Craving the warm, comforting embrace of a fresh cinnamon roll but don’t want a whole panful? Look no further! These **Gooey Vegan Small Batch Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls** are the ultimate solution for satisfying that sweet tooth without excess. Imagine sinking your teeth into incredibly soft, perfectly fluffy rolls, each swirl bursting with sweet cinnamon sugar and infused with the rich, nutty flavor of browned vegan butter. This recipe is designed for ease and speed, allowing you to whip up four perfectly delicious cinnamon rolls in just about 75 minutes, from start to finish. What’s more, they are entirely egg-free and dairy-free, making them accessible for vegan diets, and we even offer a fantastic gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.
Indulge in Perfectly Gooey Vegan Small Batch Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls (Serves 4!)
Do you ever find yourself just wanting one or two cinnamon rolls, without the commitment of baking a giant batch? This recipe is precisely for those moments! Our fluffy and soft vegan small batch cinnamon rolls are an absolute dream to prepare and yield exactly four beautifully swirled buns, each generously filled with a sweet and irresistibly gooey cinnamon sugar mixture. They are truly a revelation in plant-based baking.
This perfected recipe builds upon the foundation of our popular classic vegan cinnamon rolls, but with a special twist. We’ve incorporated the nuanced, rich flavor of browned vegan butter, elevating the taste profile to new heights. The instructions have been meticulously refined to ensure you achieve the best possible cinnamon rolls – whether vegan or not – in an incredibly short timeframe. From mixing the dough to pulling them warm and fragrant from the oven, these delightful treats are ready in only about 75 minutes!
The dough itself is a joy to work with, boasting a brioche-like texture that’s exceptionally easy to handle. Despite its rich feel, it’s completely free of eggs and dairy, making these cinnamon rolls entirely vegan. And for our gluten-free friends, we’ve developed an equally amazing version that is surprisingly even simpler and quicker to make!
Our love for browned vegan butter knows no bounds! The profound depth of flavor it adds is so incredible that we even crafted a vegan GIANT cinnamon roll cake featuring maple brown butter – a truly heavenly dessert that must be experienced.
If your heart truly beats for cinnamon rolls, you absolutely must explore our other delectable variations. Discover the rich delight of our small batch chocolate cinnamon rolls, the vibrant burst of our small batch lemon blueberry cinnamon rolls, and the bright, zesty pleasure of our small batch lemon sweet rolls. Each offers a unique take on this beloved classic.
These small batch cinnamon rolls are crowned with a luscious, creamy dairy-free browned butter cream cheese frosting, adding the perfect tangy-sweet finish. They are destined to become a cherished weekend staple in your home. Be warned: they are so utterly delicious, you might find yourself needing to make more than just four at a time!
Why You’ll Adore These Vegan Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls:
- Effortless Preparation: Whether you prefer the hands-on approach of mixing by hand or the convenience of a stand mixer, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and straightforward. You’ll be amazed by the simplicity of the ingredients – no complicated steps or even eggs required! Perfect for beginner bakers or those short on time.
- Unforgettable Taste and Texture: While these rolls are undeniably quick and easy, we assure you, there’s absolutely no compromise on flavor or texture. Envision the finest cinnamon roll you’ve ever savored, then amplify that experience tenfold. That’s the transformative power of browned vegan butter! These cinnamon rolls are exquisitely soft, wonderfully fluffy, and perfectly sweet, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that rivals – and perhaps even surpasses – your all-time favorites. Their pillowy consistency and rich sweetness will have you reaching for another batch almost immediately!
- Remarkably Quick to Make: Thanks to the inclusion of quick-rise yeast (also known as instant yeast), these unbelievably delicious vegan cinnamon rolls come together significantly faster than recipes using traditional active dry yeast. You’ll spend less time waiting for dough to rise and more time enjoying your freshly baked treats. And for an even quicker bake, our gluten-free option requires minimal rising time, getting you to gooey perfection even faster! For ultimate convenience, you can even prepare them as overnight rolls.
- Endlessly Customizable: One of the most compelling aspects of these small batch cinnamon rolls is their versatility. Not only can you effortlessly adapt this recipe to create gluten-free cinnamon buns, but we also provide specific instructions to scale down the recipe for an even smaller yield – perfect for just two people! This means you can always have warm, fresh cinnamon rolls, exactly when you want them, without any waste.
