Vegan Sweet Rolls: Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Glazed Treats
The success of these vegan sweet rolls depends on the quality of your instant yeast. Check the expiration date on the package before you start. Avoid yeast that looks clumpy or lacks a strong, fermented scent. Use oat milk warmed exactly to 110°F (43°C) to activate it. If the milk is too hot, you will kill the yeast. If it is too cool, the rise will slow down and the dough will remain dense.
You will create a light, fluffy dough filled with brown sugar and cinnamon. After the dough rises, roll it 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick and slice it into 10 pieces. Bake the rolls for 20 minutes until they turn golden brown. Finish them with a glaze made from vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and powdered sugar. This process results in a soft, dairy-free pastry with a savory cinnamon center and a smooth frosting.
Vegan Sweet Rolls: Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Glazed Treats
Recipe cardIngredients
Watch how it's made
Instructions
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Activate the yeast
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm 1 cup oat milk to 110°F (43°C) in a small saucepan. Stir in maple syrup, instant yeast, and salt, then let it sit until foamy. This ensures the yeast is alive and will make the dough rise.
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Knead the dough
Pour the yeast mixture into a bowl with 4 cups flour and 1 tbsp coconut oil. Stir until the dough pulls together. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until the texture is smooth and elastic.
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First dough rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth to prevent the surface from drying out. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size.
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Fill and roll
Mix 1/3 cup melted coconut oil, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tsp cinnamon. Roll your dough into a rectangle 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick. Spread the filling evenly and roll tightly from the long side. Slice into 10 pieces and place them seam-side down on parchment paper.
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Final rise and glaze
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rest to puff up. While they wait, whisk together vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tbsp oat milk. Use a whisk to ensure the glaze is completely smooth.
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Bake and finish
Bake the rolls for 20 minutes until they turn golden brown. Transfer them to a rack. Let them cool for 10 minutes before brushing on the glaze so the frosting does not melt off immediately.
Watch the temperature of your oat milk carefully. If the liquid exceeds 110°F (43°C), you will kill the yeast and the dough will not rise. If it feels too cool, the rise will be sluggish. Use a thermometer or check that it feels like pleasant bath water.
Oat Milk Substitutes
Use soy milk for a similar protein content and rise. Almond milk works but provides a thinner consistency. Ensure any substitute is unsweetened to avoid burning the dough. Do not use cold milk; warm it to 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast for a proper lift.
Storing and Reheating
Keep rolls in a sealed container at room temperature for 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually in foil and freeze in a bag for 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore the soft texture.
What to Serve With It
Pair these rolls with hot brewed coffee, tea, or almond milk. Drizzle extra maple syrup over the cinnamon glaze for a caramel flavor. Add toasted almond slivers on top to introduce a savory crunch and a nutty contrast to the sweet cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 410
- Protein
- 6.2 g
- Carbs
- 48.5 g
- Fat
- 18.1 g
- Fiber
- 2.4 g
- Sugar
- 26.8 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
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Questions people ask
Is there a difference between sweet rolls and cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Sweet rolls is a broad category including various enriched doughs with sugar. Cinnamon rolls are a specific type of sweet roll featuring a cinnamon-sugar swirl and usually a cream cheese or sugar glaze.
Can you give me a recipe for a non-dairy cinnamon roll?
Use this recipe. It replaces butter and milk with coconut oil and oat milk. These swaps maintain the fluffy crumb and richness without using any animal products.
What is a dirty cinnamon roll?
A dirty cinnamon roll is a version topped with extra layers of frosting, caramel, or chocolate. You can achieve this by adding more glaze or a maple syrup drizzle to these rolls.
