Fluffy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These fluffy vegan cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert. With a soft dough and gooey cinnamon filling, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups unsweetened plant milk (e.g., soy, almond, or oat)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 packets (4 ½ tsp) quick-rise yeast (or active dry yeast, see notes below)
• ½ cup vegan butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)

For the Filling:

• 6 tablespoons softened vegan butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 8 ounces vegan cream cheese (e.g., Kite Hill or Trader Joe’s)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for tanginess)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the plant milk to about 110°F (43°C) using a thermometer. Mix in the sugar and yeast, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in the melted vegan butter and salt.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour as needed.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 20 minutes or until nearly doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix together softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined into a spreadable paste.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12″ x 18″).
3. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
4. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut off the ends and slice into approximately 12 rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or two pie pans.
2. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

1. While the rolls are baking, beat together vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 7: Serve

1. Once baked, let cool slightly before drizzling with cream cheese icing. Serve warm.

Tips for Making Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Extra Fluffy

• Warm Milk: Ensure your plant milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
• Kneading: Knead the dough well but avoid overworking it; just enough to develop gluten will help keep them fluffy.
• Resting Time: Allowing the dough to rest after kneading helps create air pockets that contribute to fluffiness.
• Proper Rising: Ensure that your dough rises in a warm place; if your kitchen is cool, consider turning on your oven briefly to create warmth.

Substituting Yeast

You can substitute quick-rise yeast with active dry yeast; however:

• Active Dry Yeast: It requires proofing before mixing into the dough. Dissolve it in warm milk with sugar and let it sit until foamy before adding other ingredients.

Recommended Vegan Butter Brands

Some good vegan butter brands for cinnamon rolls include:

• Miyoko’s Creamery: Known for its rich flavor.
• Earth Balance: A popular choice with good consistency.
• Country Crock Plant Butter: Affordable and widely available.

Making Less Sweet Cream Cheese Icing

To make cream cheese icing that’s not too sweet:

• Reduce Powdered Sugar: Start with less powdered sugar (e.g., 1 cup) and adjust to taste.
• Add Lemon Juice: Incorporating more lemon juice can cut sweetness while adding flavor.

Gluten-Free Flour Options

For gluten-free cinnamon rolls:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Brands like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure or Bob’s Red Mill work well as direct substitutes.
• Almond Flour or Oat Flour: You can experiment with these flours but may need to combine them with binding agents like xanthan gum.

This enhanced recipe provides not only delicious vegan cinnamon rolls but also helpful tips and variations to suit different dietary needs! Enjoy this comforting treat that everyone will love!