How to Make the Best Vegan Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for fluffy, sweet, and perfectly spiced cinnamon rolls without dairy or eggs, you’re in the right place! These vegan sourdough cinnamon rolls are a dream—soft, gooey, and full of cinnamon flavor, all while being entirely plant-based. Sourdough baking brings a unique depth of flavor and gut-friendly fermentation benefits to your cinnamon rolls. Plus, if you’re looking to cut down on commercial yeast, this is the perfect recipe for you.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best vegan sourdough cinnamon rolls. From the science behind sourdough fermentation to tips for perfecting your dough, filling, and glaze, this article has it all. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or a beginner, you’ll find plenty of helpful information to ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time.

Why Use Sourdough for Cinnamon Rolls?

Sourdough is more than just a trendy baking method—it’s a time-honored technique that adds depth, flavor, and nutritional benefits to your baked goods. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that rely on instant yeast, sourdough allows for a slow fermentation process, which results in:

A deeper, slightly tangy flavor: The natural fermentation of sourdough starter adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon and sugar.
Better digestibility: The slow fermentation process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making the rolls easier on your stomach.
A chewier texture while still staying soft and fluffy: Sourdough creates a unique texture that’s both tender and slightly chewy, giving your cinnamon rolls a delightful bite.

If you’re new to sourdough baking, don’t worry! Making a sourdough starter from scratch is easier than you might think. All you need is flour, water, and a little patience. Once you have an active starter, you can use it to make everything from bread to pancakes to these delicious cinnamon rolls.

Another great trick is using the scrapings method to maintain your starter with minimal waste. This method involves keeping just a small amount of starter and feeding it regularly, which reduces the amount of discard you produce. Check out Bake with Jack’s Scrapings Method for an easy way to manage your sourdough.

Ingredients for Vegan Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

To make these delicious vegan sourdough cinnamon rolls, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
½ cup active sourdough starter or discard
½ cup dairy-free milk (almond, soy, or oat)
¼ cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil
3 tbsp sugar or maple syrup

For the Cinnamon Filling:

3 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp softened vegan butter

For the Maple Vanilla Glaze:

½ cup vegan cream cheese
¼ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, dairy-free milk, melted butter, and sugar.
Add the flour gradually and mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 6–8 hours (or overnight in the fridge).

2. Roll and Fill the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly.
Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log.

3. Cut and Proof the Rolls

Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 even rolls.
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rest for another 2–3 hours until they puff up.

4. Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding the glaze.

5. Make the Maple Vanilla Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla.
Spread the glaze generously over warm rolls before serving.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

Why Didn’t My Rolls Rise?

Your sourdough starter may not have been active enough. Ensure it’s bubbly and recently fed.
Your kitchen might be too cold. Try proofing in a warm spot like the oven with the light on.

Why Are My Rolls Too Dense?

The dough may need more fermentation time. Longer rises lead to lighter and fluffier rolls.

Can I Make These Overnight?

Absolutely! Let the rolls proof overnight in the fridge and bake in the morning.

Variations & Customizations

Want to get creative with your cinnamon rolls? Here are a few ideas:

Nutty Delight: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the filling.
Fruity Twist: Sprinkle raisins or chopped apples inside.
Chocolate Lovers: Add a few vegan chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.

Pairing & Storage Tips

Enjoy these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes to bring back the freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make These Without a Sourdough Starter?

Yes! You can substitute the sourdough starter with instant yeast (reduce the proofing time to about 2 hours).

2. How Do I Freeze Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls?

Before baking: Assemble the rolls, freeze, then thaw and bake when needed.
After baking: Freeze individually and reheat in the oven.

3. Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, but you’ll need a gluten-free sourdough starter and a good gluten-free flour blend.

Final Thoughts

Baking vegan sourdough cinnamon rolls at home is an absolute delight! The slow fermentation brings out a complex flavor, while the plant-based ingredients keep things light and cruelty-free. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments. Happy baking! 🎉

Expanding on the Recipe

The Science Behind Sourdough

Sourdough is a natural leavening agent made from a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and bacteria from the environment. This symbiotic culture of yeast and lactic acid bacteria ferments the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas that makes the dough rise. The lactic acid bacteria also produce acids that give sourdough its characteristic tangy flavor.

The fermentation process in sourdough not only enhances flavor but also improves the nutritional profile of the bread. The bacteria break down phytic acid, a compound found in grains that can inhibit the absorption of minerals like iron and zinc. This makes the nutrients in the flour more bioavailable.

The Role of Vegan Ingredients

Using vegan ingredients in this recipe ensures that the cinnamon rolls are free from animal products, making them suitable for those following a plant-based diet. Dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese are excellent substitutes that provide the same creamy texture and richness as their dairy counterparts.

Dairy-Free Milk: Almond, soy, and oat milk are popular choices. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment.
Vegan Butter: Brands like Earth Balance and Miyoko’s Creamery offer excellent vegan butter options that mimic the taste and texture of traditional butter.
Vegan Cream Cheese: Tofutti and Kite Hill are great brands for vegan cream cheese, which is essential for the creamy glaze.

The Importance of Proofing

Proofing is a critical step in sourdough baking. It allows the dough to rise and develop flavor. The first proof, or bulk fermentation, occurs after kneading the dough. During this time, the dough should double in size. The second proof happens after shaping the rolls and allows them to puff up before baking.

If your kitchen is cold, the proofing process may take longer. You can create a warm environment by placing the dough in the oven with the light on or using a proofing box. Be patient—sourdough baking is a slow process, but the results are worth it.

Customizing the Filling

While the classic cinnamon-sugar filling is delicious, you can get creative with different flavors and textures. Here are a few ideas:

Spiced Apple: Add a layer of thinly sliced apples tossed with cinnamon and sugar.
Pumpkin Spice: Mix pumpkin puree with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a fall-inspired twist.
Berry Jam: Spread a thin layer of your favorite berry jam before adding the cinnamon sugar.

Making the Perfect Glaze

The glaze is the finishing touch that takes these cinnamon rolls to the next level. The combination of vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla creates a rich and creamy topping that complements the tangy sourdough and sweet cinnamon filling.

For a lighter glaze, you can use a simple mixture of powdered sugar and plant-based milk. Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. If you prefer a tangier glaze, increase the amount of vegan cream cheese.

Storing and Reheating

To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked rolls for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.

Health Benefits of Sourdough

Sourdough fermentation offers several health benefits:

Improved Digestion: The breakdown of gluten and phytic acid makes sourdough easier to digest.
Lower Glycemic Index: Sourdough has a lower glycemic index compared to bread made with commercial yeast, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels.
Rich in Probiotics: The lactic acid bacteria in sourdough can promote gut health.

Conclusion

Vegan sourdough cinnamon rolls are a delicious and wholesome treat that combines the rich flavors of sourdough with the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. With its customizable filling, creamy glaze, and health benefits, it’s a perfect addition to your baking repertoire. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the best vegan sourdough cinnamon rolls you’ve ever tasted!