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Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Your Vegan Cinnamon Rolls:
Crafting these delectable vegan cinnamon rolls requires a few key ingredients, and we’ve got you covered with substitution tips to ensure your baking journey is smooth and successful:
- Flour: For the classic version, simple all-purpose flour works perfectly – no need for specialized bread flour! If you’re opting for the gluten-free alternative, you’ll need a combination of millet flour and tapioca flour (tapioca starch is the same thing and can be used interchangeably). Precise measurements and detailed instructions for the gluten-free option are conveniently located in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Vegan Butter: The star of this recipe is the browned vegan butter, and the brand truly matters here. We highly recommend using Miyoko’s salted vegan butter for its superior browning capabilities and exceptional flavor. If you have nut allergies, Plant Crock is another excellent vegan butter that browns beautifully. However, it’s crucial to note that popular brands like Earth Balance and Violife will NOT achieve the desired browning effect. If you’re committed to the browned butter experience, steer clear of these brands. If, however, you prefer to skip the browning step and use regular vegan butter, Earth Balance and Violife will work perfectly in that context.
- Sugar: Standard granulated sugar is all you need for these rolls. To ensure your recipe remains strictly vegan, we recommend using certified vegan brands like Florida Crystals. If you’re looking to make these refined sugar-free, coconut sugar or maple sugar are fantastic natural alternatives that will still deliver wonderful sweetness and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Yogurt: This ingenious ingredient acts as our vegan egg replacement, creating an enriched dough that’s wonderfully soft and tender. It’s incredibly easy to use and often even more convenient than incorporating a traditional egg. Even if you’re not strictly vegan, we encourage you to try it – you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results! If dairy-free yogurt isn’t available, unsweetened applesauce makes for an excellent substitute.
- Dairy-Free Milk: Feel free to use your favorite non-dairy milk here – soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any other unsweetened variety will work well. The crucial factor is to ensure the milk is warm. It doesn’t need to be precisely 110°F; simply warm to the touch is ideal. This warmth creates the perfect environment for the yeast to activate and thrive, ensuring a beautifully risen, fluffy dough.
- Instant Yeast: This is the secret to the recipe’s speed! We use quick-rise (or instant) yeast, which eliminates the need for proofing the yeast separately before adding it to your dough (this applies to both the regular and gluten-free versions). Instant yeast activates immediately upon contact with liquid, allowing you to whisk it directly into your dry ingredients and begin mixing. This not only saves time but also significantly speeds up the dough’s rising process, getting you to fresh cinnamon rolls faster.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract is a powerful flavor enhancer, lending a lovely depth and aromatic quality to the dough. For an extra luxurious touch and more intense vanilla flavor, consider swapping it for a teaspoon of high-quality vanilla bean paste.
Important Notes on Browning Vegan Butter for Optimal Flavor:
Browning vegan butter is a simple yet transformative step that adds incredible depth and nutty notes to your cinnamon rolls. However, it behaves slightly differently than dairy butter, so here are a few expert tips to ensure success:
- Patience is Your Best Friend: Vegan butter tends to foam and bubble more vigorously than traditional butter during the browning process. Don’t be alarmed by this! It’s perfectly fine, and even recommended, to occasionally remove the saucepan from the heat, give the butter a gentle stir, and allow the bubbles to subside. This will give you a clear view of the butter’s color and help you gauge its progress, preventing it from burning.
- Choose Your Vegan Butter Wisely: Not all vegan butter brands are created equal when it comes to browning. Generally, vegan butters with more complex, natural ingredient lists (less chemically processed) tend to brown better. As mentioned, Miyoko’s Kitchen vegan butter is our top recommendation for achieving a beautiful, rich brown color and delightful aroma. Plant Crock also browns decently. Conversely, brands like Earth Balance and Violife typically do not brown effectively and may even develop an unpleasant smell if overcooked, making them unsuitable for the browned butter method. If you use these brands, it’s best to skip the browning step entirely.
- Cool the Browned Butter for Filling and Frosting: After browning, it’s crucial to allow the vegan butter to cool down to a more solid, yet still soft and spreadable, consistency before incorporating it into your cinnamon roll filling and frosting. It should have a texture similar to room temperature dairy butter – pliable but not melted. This ensures your filling remains thick and cohesive, and your frosting achieves the perfect creamy consistency.
