Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly cozy and festive treat, look no further than these Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine biting into pillowy soft rolls that envelop a luscious, spicy gingerbread filling and finishing with a dreamy vanilla cream cheese frosting. These rolls bring together the warmth of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in one delightful swirl, perfect for chilly mornings or sharing with loved ones at holiday gatherings. The best part? They’re entirely plant-based, making them a kind, delicious choice for everyone to enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but mighty, each one playing a vital role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma of your Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls. From the dairy-free butter that enriches the dough to the carefully balanced spices that layer in warmth, every element works in harmony.

• Dairy-free butter: Provides richness and tenderness to both the dough and the filling for melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• Dairy-free milk: Adds moisture and activates the yeast, helping the dough rise beautifully.
• Caster sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the spices.
• Active dry yeast: The magic that makes the dough fluffy and light.
• Plain flour: Forms the sturdy but soft base of the rolls.
• Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice: A quintessential gingerbread spice blend, delivering that signature warm flavor.
• Salt: Balances out sweetness and enhances all the spices.
• Black strap molasses: Gives depth and a robust gingerbread flavor to the filling.
• Dark brown sugar and additional caster sugar: Work together for caramelized sweetness inside each swirl.
• Dairy-free cream cheese and vanilla extract: Combine to create a luscious, slightly tangy frosting that crowns the rolls.
• Mini gingerbread biscuits (optional): Fun, festive décor that adds charm and crunch.

How to Make Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare the dough

Start by gently melting the dairy-free butter on low heat. Combine this melted butter with warm dairy-free milk, caster sugar, and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl. Give it a whisk and then cover with a tea towel to let it sit in a cozy, warm spot for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture bubbling up as the yeast wakes up, which means you’re off to a great start!

Step 2: Mix and knead the spiced dough

Sift together the plain flour with all the warming spices—ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice—plus a pinch of salt for balance. Add these dry ingredients to your yeast mixture and knead either by hand or with a stand mixer until you have a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when poked. Be mindful not to over-knead or you risk tough rolls. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little flour gradually until it feels just right.

Step 3: First proofing

Shape the dough into a round ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a tea towel and leave it somewhere warm for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial as it ensures airy, tender rolls bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Roll out and add the filling

Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a generous 16 by 24 inch rectangle. This large canvas will give you beautiful swirls. Next, blend softened dairy-free butter with blackstrap molasses until creamy, then spread this mixture evenly over the dough right up to the edges. Sprinkle your spiced sugar mixture—a tempting blend of sugars and spices—over the butter for that incredible gingerbread kick.

Step 5: Shape and second rise

Carefully roll the dough from one long edge into a tight log, pinching the ends to seal in the filling. Slice the log into about ten equal rolls using a string or sharp knife, then place them in a greased baking dish with a little space between each. Cover and let them puff up for another 20 minutes to get that fluffy rise just before baking.

Step 6: Bake to golden perfection

Brush the edges of each roll with dairy-free milk for a beautiful caramelized finish and pop them into a preheated oven at 180°C fan for 25 to 30 minutes. When the rolls have risen and turned a tempting golden brown, it’s time to remove them and let them cool slightly before frosting.

Step 7: Make the vanilla cream cheese frosting

Whisk together dairy-free cream cheese and butter until luxuriously smooth. Gradually add icing sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and thick enough to hold its shape. Whether you spread this frosting on warm rolls for a lovely glaze or on cooled rolls for a thick topping, it adds that perfect final touch of sweetness and tang.

How to Serve Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

To elevate your Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls, decorate them with mini gingerbread biscuits for an adorable, festive touch. A light dusting of ground ginger or sifted icing sugar adds visual appeal and a hint of extra spice, making them not just delicious but irresistible to look at as well.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls shine on their own, but if you want to turn your treat into a more substantial brunch or indulgent dessert, pair them with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a creamy dairy-free latte. Fresh fruit like sliced oranges or a crisp apple salad makes a bright, refreshing contrast to the rolls’ rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls in a rustic wooden tray lined with festive napkins, perfect for a holiday gathering or cozy morning. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of crushed candied ginger on top for unique layers of flavor. They also make wonderful gifts when placed in a pretty box tied with a ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This helps preserve the texture and keeps the frosting fresh. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature or warm gently before serving to recapture their soft, gooey charm.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls either before or after baking. For unbaked rolls, arrange them in a dish, cover tightly with cling film, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and let them rise once more before baking. For baked rolls, wrap each roll individually or the entire batch in foil and freeze. Thaw at room temperature and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 160°C for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and soft. Adding a little extra frosting after warming will make them taste as fresh and delightful as the day they were made.

FAQs

Can I use any dairy-free butter for this recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe works wonderfully with most vegan block butters like Naturli Vegan Block, Flora Plant Butter, or Violife VioBlock. Just opt for a thick butter to achieve the best texture in both the dough and frosting.

What if I don’t have blackstrap molasses?

If blackstrap molasses is unavailable, you can substitute it with regular molasses or a dark syrup like maple syrup, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. The complexity that molasses brings to the filling is key, so some sort of dark syrup is ideal.

Can I make these gluten-free?

This recipe calls for plain wheat flour to get that perfect dough elasticity and rise. For a gluten-free version, you’d need to experiment with a gluten-free baking blend and possibly add xanthan gum for structure, but the results may differ from these classic rolls.

Is there a way to make these rolls oil-free?

The dairy-free butter adds both flavour and tenderness, but if you want to avoid oil entirely, try using a soft fruit puree like applesauce to replace some fat—though this will change the richness. The rolls may turn out less tender but still tasty.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before baking?

Definitely! You can roll and slice the dough, then cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise until puffy before baking. This is perfect for prepping ahead for busy days.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are truly a labor of love that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with joy. They strike the perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and vibrant spice, all while being completely plant-based. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough. You might just find your new favorite holiday tradition!