Description
Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with warm cinnamon and a touch of smoked turkey bacon, topped with a vibrant red frosting made of plant-based cream cheese and natural spices. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these rolls combine comforting flavors with a festive appearance that brings joy to any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup plant-based milk, warmed to lukewarm
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup butter substitute, melted
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/4 cup butter substitute, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped (optional)
Red Frosting
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter substitute
- 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp beet juice or natural red food coloring
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1/4 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the plant-based milk until lukewarm. Stir in the active dry yeast and a pinch of granulated sugar, letting it bloom until frothy. In a large bowl, mix the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Slowly incorporate the yeast mixture and melted butter substitute. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a warm bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: While the dough rises, combine the softened butter substitute with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and finely chopped smoked turkey bacon if using. Mix well to create a flavorful filling.
- Roll and Fill: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll out on a floured surface into a 1/4 inch thick, large rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, covering every corner. Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other and slice into rolls 1.5 to 2 inches thick.
- Second Rise and Bake: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish with space between each. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Red Frosting: While baking, whip together plant-based cream cheese, butter substitute, natural vanilla extract, beet juice or natural red food coloring, apple cider vinegar, natural gelling agent, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness with the gelling agent as needed.
- Frost and Serve: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly, then generously spread the red frosting over each roll while still warm so the frosting melts into every crease. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for optimal puffiness.
- Use just enough cinnamon filling to avoid soggy rolls.
- Cut rolls with a sharp serrated knife for neat edges.
- Cool rolls slightly before frosting to prevent frosting from running off.
- Adjust red frosting sweetness or tartness by varying beet juice and vinegar amounts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, red frosting, plant-based cream cheese, cinnamon swirl, warm dessert, fluffy rolls