Step-By-Step Instructions: How to Craft Your Perfect Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
For a comprehensive list of all ingredients and precise measurements, please refer to the detailed **recipe card** at the very end of this post. You can also quickly jump to the recipe by clicking the “jump to recipe” button located at the top of the page. This section provides a clear, visual overview of each step, designed to guide you through the process with ease and confidence.
Effortlessly Delicious: How to Make Gluten-Free Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
We are absolutely committed to ensuring that our wonderful gluten-free readers can also revel in the pure joy of these small batch cinnamon rolls! Converting this recipe to be completely gluten-free is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. In fact, this gluten-free adaptation is based on our acclaimed and amazingly easy vegan gluten-free cinnamon rolls, known for their perfect texture and flavor.
You’ll find all the necessary gluten-free measurements clearly outlined in the notes section of the recipe card below, along with any minor adjustments to the instructions. The process is remarkably straightforward: you’ll prepare the dough in much the same way as the regular version, but with a special flour blend. The best part? You won’t need any xanthan gum, making the ingredient list even simpler!
A fantastic bonus of the gluten-free version is that you actually skip the first rise entirely. This means your gluten-free small batch cinnamon rolls are even quicker to make than their conventional counterparts! Despite the reduced rising time, the result is consistently fluffy, delightfully soft, and utterly lovely. Prepare to fall in love with these incredible gluten-free rolls!
Perfectly Sized: How to Make Cinnamon Rolls for Just Two People
Sometimes, even four cinnamon rolls feel like too many, and you just want an even smaller, more intimate batch. No problem at all! We’ve made it incredibly easy to scale down this delightful recipe to yield two perfectly proportioned vegan small batch cinnamon rolls. This ensures you can enjoy a fresh, warm treat without any leftovers, ideal for a cozy breakfast or a sweet moment shared.
Here are the precise measurements you’ll need for the regular version of two-serving cinnamon rolls:
The Dough Ingredients:
- 2/3 cups (100 g) all-purpose flour, divided (plus more for flouring surface)* Refer to notes for Gluten-Free alternative
- 1/8 packet (3 g) quick rise dry active yeast
- 1 tbsp (15 g) granulated sugar or coconut sugar, divided
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp (45 mL) dairy-free milk, unsweetened, warmed
- 1 tbsp (15 g) unsweetened applesauce or dairy-free yogurt, room temperature
- 1 tbsp (15 g) salted vegan butter, melted and room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
The Delicious Filling:
- 1 tbsp (15 g) vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp (35 g) brown sugar
And here are the measurements for small batch gluten-free cinnamon rolls, perfect for two:
The Gluten-Free Dough Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (65 g) tapioca flour or starch
- 1/3 cup (55 g) millet flour
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp (5 g) psyllium husk powder
- 1 tsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp (3 g) instant yeast (quick rise yeast)
- 1/3 cups (68 mL) dairy-free milk, lukewarm
- 1 tbsp (23 g) dairy-free yogurt,* room temperature
- 1 tbsp (15 g) vegan butter, melted but not hot
- 1/2 tsp (5 mL) apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the filling of these two-serving gluten-free rolls, simply use the same delightful filling measurements as specified above for the regular version!
Decadent Icing Options to Crown Your Cinnamon Rolls
For these particular cinnamon rolls, we’ve opted for a truly exquisite browned butter cream cheese icing – and yes, it’s completely dairy-free and vegan! Because you only need a small amount for our small batch, the process is wonderfully simple. We recommend using the remaining browned vegan butter from your main recipe and combining it with just two tablespoons of softened vegan cream cheese. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy.
Next, gradually add in sifted powdered sugar, along with a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste (for an extra depth of flavor) or vanilla extract, whisking until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable. Dollop this glorious frosting atop your warm cinnamon buns, fresh out of the oven, for an unforgettable treat.
However, if cream cheese icing isn’t your preference, or if you’re looking for different flavor profiles, you have several fantastic options! You can opt for a classic, simple powdered sugar glaze, made by thinning powdered sugar with a little dairy-free milk and vanilla. Alternatively, you can swap out the vegan cream cheese in our recipe for an equal amount of softened vegan butter to create a rich, buttery glaze.
