Vegan Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These vegan apple cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort bake, blending the cozy flavor of apple pie with the soft, fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls. Made with a buttery, brioche-style dough and loaded with chopped apples and warm spices, they’re perfect for fall mornings, special occasions, or whenever you want a sweet treat that feels indulgent and wholesome at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Completely vegan: Dairy-free and egg-free without compromising on flavor or texture

• Apple pie meets cinnamon rolls: Two classic favorites in one decadent bite

• Soft and fluffy: Thanks to a rich, brioche-like dough

• Perfect for autumn and holidays: Especially  brunch or dessert

• Simple to make: No special equipment needed

• Make ahead friendly: You can prep and chill overnight before baking

• Customizable frosting: Choose between cream cheese, vanilla buttercream, or maple glaze

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

• Great for gifting or sharing

• Naturally dairy-free and easy to make nut-free

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 4 ¼ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour

• 1 ¼ cups warm dairy-free milk

• ½ cup vegan butter (room temperature)

• 3 tablespoons sugar (granulated, brown, or coconut sugar)

• 2 ½ teaspoons instant dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• Pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter)

For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:

• ⅔ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

• ⅓ cup vegan butter (softened)

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 2 medium apples, finely chopped

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ⅔ cup vegan cream cheese (room temperature)

• ¼ cup vegan butter (room temperature)

• 1–2 cups powdered sugar, to taste

Directions

Make the Dough:

1. Add all dough ingredients to a large bowl or stand mixer. Mix until combined, then knead for at least 5 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.

2. If the dough is too dry, add a splash of milk. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

3. Transfer to a clean bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

4. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste. Set aside.

5. Peel and finely chop the apples.

Assemble the Rolls:

6. Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan.

7. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 14×17 inches.

8. Spread the cinnamon butter mixture over the dough and sprinkle evenly with apple pieces.

9. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

10. Arrange rolls in the prepared pan. Cover and let rise again for 1 hour, until puffy.

Bake:

11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

12. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.

13. Let cool on a wire rack before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

14. In a small bowl, beat the vegan cream cheese and butter until smooth.

15. Gradually add powdered sugar to reach your desired sweetness and consistency.

16. Spread over cooled rolls and serve.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Resting time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

• Extra gooey: Pour ½ cup warm vegan heavy cream over the rolls just before baking

• Frosting alternatives: Use vanilla buttercream, maple glaze, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup and yogurt

• Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling

• Glaze-only option: Skip frosting and use a simple powdered sugar glaze

• Whole wheat version: Replace half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier texture

• Oil-based dough: Use melted coconut oil or margarine instead of vegan butter

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1–2 days
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze baked and unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before frosting
Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes

FAQs

Can I make these rolls the night before?

Yes, assemble the rolls and place them in the pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

What type of apples are best?

Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Yes. Dissolve it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar first. Let it bloom for 5–10 minutes, then proceed with the recipe.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. The texture may not be as soft and elastic.

What can I use instead of vegan cream cheese?

Make vanilla buttercream or a maple glaze instead, or just drizzle with icing sugar and milk.

Why didn’t my rolls rise?

Check that your yeast is fresh and that your dough was kept in a warm, draft-free environment.

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Roll the dough tightly and press the edges gently to seal. Use softened, not melted, butter in the filling.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes. Shape the rolls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise, and bake.

Are these rolls healthy?

While they’re a treat, they are dairy-free and made with real apples and plant-based ingredients, which makes them a more wholesome option.

Conclusion

These vegan apple cinnamon rolls are the ultimate cozy bake that brings together the flavors of fall in every bite. Soft, fluffy, and filled with warm spiced apples, they’re a comforting treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Perfect for holidays or slow weekends, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite you’ll return to year after year.

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