Description
These Cinnamon Rolls (Joy Food Sunshine) are soft, fluffy, and filled with a perfectly balanced cinnamon swirl. Topped with a smooth plant-based glaze, they offer a warm, sweet comfort food experience using simple pantry ingredients. Ideal for cozy mornings or special treats anytime, this recipe is adaptable, easy to make, and sure to delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plant-based milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup softened plant-based butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (natural)
Filling
- 1/4 cup softened plant-based butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons plant-based milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the plant-based milk until lukewarm. In a small bowl, whisk the active dry yeast with a teaspoon of sugar into the warm milk and let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened plant-based butter. Add the foamy yeast mixture and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and knead well until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to create a fragrant and rich filling ready to be spread on the dough.
- Roll and Fill: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened plant-based butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling over the surface. Roll the dough tightly starting from the longer edge to form a log, then slice it into 1.5-inch thick pieces.
- Second Rise and Bake: Place the slices snugly into a greased baking dish and cover with a clean cloth. Allow the rolls to rise for 30 to 45 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze and Serve: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, plant-based milk, pure vanilla extract (natural), and the natural gelling agent until smooth and glossy. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls immediately after baking for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Use lukewarm plant-based milk to activate the yeast properly without damaging it.
- Knead dough sufficiently to develop gluten for soft and airy cinnamon rolls.
- Allow the dough to double in size for best texture and flavor.
- Slice rolls evenly using dental floss or a sharp knife for uniform baking.
- Apply glaze while the rolls are warm for a glossy, melty sweetness.
- Store leftover rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Freeze unbaked sliced rolls tightly wrapped for up to three months, thaw and bake fresh when desired.
- Reheat cinnamon rolls in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes to keep them soft and warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, plant-based glaze, vegan cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, cinnamon sugar swirl, cozy breakfast