Description
Indulge in soft, fluffy Cinnamon Rolls (Joy Food Sunshine) with a perfectly balanced sweet cinnamon filling and a luscious creamy plant-based icing. This easy homemade recipe uses simple pantry staples and delivers irresistible flavor, making any morning or cozy afternoon special.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plant-based milk (warm)
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp plant-based butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp plant-based butter (melted)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for nutty twist)
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (for fruit burst)
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cardamom (for spiced up flavor)
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar (plant-based)
- 2–3 tbsp plant-based milk
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- Optional: 2 tbsp maple syrup (natural) to swap for glaze
- Optional: melted dark chocolate (plant-based) for drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the plant-based milk until warm but not hot, then stir in apple cider vinegar and active dry yeast. Let the mixture bloom for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add melted plant-based butter and the yeast mixture. Mix to form a soft dough, then knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll out the dough and brush with melted plant-based butter. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough. Add any optional nuts, dried fruit, or spices as desired.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seams to seal. Cut into slices about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Place slices snugly in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise and Bake: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Icing: While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of plant-based milk, and natural gelling agent until smooth and creamy. Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls so it melts luxuriously into every bite. Optionally drizzle melted dark chocolate or make a maple glaze as a topping.
Notes
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for maximum fluffiness.
- Roll the dough tightly but gently to keep air pockets intact.
- Use a serrated knife or dental floss to slice rolls cleanly without squashing.
- Watch the rolls closely when baking to get golden tops and soft centers.
- Apply icing while rolls are warm for best gooey texture.
- Store leftover rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze un-iced rolls tightly wrapped for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge before baking.
- Reheat gently in oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds before adding fresh icing.
- You can prepare the dough the night before after the first rise; refrigerate covered and bring to room temperature before rolling and baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, plant-based cinnamon rolls, vegan cinnamon rolls, comfort food, sweet rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls
