Best Easy Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Craving a Cinnamon Roll But Don’t Want All the Fuss?

Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie that tastes exactly like a warm, gooey cinnamon roll. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s not! These Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cookies deliver all the comforting flavor and aroma of your favorite breakfast treat, but in a super easy-to-make cookie form. Get ready to fall in love with this simple and impressive recipe!

Why You’ll Love It

• They taste exactly like cinnamon rolls, but in a quicker, easier cookie form!
• The soft, chewy texture is simply irresistible.
• They’re vegan, making them accessible to more people with dietary restrictions.
• Perfect for any occasion – from a quick snack to a festive treat.
• They’re highly customizable, letting you play around with different frostings and toppings.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This recipe stands out because it perfectly captures the essence of a cinnamon roll without any of the yeast or rising time. We achieve that soft, chewy texture and that signature swirl by gently folding the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the dough, which keeps it soft and prevents it from hardening too quickly. The resulting cookies are incredibly tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Ingredient List

• • 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond or soy)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) vegan butter, softened
  • Cinnamon Filling: ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • Cinnamon Filling: 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • Optional Frosting: 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • Optional Frosting: 2-3 tablespoons non-dairy milk

Key Ingredient Note: The combination of baking powder and baking soda provides the cookies with that perfect light and fluffy texture, similar to a classic cinnamon roll.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle (this creates a vegan buttermilk).
3. Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to the buttermilk mixture. Whisk until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
7. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
8. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
9. Spread the softened vegan butter evenly over the dough.
10. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
11. Gently roll the dough up tightly, like a jelly roll.
12. Cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices.
13. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
14. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
15. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
16. For the frosting (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and non-dairy milk until smooth. Drizzle or spread the frosting over the cooled cookies.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! For a classic look, use a simple powdered sugar glaze. Here are some more ideas:

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Combine vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a touch of non-dairy milk for a tangy frosting.
• Caramel Drizzle: Top with a vegan caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cookies before baking or after frosting.
• Chocolate Chips: Add mini vegan chocolate chips to the dough or sprinkle them on top of the frosting.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your vegan butter is softened but not melted for easy spreading.
• Don’t overmix the dough. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Roll the dough out evenly so the cookies bake uniformly.
• Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to slice the dough roll to get clean edges on your cookies.
• Let the cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
  Yes, you can, but you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly as gluten-free flours often absorb more moisture.
• How should I store these cookies?
  Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Can I freeze these cookies?
  Yes, these cookies freeze well! Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature slightly before rolling it out.
• Can I use a different kind of oil?
  Yes, you can use other neutral-flavored oils like canola or grapeseed oil.

Variations and Customization Options

These cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas to make them your own:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for extra warmth.
• Citrus zest: Mix a bit of orange or lemon zest into the dough for a bright flavor.
• Coffee boost: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the dough for a hint of mocha flavor.
• Peanut Butter swirl: Swirl some peanut butter into the dough before baking for a nutty flavor.
• Mini Cookies: Make the cookies smaller by slicing the dough roll into thinner slices, for more bite-sized treats.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect as a standalone treat with a glass of non-dairy milk or coffee. They’re also wonderful served warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. For a special brunch, arrange them beautifully on a platter. You can add a drizzle of maple syrup to the plate for a visually appealing presentation.

Conclusion

These Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a game-changer! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for satisfying that cinnamon roll craving without all the extra effort. So go ahead, bake a batch, share them with your loved ones, and watch as they disappear in minutes. Don’t forget to take pictures of your creations and share them – we’d love to see how yours turn out! Subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious and easy vegan recipes!

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• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
• Flourless Almond Cake
• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
• Apple Fritter Bread

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