Warm cinnamon, tender spiced apples, soft homemade dough, and a creamy drizzle of sweet yogurt glaze.
If that sounds like your idea of the perfect cozy treat, these homemade Vegan Apple Cinnamon Rolls are calling your name!
Made with a combination of whole grain and all-purpose flour, these plant-based cinnamon rolls offer a delicious balance of hearty goodness and softness. The naturally sweet apples bring wonderful flavor to every bite, while warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg make them especially inviting during the cooler months
A simple maple-sweetened yogurt glaze adds the perfect finishing touch without being overly sweet.
This recipe takes a little more time and ingredients, but trust us, the results are so worth it!
They're perfect for a cozy weekend baking project, a festive holiday treat, Christmas morning, or any special gathering where you want to treat your loved ones to something homemade.
Vegan Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1½–2¼ hours
Cook Time: 20 - 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the dough
- 1 cup lukewarm unsweetened soy or oat milk
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted vegan butter, slightly cooled
Apple Cinnamon Filling
- 2 large red apples, finely diced
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon brown or granulated sugar
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Vegan Yogurt Glaze
- ½ a cup plain, plain vegan yogurt
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Tip: For a thicker, creamier glaze, use a Greek-style vegan yogurt. For a sweeter topping, add another teaspoon of powdered sugar to taste.
Instructions
Make the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm plant-based milk, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and melted vegan butter. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the whole wheat or spelt flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
- Knead for approximately 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time. The dough should remain soft and slightly tacky.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Leave it in a warm place for approximately 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the finely diced apples, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, lime juice, vegan butter, and sugar. Stir until the apples are evenly coated with the fragrant spices.
- Cook for approximately 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften and release their natural sweetness. Continue cooking briefly if needed to evaporate excess liquid.
- Remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly before spreading it onto the dough.
Make the rolls
- Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread the apple cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the walnuts over the apple filling.
- Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Using a sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 evenly sized rolls.
- Second Rise: Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and arrange the cinnamon rolls inside, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise for another 30–45 minutes until noticeably puffy.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden brown and cooked through in the center.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before adding the glaze.
Prepare the Vegan Yogurt Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine the vegan yogurt, powdered sugar, and maple syrup. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness if desired.
- Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, generously drizzle or spread the creamy yogurt glaze over the top.
- Serve while still slightly warm and enjoy the wonderful combination of tender dough, spiced apples, crunchy walnuts, and creamy glaze.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Choose naturally sweet apples: Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples work particularly well in this recipe.
Keep the filling relatively dry: Cooking off excess moisture helps prevent soggy cinnamon rolls.
For softer rolls: Avoid adding too much flour during kneading. If the dough feels dry, add an extra tablespoon or two of plant-based milk.
For a thicker, creamier glaze: Use a Greek-style vegan yogurt.
For a sweeter topping: Add another teaspoon of powdered sugar to taste.
Make ahead: Prepare and shape the rolls the evening before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and become puffy before baking.
Storage: Store unglazed cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate rolls topped with yogurt glaze and enjoy within 3–4 days.
