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If you’ve ever made cinnamon rolls and ended up with ones that were more cakey than soft and chewy, you’re not alone. That was us for a long time. My husband and I were on the hunt for soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with that classic bakery-style texture—just without the dairy. After testing a few versions, this vegan cinnamon roll recipe quickly became our go-to.
These cinnamon rolls are made with oat milk, vegan butter, and a simple yeast dough that’s easy to work with—even if you’re new to baking with yeast. They come out perfectly soft, lightly sweet, and filled with that cozy cinnamon-sugar swirl we all love. Whether you’re making them for a slow weekend morning, a holiday breakfast, or just because, this recipe is one you’ll want to save.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls are delicious!! You'll never know they are vegan!
- Soft and fluffy, not dense or dry
- Completely dairy-free
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for make-ahead mornings
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
You truly won’t miss the dairy in this recipe. The oat milk keeps the dough tender, and the vegan butter adds richness without overpowering the flavor. Also, I've learned from my barista days oat milk is the closest to regular milk in terms of protein structure, thickness, etc.
The Secret to Soft Cinnamon Rolls
The key to soft cinnamon rolls—vegan or not—is proper rising time and not over-flouring the dough. It can be tempting to keep adding flour if the dough feels sticky, but a slightly tacky dough is what helps create that fluffy texture.
Giving the dough time to rise properly also makes a huge difference. The first rise allows the yeast to do its job, while the second rise helps the rolls puff up beautifully before baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the dough:
- Oat milk
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Vegan butter
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
For the filling:
- Vegan butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
For the icing:
- Powdered sugar
- Dairy-free milk
- Vanilla extract
Simple ingredients, but when they come together, the result is so comforting and classic.
How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Activate the yeast
Start by warming your oat milk to about 110°F. It should feel warm but not hot. Stir in the yeast and sugar, then let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to rise.
Make the dough
Once the yeast is activated, add the melted vegan butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
First rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This is the perfect time to tidy up the kitchen or prep your filling.
Roll and fill
Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread softened vegan butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll and cut
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the dough into 10–12 rolls.
Second rise
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise helps them bake up extra fluffy.
Bake
Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden and cooked through.
Frost
Whisk together the icing ingredients and drizzle over the warm rolls. The frosting melts into the swirls just enough to be absolutely perfect.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
These vegan cinnamon rolls are great for prepping ahead of time. You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.
Leftovers can be stored:
- At room temperature for 1–2 days
- In the refrigerator for up to 4 days
To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds.
Perfect for Holidays and Special Mornings
These cinnamon rolls are one of my favorite recipes to make for Thanksgiving morning, Christmas breakfast, or any special occasion. They feel festive, cozy, and indulgent without being overly complicated.
They’re also great for:
- Weekend brunch
- Hosting family or friends
- Freezer-friendly meal prep
- Gifting to neighbors or loved ones
There’s just something about the smell of cinnamon rolls baking that instantly makes a house feel warm and welcoming.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overheat the oat milk—it can kill the yeast
- Use room temperature vegan butter for the filling
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area
- Avoid overbaking to keep the rolls soft
