Homemade Easy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Homemade Easy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk); 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup maple syrup (for glaze); 1 tablespoon almond milk (for glaze)

There’s something almost magical about a warm batch of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven: the heady aroma of caramelizing sugar and toasted cinnamon, the pillowy softness of the dough, and the glossy, slightly runny glaze that drips into every swirl. These vegan cinnamon rolls deliver all of that comfort with a light, tender crumb and a cinnamon-sugar spiral that melts on the tongue. Whether you’re easing into a slow weekend morning, feeding a hungry crowd, or bringing something cozy to a holiday brunch, this recipe fills the kitchen — and the heart — with warmth.

These rolls are intentionally simple: plant-based ingredients, minimal fuss, and a short proofing time make them perfect for cooks who want the smell-and-savor payoff without an all-day commitment. Read on for a clear breakdown, exact ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make these your new go-to treat.

At a Glance

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes resting/rising)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour (including resting)
Servings: Makes 8 cinnamon rolls
Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners

Nutrition Highlights
Nutrition per serving (approximate, for 1 of 8 rolls)

Calories: ~210 kcal
Protein: ~3.2 g
Carbohydrates: ~41 g
Fat: ~4.0 g
Dietary Fiber: ~1.3 g
Sugars: ~18 g
Sodium: ~330 mg

These values are estimates calculated using standard nutrient values from USDA FoodData Central and typical ingredient measurements; they should be used as a guideline rather than an exact medical metric. For personalized dietary advice, consult reliable sources such as the USDA FoodData Central or the Mayo Clinic.

Why You’ll Love It

Irresistible aroma: The cinnamon and brown sugar filling releases an intoxicating, homey scent that makes the whole house feel cozy.
Simple and accessible: No yeast fiddling or long rising times — this recipe streamlines technique without sacrificing texture.
Vegan and adaptable: Made with plant-based milk and coconut oil, it suits vegan diets and invites easy swaps for allergies or preferences.
Comfort with a social heart: Perfect for weekend breakfasts, potlucks, or surprising a friend — these rolls create a moment worth sharing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup maple syrup (for glaze)
1 tablespoon almond milk (for glaze)

Optional ingredients & substitutions

Use soy or oat milk instead of almond milk for creamier results.
Replace coconut oil with vegan butter (melted) for a richer, more buttery flavor.
For gluten-free: substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (results may vary).
Add-ins: chopped pecans, raisins, or vegan cream-cheese-style glaze.
For a less-sweet option: reduce the brown sugar in the filling by 1–2 tablespoons.

Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
Add 1/2 cup almond milk and 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil to the dry mix. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms; avoid overmixing to keep rolls tender.
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 10×12 inches. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over the dough.
Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into eight even rolls (a floss or unflavored dental thread works well for neat cuts).
Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rest/rise for 30 minutes at room temperature (this gives them a light lift even without yeast).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate pan halfway through for even browning.
For the glaze, whisk 1/4 cup maple syrup with 1 tablespoon almond milk until slightly runny. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.

Practical tips:

Don’t overwork the dough: overmixing develops gluten and makes rolls dense.
Roll the log as tightly as you comfortably can for distinct spiral layers.
If the tops brown too fast, tent with foil for the last 5–10 minutes.
Check doneness by a light golden color and a clean skewer — baked through, not doughy at the center.

Best Pairings

Classic: Serve warm and plain to enjoy the cinnamon spiral unadorned.
Spread ideas: Vegan butter or a schmear of vegan cream cheese.
Drinks: Pair with robust coffee, chai tea, or a milky oat latte to balance the sweetness.
Brunch spread: Add fresh fruit, dairy-free yogurt, and avocado toast for a balanced table.
Snack time: Enjoy chilled or room temperature with a cup of herbal tea or hot cocoa.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1–2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to freshen.
Refrigerator: Keep covered for up to 4–5 days. Rewarm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to revive softness.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed, individually wrapped rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven for 10–15 minutes. Add glaze after reheating.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Even slices: Use dental floss or a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to avoid squishing the log.
Fill it generously: For a gooier center, press a bit more brown sugar-cinnamon into the roll as you shape it.
Texture cue: If rolls feel dense after baking, a short additional bake time (covered with foil) can finish the center without over-browning.
Glaze temperature: Always drizzle glaze on warm (not piping hot) rolls so it pools in the spirals rather than running off.
Make-ahead: Assemble rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight; bake in the morning for freshly baked aroma and minimal morning effort.

Creative Twists

Pecan-Maple Swirl: Add 1/3 cup chopped pecans to the filling and swap half the maple syrup glaze for a toasted pecan drizzle.
Orange-Cardamom: Add 1 teaspoon ground cardamom to the filling and 1 teaspoon orange zest to the glaze for a bright, aromatic twist.
Chocolate-Hazelnut: Spread a thin layer of vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread over the rolled-out dough before adding cinnamon sugar.
Gluten-free option: Use a certified 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum if blend lacks it.

All Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make these without coconut oil?
A: Yes — melted vegan butter or neutral oil (canola, sunflower) works fine. Vegan butter gives a richer taste.

Q: Will these be as fluffy without yeast?
A: They won’t be the same as classic yeast rolls, but the baking powder and brief rest produce a tender, cake-like roll with a soft crumb.

Q: How can I reduce sugar?
A: Lower the brown sugar in the filling by 1–2 tablespoons and use a lighter hand on glaze; remember that sweetness contributes to texture and caramelization.

Q: Can I prepare them ahead for a brunch?
A: Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate overnight; bake the next morning for fresh results with minimal prep.

Q: How do I reheat frozen rolls?
A: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Add glaze after warming.

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Conclusion

If you loved this straightforward vegan take on a classic, you might also enjoy exploring similar minimalist approaches and technique variations from trusted recipe creators: check out Easy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls | Minimalist Baker Recipes for a popular no-yeast method, or try Easy Vegan Cinnamon Buns • It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken for another approachable vegan version.

I hope these rolls bring warmth to your kitchen — please try the recipe, share photos or questions in the comments, and join the conversation for more plant-based baking adventures. Happy baking!