For those who love a chocolatey indulgence, these cinnamon rolls would also be absolutely delightful with a few generous spoonfuls of our luscious vegan ganache. Or, for a unique and savory-sweet twist, consider topping them with our creamy peanut butter frosting!
Plan Ahead: How to Make Overnight Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
We completely understand the appeal of waking up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, with minimal effort in the morning. Preparing overnight small batch cinnamon rolls is incredibly convenient and entirely achievable with this recipe. The key is to prepare your cinnamon rolls the night before, following all the shaping steps, and allowing them to undergo most of their final rise.
You’ll want to make the cinnamon rolls right up until they have *almost* doubled in size – they should be about 1.5 times their original size when placed in the baking dish. At this point, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. The cold environment of the fridge will significantly slow down the yeast’s activity, effectively halting further rising. This pre-rise step is crucial because if you put them directly into the fridge without an initial rise, the dough will take a considerably longer time to reach room temperature and activate the yeast again in the morning.
In the morning, simply remove the dish from the fridge and place it near your preheating oven. This allows the rolls to gently come to room temperature and for the yeast to “wake up” and complete their rise. Once the oven is ready, simply bake them according to the recipe instructions! It’s as straightforward as that. And yes, this overnight method works beautifully for both the regular and the gluten-free small batch cinnamon rolls, ensuring everyone can enjoy a hassle-free morning treat.
Expert Baker’s Tips for Flawless Vegan Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls:
Achieving bakery-quality cinnamon rolls at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
Troubleshooting: If Your Dough Isn’t Rising
A dough that refuses to rise can be frustrating, but it usually comes down to one of two common issues: either your dough isn’t in a sufficiently warm environment, or your yeast has lost its potency. During colder weather, kitchens are naturally cooler, making it harder for yeast to activate. A great trick is to warm your oven to its lowest setting (around 110°F or 40°C) for just a few minutes, then turn it off and leave the oven light on. Place your covered bowl of dough inside this warm, draft-free environment to encourage optimal rising.
If, even with a warm spot, your dough still isn’t rising after the recommended time, it’s highly likely your yeast is no longer active. In this case, you’ll need to start fresh with new yeast. To test the viability of instant yeast (though typically not required before use), you can proof it just like active dry yeast: dissolve a small amount in warm liquid with a pinch of sugar. If it foams and bubbles after 5-10 minutes, your yeast is good to go!
The Right Fit: Use a Small Baking Dish
The size of your baking dish is surprisingly important for achieving beautifully snug and gooey small batch cinnamon rolls. You don’t necessarily need a specific small casserole dish; a 6-inch round cake pan works wonderfully, as do individual ramekins if you prefer baking the rolls separately for a personalized touch. If you opt for a rectangular pan, aim for one no larger than 5×7 inches. The goal is for the rolls to fit snugly, so they can rise into each other, creating that signature soft, gooey side texture.
Scaling Up: Can I Double This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable and scales up with ease. If you’re hosting a small brunch or simply want a few more rolls for yourself, you can effortlessly double all the ingredient measurements to yield a perfectly baked batch of eight delicious small batch cinnamon rolls. Just be sure to adjust your baking dish size accordingly to accommodate the increased number of rolls.
Achieve Perfect Swirls with the Slice and Roll Method
For those picture-perfect, defined swirls in your cinnamon rolls, we highly recommend the “slice and roll” method. We first introduced this technique with our gluten-free cinnamon rolls, and it’s since become our go-to recommendation for all our cinnamon roll recipes. Instead of rolling the entire sheet of dough into a log and then slicing it, you’ll use a pizza cutter or a large, sharp knife to slice the buttered and filled dough into individual long strips first. Then, you simply take each strip and roll it up tightly to form its own individual cinnamon roll. This method prevents the filling from squeezing out and ensures every roll has a beautiful, consistent spiral.
Precision Baking: Use a Kitchen Scale for Optimal Results!
As we emphasize in virtually all our dessert and baking recipes, using a kitchen scale is paramount for achieving the most accurate and consistent results, especially when it comes to gluten-free baking. While we provide cup measurements for convenience, using a scale to measure your ingredients in grams significantly reduces the margin for error. With cup measurements, it’s all too easy to accidentally scoop too much flour (or not enough), which can drastically alter the dough’s hydration and the final texture of your rolls. A kitchen scale ensures precise ratios, leading to a consistently perfect bake every single time. If you have one, please use it!
