

    Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

    LaKita Anderson
    Make these Vegan Cinnamon Rolls that are dairy-free, egg-free, soft, fluffy and topped with a sweet and delicious glaze. Totally made from scratch and sure to be enjoyed by everyone!
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Resting Time 2 hrs
    Total Time 2 hrs 40 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10
    Calories 323 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • Yeast Mixture
    • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
    • 1 cup warm water
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • Cinnamon Roll Dough
    • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • Cinnamon Roll Filling
    • 2 tablespoons vegan butter or coconut oil
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • Glaze Topping
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • ¼ cup non-dairy milk
    • 3 tablespoons vegan butter or coconut oil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Begin the recipe by warming 1 cup water (100-110 degrees F.) in a small bowl, careful not to make it too hot. Add the 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast and ¼ cup granulated sugar and stir it and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The yeast will proof and become foamy. If not try it again, the yeast may be bad or the temperature of the water is too hot. If the water is too hot, then it will kill the yeast.
    • Add the yeast mixture, ¼ cup melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3 cups all-purpose flour using a stand mixer with a large bowl and dough hook. Mix until combined.
    • Once it comes together to form a soft dough ball, remove it from the mixer bowl and add it to a separate bowl that is lightly coated in coconut oil. Allow the dough to rise in a draft-free place for 1 to 2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
    • In a small bowl, stir together the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the filling and set aside. Prepare the pan that you plan on baking your cinnamon rolls in by coating the bottom and sides of the baking dish in additional melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
    • Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough into an even rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Evenly spread the 2 tablespoons vegan butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
    • Working from the long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough from the top edge to the bottom edge. Use a knife or unflavored floss to cut the dough into thick rolls and place them into the prepared baking dish. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise for 30 minutes to 1 hour or until they double in size.
    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and place the baking pan with the rolls into the oven to bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and light golden brown.
    • Make the glaze topping in a small bowl by whisking together some 1 cup powdered sugar, ¼ cup non-dairy milk, 3 tablespoons vegan butter or coconut oil, ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
    • Spread the glaze generously over the top of each cinnamon roll. Serve warm and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Be sure to allow the yeast to sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes. It will bubble up a bit and that means the yeast has activated. If you notice that it doesn't bubble and become foamy, that means the yeast is dead and your dough will not rise. You will need to start the process over again and check the date on the package of yeast before using it.
    • You may mix the dough by hand but just take into consideration that it will take longer and a bit of arm strength to mix the ingredients until the dough forms. 
    • When allowing the dough to rise, be sure you cover it, or it will dry out the dough. Use a light kitchen towel, loosely wrapped plastic wrap, or even a two-layer cover of paper towels. Also, make sure it is not in a cool or drafty area. I find placing it into a cold (turned off) oven works very well.
    • When rolling out the dough, try to make sure that it's an even thickness all the way around. Aim for ¼ inch thickness.
    • To make the process easier, add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to the stand mixer bowl and allow it to proof before adding the other ingredients on top.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 323kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 342mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 26IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 2mg

    *All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

    Keyword cinnamon rolls
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SimplyLaKita or tag #SimplyLakita

    Original post date 05/23/2016. Updated 09/12/2022.

    close up side view of a single cinnamon roll on small white plate

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    Have any comments, questions, or other ideas for this delicious Vegan Cinnamon Roll Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sonya

      May 24, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      I can't wait to listen to those podcasts. I'm always trying to find podcasts that I will enjoy.
      The cinnamon rolls look delicious.

      Reply
      • admin

        May 26, 2016 at 9:49 am

        Thank you...I love a good podcast so I am always on the look out for new ones to add.

        Reply
    2. Tamara

      May 24, 2016 at 4:25 pm

      Thank you so much for mentioning me! That meant so much.
      And these cinnamon rolls. WHOA! The photos are stunning. I'm not a huge cinnamon roll fan, but I think I'd like these. It may be one of the few things I'd prefer the vegan version of!

      Reply
      • admin

        May 26, 2016 at 9:50 am

        You are welcome!! Thank you so much 🙂

        Reply
    3. Akaleistar

      May 24, 2016 at 10:26 pm

      Time really is flying by! The cinnamon rolls look delicious 🙂

      Reply
      • admin

        May 26, 2016 at 9:51 am

        Thank you. It is going by way too fast.

