Easy & Fluffy Dairy-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.

• All-purpose flour: I used King Arthur's all-purpose flour for this recipe but you can use their gluten-free flour blend or Bob's Red Mill's one-to-one baking flour to make a gluten-free version.
• Oat milk: I like the creamy texture that oat milk lends to these dairy-free cinnamon rolls. Dairy-free milk works well in this recipe. I've also used almond milk and coconut milk to make these with no dairy.
• Coconut oil: Select refined coconut oil (I buy mine on Amazon!) to give these the classic flavor without a hint of coconut.
• White Sugar: White sugar or cane sugar provides the traditional sweetness you expect from the original recipe. Any of the sugars in this recipe can be swapped for Monk Fruit or Stevia for a sugar-free option.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered monk fruit sweetener works well in place of powdered sugar for the glaze. Use coconut sugar or Lakanto brown monk fruit sweetener for brown sugar.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast, instant yeast, and fresh yeast work for this recipe. I usually use active dry yeast and activate the yeast before baking this recipe.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor to both the rolls and glaze.

How to Make These Easy Dairy-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe with the best results. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.

Step 1 - Activate the Yeast

Place yeast into a mixing bowl and mix with water using a wooden spoon. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.

Step 2 - Heat the Milk Mixture

Heat oat milk in a saucepan until it bubbles and then remove it from the heat. Add coconut oil and stir until mixture is incorporated. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature.

Step 3 - Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the yeast mixture with the dry ingredients - 2 ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, and salt. Add egg and oat milk/oil mixture and the remaining 1 cup flour, ½ cup at a time. 

Step 4 - Knead the Dough and First Rise

Once the dough is incorporated and pulled together into a ball, place the dough ball on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth (approximately 5 minutes).

Alternatively, use the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer and allow it to knead the dough for 5 minutes. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel or damp paper towel and allow to rest for ten minutes.

Step 5 - Mix Cinnamon Crumble Ingredients

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil in a small bowl.

Step 6 - Roll Out the Cinnamon Roll Dough

Spread some flour out onto your work surface.

Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a long rectangular shape, about 12 inches on the long end.

Spread the coconut oil, sugar, and cinnamon mixture onto the dough and roll up the dough.

Step 7 - Roll into Cinnamon Rolls & Second Rise

Cut the ends off to create a clean line if desired. Cut 12 equal slices using either kitchen shears, a pizza cutter, a serrated knife, or dental floss.

Place rolls into a baking dish sprayed with coconut oil spray. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes (the rolls should double in size).

Step 8 - Bake Rolls and Make Glaze

Preheat oven to 375F and bake cinnamon rolls for 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

While rolls are baking, combine frosting ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.

Allow dairy-free cinnamon rolls to cool for about 5 minutes before adding glaze. Add a dollop of frosting over the top of the rolls and spread using a knife.

Other Expert Tips for Success

• When adding in the final amount of flour in step 3, add flour in ½ cup increments to make sure the dough doesn't get too dry.
• To create perfectly round cinnamon rolls, press down very gently when cutting the rolls. Dental floss is a great option to use to avoid flattening the rolls.
• Making these in cold weather? Heat your oven on low and then turn off the oven. Use the warm oven as the warm spot for the dough to rise.
• Make overnight dairy-free cinnamon rolls by placing the rolls in the refrigerator overnight for the second rise.
• Place a piece of parchment paper under the cooling rack to capture the excess glaze that runs off of the top of the cinnamon rolls.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

• Make Ahead: You can easily make this quick cinnamon roll recipe ahead of time.  Just prep the dough through the rolling stage then cover it in plastic wrap and set it in the fridge.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days on the countertop or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Once rolls have been baked and cooled, cover them with plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

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