Have you ever wished to enjoy a warm, gooey cinnamon roll that’s completely dairy-free? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll walk you through making mouthwatering vegan cinnamon rolls that are surprisingly easy. Whether a kitchen newbie or a seasoned baker, you’ll love whipping these delicious treats. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get baking?
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- A simple dough recipe anyone can make
- How to create a tasty cinnamon filling
- An easy glaze that tops it off perfectly
- Step-by-step instructions for baking
- Tips for making your cinnamon rolls extra delicious
Ready to learn how to make these yummy treats? Let’s get rolling!
What You’ll Need
Before we start, let’s go over what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar (light brown sugar works great)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 6 tablespoons melted coconut oil
Tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spoon
- Rolling pin
- 9×13 baking dish
Don’t worry if you don’t have fancy baking tools. These cinnamon rolls are easy to make with just essential kitchen items!
Making the Dough
Let’s start with the dough:
Combine the dry stuff:
- In a big bowl, stir the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt with a whisk.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour the warm almond milk and melted coconut oil. Mix everything until it forms a dough.
Work the dough:
- Sprinkle some flour on your counter.
- Put the dough there and push, fold, and stretch it with your hands for 3-5 minutes.
- Keep going until it feels smooth and stretchy.
Let’s make it fluffy:
- Lightly oil a clean bowl.
- Put your dough in and cover it up.
- Find a cosy spot in your kitchen – near a sunny window or atop your fridge.
- Let the dough hang out there for an hour. While you wait, it’ll slowly puff up like a pillow!
Creating the Filling
While your dough is rising, let’s make the yummy filling:
- In a bowl, stir together some brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of nutmeg. This will be your yummy filling.
- Melt some coconut oil to brush on the dough later.
Rolling and Filling
Now comes the fun part:
Stretch it out:
- Sprinkle some flour on your kitchen counter.
- Put your dough there and get your rolling pin ready.
- Roll the dough into a big, flat rectangle.
- Try to make it about the size of a baking sheet – around 14 inches one way and 20 inches the other.
- Remember, it doesn’t have to be exactly right.
- Close enough is good enough!
- Add the good stuff: Brush on melted coconut oil, then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mix.
Make a dough log:
- Start at one of the long sides of your rectangle.
- Slowly roll the dough towards the other side, like you’re rolling up a poster.
- Keep it snug as you go, but don’t press too hard.
- You want it tight enough to hold its shape but not so tight that you squash all the filling!
Slice it up: Take a sharp knife and cut your dough log into even pieces. Aim for about 12 rolls. The ends might look a little wonky, but that’s okay! They’ll still taste great.
Baking Your Cinnamon Rolls
Photo Credit – Flickr
We’re almost there:
- Prepare the pan: Put a little melted coconut oil in your baking dish.
- Arrange the rolls: Place your cut rolls in the dish. They should have some space between them.
- Time for another nap: Cover your baking dish with a clean kitchen towel. Find a cosy spot in your kitchen and let the rolls rest for about 45 minutes. During this time, they’ll slowly puff up and grow. It’s like magic – you’ll see them get bigger right before your eyes!
- Time to bake: Turn your oven on to 350ยฐF (that’s about 175ยฐC). When it’s hot, put your rolls in. Let them bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a pretty golden brown color and smell amazing!
Making the Glaze
While your rolls are baking, let’s whip up a quick glaze:
- Mix powdered sugar with a little almond milk.
- Whisk until smooth. It only takes a few seconds!
Serving Your Cinnamon Rolls
Once your rolls are out of the oven:
- Let them cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle your glaze over the top right before serving.
- Enjoy your warm, gooey, homemade vegan cinnamon rolls!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
Want to make your rolls even better? Try these tips:
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot. This helps the yeast work without killing it.
- Don’t skip the rising times. This makes your rolls fluffy and delicious.
- Spread your filling to the edges for maximum flavour.
- If you like extra gooey rolls, add coconut oil to the pan before baking.
- For a different flavour, try adding chopped nuts or raisins to your filling.
- If you want a cream cheese-style frosting, mix some vegan cream cheese into your glaze.
Why These Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Are Great
These cinnamon rolls are unique for a few reasons:
- They’re dairy-free: Perfect for vegans or those with dairy allergies.
- Easy to make: You don’t need special skills or fancy equipment.
- Customizable: You can easily change up the flavours to suit your taste.
- Great for sharing: They’re perfect for brunches or family gatherings.
- Just as tasty: You won’t miss the dairy in these delicious rolls!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have almond milk? Can I use regular cow’s milk?
Absolutely! You can use any milk you like. Regular cow’s milk works fine if you’re not worried about keeping it vegan. The recipe is flexible, so use the milk in your fridge.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
You can use any oil or melted vegan butter instead.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them in the morning. Just keep them covered in the fridge overnight.
How long do these stay fresh?
These cinnamon rolls are best eaten on the day they’re made, but they’ll stay good for 2-3 days if kept in an airtight container.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Good news! You can freeze these cinnamon rolls. Whether baked or unbaked, they’ll do great in the freezer. Just wrap them up snugly in plastic wrap or pop them in a freezer bag. This protects them from getting that frosty freezer taste. When you’re craving a cinnamon roll, take them out, let them thaw, and warm them up. It’s like having fresh-baked rolls whenever you want!
Conclusion
Making vegan cinnamon rolls doesn’t have to be complicated. This easy recipe lets you enjoy warm, gooey, homemade cinnamon rolls without any dairy. They’re perfect for a special breakfast, brunch with friends, or just when you want a sweet treat.
Why not give this recipe a try? You might be surprised at how easy and delicious vegan baking can be. These cinnamon rolls might become your new favourite recipe!
Have you ever tried making vegan desserts before? What’s your favourite breakfast treat to make at home?
Photo Credit – Flickr