Description

These Better Than Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with a rich cinnamon swirl and topped with luscious plant-based frosting. Perfect as an indulgent breakfast treat or decadent dessert, they fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delight your taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
1 cup plant-based milk, lukewarm
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup plant-based butter, melted
1 tsp salt
1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Cinnamon Filling

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup plant-based butter, melted

Plant-Based Frosting

4 oz plant-based cream cheese
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp plant-based butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
1/4 tsp natural gelling agent

Optional Add-ins

Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds (for nutty twist)
Raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries (for fruit-filled option)
Nutmeg or cardamom (for spiced up flavor)
Plant-based chocolate spread (for chocolate swirl)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Begin by warming the plant-based milk until lukewarm, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over it and let it bloom for 5 to 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, apple cider vinegar, and melted plant-based butter. Knead until a soft, smooth dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Melt additional plant-based butter and set aside for brushing the dough. This filling will create the signature gooey cinnamon swirl.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill Once risen, roll the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush generously with melted plant-based butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the surface.
Step 4: Roll and Slice Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 to 15 equal pieces depending on desired size. Place slices into a greased baking dish, leaving space between them for expansion.
Step 5: Final Rise and Bake Cover the pan and let rolls rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Prepare the Plant-Based Frosting While baking, combine plant-based cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract (natural), melted plant-based butter, and natural gelling agent. Whip until smooth and creamy to create luscious frosting.
Step 7: Frost and Serve Remove rolls from oven and let cool slightly. Generously spread the plant-based frosting on top. Serve warm for the best gooey cinnamon roll experience.

Notes

Use fresh active dry yeast for best rise and soft texture.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help the dough rise properly.
Do not skip the second rise to achieve light and fluffy rolls.
Brush the dough generously with plant-based butter for a gooey filling.
Apply frosting while rolls are warm but not hot for silky melting coverage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 320
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, vegan cinnamon rolls, plant-based frosting, soft cinnamon buns, gluten free cinnamon rolls