Description
Soft Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are fluffy, tender rolls layered with aromatic cinnamon and topped with a creamy plant-based cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy mornings or any special occasion, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a bakery-quality treat that is customizable and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup plant-based milk, lukewarm
- 1/4 cup vegetarian butter (plant-based), melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup vegetarian butter (plant-based), melted
- Optional: 1/4 cup smoked turkey bacon bits
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream cheese (natural)
- 1/4 cup vegetarian butter (plant-based), softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the plant-based milk until lukewarm, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over it and let it bloom until frothy, about 5-7 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted vegetarian butter to the dry ingredients. Mix and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately one hour.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted vegetarian butter until well blended. This filling will create the rich cinnamon swirls inside the rolls.
- Roll and Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. If desired, sprinkle smoked turkey bacon bits or your chosen variation on top. Roll up the dough tightly along the long edge, then slice into uniform rolls. Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased baking dish. Let them rest for 20-30 minutes to rise again while preheating the oven.
- Bake: Bake the rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The rolls should feel soft and slightly springy to touch with a beautiful golden top.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Using a mixer, combine plant-based cream cheese, vegetarian butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and natural gelling agent. Beat until smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Adjust sweetness or thickness as desired by adding more powdered sugar or cream cheese.
- Frost the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and still warm, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. The frosting will melt slightly and seep into the crevices for a gooey, delicious finish.
Notes
- Check the temperature of plant-based milk to properly activate yeast; it should be lukewarm.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten for the ideal fluffy texture.
- Allow the dough enough time to rise fully during both resting stages for maximum softness.
- Remove rolls from the oven when the tops are golden and the centers feel slightly springy to avoid dryness.
- Apply frosting while rolls are still warm to help it melt perfectly into every nook and cranny.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, plant-based cream cheese frosting, vegan cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastries, gluten-free option