We are confident that you are going to absolutely adore these vegan small batch cinnamon rolls! The combination of nutty browned vegan butter, pillowy dough, and sweet, gooey filling creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. We cannot wait to hear what you think of them in the comments section below, so please let us know which version you tried – whether the classic or the gluten-free! Happy baking, and enjoy every single delightful bite!
Don’t Forget! Save This Recipe for Later: Add it to Your Favorite Recipe Board on Pinterest!
If you make this recipe, we’d be thrilled if you’d take a moment to leave a comment and a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below. Your feedback helps other bakers discover and enjoy these recipes! As always, we absolutely love seeing your beautiful culinary creations on Instagram and Pinterest, so please be sure to tag us there with @the_bananadiaries and use the hashtag #thebananadiaries!
Print Recipe Card
GOOEY Vegan Small Batch Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls – Gluten Free Option
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
4.9 from 26 reviews
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Author:
Britt Berlin -
Prep Time:
15 -
Resting Time:
30 -
Cook Time:
30 -
Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes -
Yield:
4
1x
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Category:
Breakfast -
Method:
Baking -
Cuisine:
American -
Diet:
Vegan
Description
Craving just one or two incredibly gooey cinnamon rolls? These small batch browned vegan butter cinnamon rolls are the ultimate solution. They’re marvelously soft, perfectly fluffy, and astonishingly easy and quick to prepare, with that rich, nutty browned vegan butter woven throughout the dough, filling, AND the luscious frosting. Plus, you won’t need any eggs or dairy to create four perfectly delightful cinnamon rolls (and yes, a fantastic gluten-free option is also available!).
Ingredients
Scale
For the Nutty Browned Vegan Butter:
- 1/2 cup (113 g) high-quality salted vegan butter (Miyoko’s recommended for best browning)
For the Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Dough:
- 1 1/3 cups (200 g) all-purpose flour, divided (plus extra for dusting surface)* See notes below for Gluten-Free option
- 1/3 packet (3 g) quick rise (instant) dry active yeast
- 2 tbsp (30 g) granulated sugar or coconut sugar, divided
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup (90 mL) unsweetened dairy-free milk, gently warmed
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsweetened applesauce or room temperature dairy-free yogurt
- 2 tbsp (30 g) browned vegan butter, cooled to room temperature* See notes for regular vegan butter alternative
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for enhanced flavor)
For the Sweet & Gooey Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 tbsp (30 g) browned vegan butter, softened*
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup (70 g) packed light brown sugar
For the Creamy Dairy-Free Frosting:
- 4 tbsp dairy-free cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 tbsp browned vegan butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar, thoroughly sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or rich vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather and accurately measure all your ingredients before you begin. Lightly grease and line a small casserole dish (approximately 7×5 inches) or a 6-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal.
- Begin by Browning the Vegan Butter: If you are opting for the delicious browned vegan butter, start by melting the specified amount of vegan butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it’s fully melted, then increase the heat to medium-high. Allow the butter to bubble and foam, stirring every 30 seconds or so. Keep a close eye on it until you see tiny brown flecks begin to form at the bottom of the pan and the butter emits a rich, nutty aroma (this typically takes about 3-4 minutes). Because vegan butter can bubble quite a bit, it’s helpful to occasionally remove the pan from the heat, stir, and let the bubbles settle to accurately assess the color. Once it’s beautifully browned and fragrant, immediately pour the butter into a separate heat-safe bowl and set it aside to cool down to closer to room temperature, which will take about 5-10 minutes. If you are not using browned vegan butter, refer to the recipe notes for instructions.
- Craft the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough attachment, or in a large mixing bowl for hand mixing, whisk together the all-purpose flour (the first portion), quick rise yeast, granulated sugar, and sea salt until well combined. Next, add the warmed dairy-free milk, room temperature dairy-free yogurt (or applesauce), the cooled browned vegan butter, and vanilla extract. If using a stand mixer, turn it to medium speed. If mixing by hand, begin with a wooden spoon, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough vigorously in the bowl until a smooth, elastic ball forms. This kneading process should take approximately 10 minutes, developing the gluten for a tender crumb.
