Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

A very simple way to enjoy a classic treat on a vegan diet! Approved by my non-vegan roommates, these vegan cinnamon rolls are perfect for Sunday mornings.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Calories: 456 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• ¼ cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
• 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons ground flax seeds
• 2 cups chopped pecans (Optional)
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• ¾ cup vanilla-flavored almond milk
• ½ teaspoon almond extract, or to taste
• ground nutmeg, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch glass baking pan.

Step 2

Heat almond milk over medium heat until frothy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Cool until milk is lukewarm.

Step 3

Stir 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons warm water and ground flax together in a measuring cup.

Step 4

Combine 2 1/4 cups flour, white sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add milk mixture and water mixture; mix well. Stir in remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until dough comes together.

Step 5

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and springy, 5 to 7 minutes. Return dough to the bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Place on top of the oven and let rest for 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 6

Mix brown sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom together in a bowl. Stir in 3 tablespoons vegetable oil.

Step 7

Return dough to the floured surface and roll into a large rectangle. Spread the brown sugar mixture onto the dough. Sprinkle pecans on top. Roll the dough along the longer side of the rectangle. Use a length of thread to cut the dough into 1 1/2-inch segments. Place into the prepared baking pan swirl-side up.

Step 8

Cover baking pan with a damp cloth and place on top of the oven. Let rise for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove cloth.

Step 9

Bake until rolls are golden brown, about 30 minutes.