Vegan Cinnamon Buns
Nothing compares to the comforting smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns filling your kitchen. These vegan cinnamon buns are perfectly soft, fluffy, and packed with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, all made without dairy or eggs. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a lighter, plant-based treat, this recipe delivers the same indulgent taste and texture as traditional cinnamon rolls.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these buns are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and clear steps, even beginners can achieve bakery-quality results at home.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup warm plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
¼ cup vegan butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup vegan butter (softened)
For the Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons plant milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well to distribute the yeast evenly. Add the warm plant milk, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If needed, add a little flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the buns soft.
First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step is essential for achieving light and fluffy buns.
Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside. Make sure your vegan butter is soft and spreadable so it can be evenly applied without tearing the dough.
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, roughly 14×9 inches. Spread the softened vegan butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, covering the entire surface.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. This ensures well-defined layers in your cinnamon buns.
Cut and Arrange
Cut the log into 9–12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion.
Second Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. They should become puffy and fill the baking dish.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cinnamon buns for 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry them out.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, plant milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns so it melts slightly into the layers.
Tips
Use Warm Milk: The milk should be warm, not hot. Hot liquid can kill the yeast, while cold liquid slows rising.
Knead Properly: Proper kneading develops gluten, giving the buns their soft and fluffy texture.
Don’t Over-Flour: Adding too much flour will make the buns dense instead of light.
Warm Rising Environment: Place the dough in a warm area, such as inside a switched-off oven with the light on.
Soft Butter for Filling: This prevents tearing the dough when spreading.
Even Rolling: Roll the dough tightly but gently for uniform layers.
Avoid Overbaking: Remove buns as soon as they are lightly golden to keep them soft.
Variations
Chocolate Cinnamon Buns: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a rich twist.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Include finely chopped apples for added moisture and flavor.
Nutty Rolls: Sprinkle walnuts or pecans inside for crunch.
Orange Glazed Rolls: Add orange zest and juice to the glaze for a citrusy flavor.
Maple Frosting: Replace the glaze with maple syrup icing for a deeper sweetness.
Q&A
Q: Can I prepare these buns in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Q: Can I freeze cinnamon buns?
Yes, baked buns can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving for best texture.
Q: Why didn’t my dough rise?
This may happen if the yeast is expired or the liquid was too hot. Always check your yeast before using.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser. You can mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for balance.
Q: How do I keep them soft?
Store in an airtight container and warm them slightly before eating.
Nutrition (Per Roll Approx.)
Calories: 220–260 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 8 g
Protein: 3–4 g
Sugar: 12–15 g
Conclusion
These vegan cinnamon buns are a perfect combination of softness, sweetness, and warm spice. They are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and deliver bakery-style results at home. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a next-day treat, they remain soft, flavorful, and satisfying.
Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite for special mornings or cozy gatherings. Enjoy every warm, gooey bite!