- First Rise (Resting): Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the kneaded dough inside, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rest and rise in a warm area (ideally around 85°F or warmer) until it has roughly doubled in size. This crucial first rise typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the warmth of your environment and the activity of your yeast.
- Shape the Cinnamon Rolls: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the ground cinnamon and brown sugar for the filling; set aside. Lightly flour a clean work surface and your rolling pin. Gently transfer the risen dough to the floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular shape, aiming for dimensions of approximately 6 inches wide by 12-15 inches long. Evenly brush the entire surface of the rolled dough with the softened browned vegan butter. Then, generously sprinkle the prepared brown sugar cinnamon mixture over the buttered dough, leaving a small border at one long edge. To achieve perfect swirls, we recommend the “slice and roll” method: slice the dough into two long strips, each about 3×15 inches. Then, slice each of those strips in half again, creating four individual strips, each roughly 1.5×15 inches. Tightly roll each strip from one end to the other to create your individual cinnamon rolls. Carefully place each rolled cinnamon roll into your prepared baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not overly crowded.
- Second Rise (Resting the Rolls): Cover the baking dish containing your shaped cinnamon rolls with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the dish near your oven while it preheats to 350°F (175°C). Allow the rolls to undergo their second rise until they have noticeably doubled in size and appear wonderfully puffy.
- Bake to Perfection: Once the oven is preheated and the rolls have sufficiently risen, place the baking dish into the oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the tops of the cinnamon rolls are beautifully golden brown. Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes before serving, as they will be extremely hot and gooey.
- Frost and Serve: While the rolls are cooling slightly, prepare your decadent frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the room temperature dairy-free cream cheese and the remaining melted browned vegan butter until smooth. Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste), whisking until the frosting is creamy, light, and free of lumps. Generously spread this luscious frosting over your still-warm cinnamon rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into their crevices. Serve immediately and enjoy every single gooey, fluffy bite!
Notes
Browning Vegan Butter Considerations: For the best browned vegan butter flavor and texture, we strongly recommend using Miyoko’s or Plant Crock brand vegan butter. Brands like Earth Balance and Violife typically do not brown well and are not suitable for the browned butter method. However, if you prefer to make these rolls with *plain* (un-browned) vegan butter, simply skip the browning step entirely and use the specified measurements for softened, un-browned vegan butter in the dough, filling, and frosting. These brands will work perfectly for un-browned butter applications.
GLUTEN-FREE MEASUREMENTS & INSTRUCTIONS:
Gluten-Free Dough Ingredients (for 4 rolls):
- 1 cup (130 g) tapioca flour or starch
- 3/4 cup (110 g) millet flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (10 g) psyllium husk powder
- 2 tsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tsp (5 g) instant yeast (quick rise yeast)
- 2/3 cups (135 mL) dairy-free milk, lukewarm
- 2 tbsp (45 g) dairy-free yogurt,* room temperature (or unsweetened applesauce)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) vegan butter, melted but not hot (can be browned or plain)
- 1 tsp (5 mL) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Specific Gluten-Free Instructions: For Step 3 (making the dough), whisk together the millet flour, tapioca flour, granulated sugar, psyllium husk powder, arrowroot starch, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Then, add in the lukewarm dairy-free milk, room temperature dairy-free yogurt (or applesauce), melted vegan butter, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. We highly recommend using a stand mixer for the gluten-free dough as it simplifies the mixing process. For the gluten-free version, you will skip the first rise (Step 4) and proceed directly to shaping the dough (Step 5). Follow all remaining steps of the recipe as written, ensuring the rolls double in size during the second rise before baking.
Overnight Option for Convenience: To prepare these small batch cinnamon rolls overnight, follow the recipe instructions up until you have finished Step 6 (placing the shaped cinnamon rolls in the baking dish and allowing them to rise). Let the cinnamon rolls rise until they are *almost* doubled in size (they should be about 1.5 times their original size). At this point, cover the baking dish securely with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight. The cold temperature will slow down the yeast activity. In the morning, remove the dish from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature near your preheating oven for about 30-45 minutes (or longer if your kitchen is very cold) to allow the rolls to finish their rise and come to temperature. Then, bake according to the instructions in Step 7. This method works wonderfully for both the regular and gluten-free small batch cinnamon rolls, giving you warm, fresh rolls with minimal morning effort!