Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

1. Before you start, we recommend that you carefully review all of the instructions.

2. Prepare a medium-sized bowl by greasing it with either olive oil or coconut oil. Set it aside. Ensure that the vegan butter for the dough is melted and has cooled down.

3. Warm the dairy-free milk in a microwave-safe bowl until it reaches 110°F, using a food thermometer to ensure accuracy. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour, then whisk gently. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture, stir lightly with a spoon, and cover. Let the yeast activate for 10 minutes in a warm place.

4. Transfer the activated yeast mixture into a large bowl or a stand mixer fitted with a dough attachment. Add the remaining sugar, applesauce, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract, and mix on medium speed until well combined. Gradually add in half of the flour and continue mixing on medium speed until the flour is incorporated. Add the remaining flour and mix until a rough dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Knead the dough for 2-4 minutes until it forms a smooth dough ball that is not sticky. Grease a medium-sized bowl with olive oil or coconut oil, place the dough in it, cover with a cloth or wrap, and put it in a warm place to rise for an hour until it doubles in size. If the temperature outside is at least 80F, you can put the bowl outside. Otherwise, you can put it in the oven with the light on or start preheating the oven to 350F and place the bowl near or on top of it.

6. As the dough is rising, prepare a large casserole dish by greasing it with oil and keeping it aside. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and coconut sugar, and keep it aside.

7. Prepare the vegan cinnamon rolls by first lightly punching down the doubled dough. Sprinkle a clean surface with flour and roll out the dough with a floured rolling pin to form a large rectangle (12 in x 18 in). Lightly spread the dough with vegan butter to the edges, then sprinkle the coconut sugar cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough. Roll the dough into tight rolls and away from you. To slice the rolls into 12 even pieces, use a piece of thin twine or unflavored floss. Grease a large casserole dish with oil, and place the sliced rolls into it.

8. Second rise: Cover the dish with a clean towel or wrap, and keep it close to the oven while the oven is preheating to 375F. Let the cinnamon rolls rise for 30 minutes while the oven is getting ready.

9. Baking the Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Put the cinnamon rolls in the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes or until they turn light golden brown. Take them out of the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes as you get ready to make the icing.