Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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One cozy Sunday morning, Lauren and Cassidy were reminiscing about their grandmother's kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls would fill the air. Inspired by those memories, they decided to recreate the magic with a vegan twist. As they mixed the dough and prepared the filling, the kitchen was soon enveloped in the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar, bringing warmth to their hearts and home.

Since that day, these cinnamon rolls have become a cherished weekend tradition. Lauren enjoys hers with a generous drizzle of vegan cream cheese icing, while Cassidy prefers a simple glaze and a cup of herbal tea. Baking these rolls together has become more than just a culinary activity; it's a way for them to connect, share stories, and create new memories.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (such as soy, almond, or oat)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 packets (4½ teaspoons) quick-rise yeast
½ cup vegan butter, melted
½ teaspoon salt
4½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed

For the Filling:

6 tablespoons vegan butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

8 ounces vegan cream cheese
1½ cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk, granulated sugar, and quick-rise yeast.
Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
Add the melted vegan butter and salt to the yeast mixture.
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Knead and Let the Dough Rise:

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling and Assemble the Rolls:

In a small bowl, mix the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches in size.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, covering the entire surface.
Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

Second Rise and Bake:

Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 20 minutes until they have expanded.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Icing and Serve:

While the rolls are baking, beat together the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Once the rolls have slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese icing over the top.
Serve warm and enjoy.

Baking these vegan cinnamon rolls has become a beloved ritual for us. The process of kneading the dough, preparing the filling, and watching the rolls rise brings a sense of accomplishment and joy. The delightful aroma that fills the kitchen is a reward in itself, signaling the impending indulgence of warm, gooey cinnamon goodness.

We hope this recipe brings as much happiness to your home as it does to ours. Whether you're sharing them with loved ones over brunch or savoring one with a cup of coffee on a quiet morning, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.