Name: Dairy Free Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk, warm; 2 1/4 tsp Instant Yeast; 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 1/4 cup Vegan Butter, melted; 1 large Egg; 3 cups All Purpose Flour; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/3 cup Vegan Butter, softened; 3/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed; 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar; 2 tbsp Unsweetened Almond Milk; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

There’s something about warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven that just feels like a treat. Soft, gooey, and covered in sweet icing.

The good news is that you don’t need any dairy to make them taste this good. These rolls are completely dairy free, and honestly, you won’t be able to tell.

I use almond milk and vegan butter in place of the usual dairy ingredients. They work just as well and keep everything soft and rich.

The dough comes together with a bit of rising time, but most of that is just waiting around while it does its thing.

Once you spread the icing over the warm rolls and watch it melt into every swirl, you’ll be glad you made these. Let me show you how.

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

Soft and Gooey Center – These rolls bake up fluffy and tender, with a gooey cinnamon center in every bite.

Rich Cinnamon Flavor – Brown sugar, cinnamon, and vegan butter create a warm filling with deep caramel-like sweetness.

Dairy-Free Comfort – Almond milk and vegan butter deliver classic cinnamon roll comfort without dairy.

Melty Vanilla Icing – Smooth vanilla icing melts over warm rolls, adding sweetness and a creamy finish.

Here’s What You’ll Need

For the Dough

3/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk, warm
2 1/4 tsp Instant Yeast
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup Vegan Butter, melted
1 large Egg
3 cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 tsp Salt

For the Filling

1/3 cup Vegan Butter, softened
3/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed
2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon

For the Icing

1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
2 tbsp Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

How to Make It

Step 1

Stir the warm almond milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar together in a large bowl. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

Add the remaining sugar, melted vegan butter, egg, flour, and salt. Knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Step 4

Roll the dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle. Spread the softened vegan butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 5

Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slide a piece of unflavored dental floss under the log and pull it up to slice 12 even rolls, then arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch pan.

Step 6

Cover and let the rolls rise for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F during the last 10 minutes.

Step 7

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until golden on top and cooked through in the center.

Step 8

Whisk the powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla into a smooth icing and spread it over the warm rolls so it melts into every swirl.

Recipe Tips

Use The Right Milk Temperature

Warm the almond milk to about 100 to 110°F. It should feel warm, not hot, since overheated milk can keep the yeast from working properly.

After 5 to 10 minutes, look for a foamy layer or small bubbles on the surface. If the mixture stays completely flat, start again with fresh yeast before adding the other ingredients.

Add Flour Gradually

Start with the full 3 cups of flour, but hold back a small amount if the dough already looks smooth and soft. Vegan butter and flour can vary slightly, so adding extra flour too quickly may make the rolls dense.

Knead until the dough is elastic and slightly tacky, but not wet enough to stick heavily to your hands. It should stretch without tearing easily when you gently pull it.

Wait For The Dough To Double

Let the covered dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it has doubled in size. A cool kitchen may take longer than 1 hour, so use the dough’s size as your guide instead of relying only on the clock.

If your kitchen is chilly, place the bowl in a turned-off oven with the oven light on. Make sure the oven is not warm from recent baking, since too much heat can affect the dough.

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