        Reply
    4. Angela K. Hill

      May 26, 2016 at 12:20 am

      Those rolls looks scrumptious, and your pictures are stunning! I have never successfully made cinnamon rolls from scratch but they are one of my all time favorite baked desserts! Pinning this for later! Also I love that they are vegan!

      Reply
      • admin

        May 26, 2016 at 9:53 am

        Angela!!!!!! Hey!!!!! Welcome back 😉 Thank you so much. These were not hard to make but waiting for them to rise was pretty time consuming.

        Reply
    5. Nikki

      August 25, 2016 at 10:44 am

      First of all, these cinammon rolls look TO DIE FOR, i must try. And second, thanks for the shoutout lovely!!! You are giving me all the feels 🙂 <3 xx

      Reply
      • admin

        August 25, 2016 at 12:09 pm

        Thank you and you are so welcome!! XO <3 🙂

        Reply
    6. Pegs

      February 21, 2017 at 3:13 am

      Hi there, this looks a great recipe and though I am not vegan myself, my stepdaughter is. It would be nice to have something in when she visits, but could I freeze these once baked but before glazing? And if I can, do I defrost before reheating?

      Reply
      • admin

        February 21, 2017 at 10:11 pm

        Hi Pegs! Yes you could freeze them prior to icing and I would defrost before reheating. Hope they turn out well...Keep me posted.

        Reply
    7. Heidy

      September 13, 2022 at 9:43 am

      5 stars
      These Vegan Cinnamon Rolls have become a massive hit in our household. The flavor is off the chain delicious. I will be saving this recipe to make again!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 19, 2022 at 5:41 pm

        Thank you so much Heidy, happy to hear they were a hit!

        Reply
    8. Veronika

      September 16, 2022 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      Wow who wouldve thought vegan cinammon rolls would look so good and also taste amazing! Made these the other day and was blown away by how tasty they were and so similar to the classic ones.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 19, 2022 at 5:42 pm

        Thank you Veronika, very similar to the classic cinnamon rolls!

        Reply
    9. Leslie

      September 17, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great vegan cinnamon roll recipe! Making the glaze with coconut oil was a great idea!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 19, 2022 at 5:42 pm

        Thank you Leslie, I completely agree!

        Reply
    10. Erin

      September 18, 2022 at 8:48 am

      5 stars
      These rolls were perfect! I needed a vegan recipe for a friend and these were just amazing. Thanks!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 19, 2022 at 5:42 pm

        Thank you Erin, happy to hear this recipe worked well for you!

        Reply
    11. Kristina

      September 18, 2022 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      I am so glad to have found a dairy-free version of cinnamon rolls for my daughter who can't tolerate dairy. These were so good that you'd never know they didn't contain all the classic cinnamon roll ingredients! Thank you!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 19, 2022 at 5:43 pm

        Thank you Kristina, I completely agree, they certainly are not lacking in flavor 🙂

        Reply
    12. Debbie

      September 18, 2022 at 9:55 am

      5 stars
      My whole family loves cinnamon rolls and they adored these . I am slowly trying to transition into a healthier lifestyle and they didn't even know these were vegan.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 19, 2022 at 5:44 pm

        Thank you Debbie, that is exactly what I was going for 🙂

        Reply
    13. Eric

      September 18, 2022 at 2:12 pm

      5 stars
      We made these as a Sunday project and they were the best cinnamon rolls we've ever had! A total winner.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 19, 2022 at 5:44 pm

        Thank you Eric, glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply
    14. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer

      September 18, 2022 at 5:06 pm

      5 stars
      Vegan or not, these rock! Cinnamon rolls for the weekend brunch win! So light and fluffy too! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 19, 2022 at 5:44 pm

        Thank you Lori, they are so fluffy!!!

        Reply
    15. ramona

      September 19, 2022 at 5:57 am

      5 stars
      Wow, these cinnamon rolls look amazing, I love how perfect each of them are! I cant wait to make this for dessert, thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 19, 2022 at 5:45 pm

        Thank you Ramona!! They're a great dessert recipe!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm LaKita, a food blogger living in Northwest/Panhandle Florida. I love creating and sharing recipes that are simple to make and comforting to eat. Follow me for more delicious recipes.

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