By Emmett Hickle 
Dairy-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Discover the delight of soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious cinnamon rolls without a trace of dairy! Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or simply anyone looking to indulge without compromise, this recipe will have you baking like a pro in no time.
The Basics of Dairy-Free Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls have long been a favorite treat enjoyed by many. Traditional recipes often call for milk and butter, which can be a big no-no for individuals who are lactose intolerant or adhering to a vegan diet. The dairy-free cinnamon rolls recipe I’m sharing today replaces these ingredients while still delivering moist, fluffy, and flavorful rolls that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this delicious dairy-free treat:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups |
| Instant yeast | 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) |
| Sugar | ½ cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Dairy-free milk | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | ⅓ cup |
| ground cinnamon | 2 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Dairy-free butter substitute | 4 tablespoons (softened) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Dough
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In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm dairy-free milk (about 110 degrees F) with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Stir in melted vegetable oil and salt. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
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First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
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Prepare the Filling
- In a separate bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar. Set it aside.
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Shape the Rolls
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After rising, punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle (about 14×10 inches) on a lightly floured surface.
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Spread the softened dairy-free butter substitute over the dough, and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously across the surface.
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Roll & Cut
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
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Second Rise
- Place the cut rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them again, and let them rise for anOther 30 minutes.
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Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for approximately 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Preparing the Icing
While the rolls are baking, you can whip up a simple dairy-free icing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
| Dairy-free milk | 2–4 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
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In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
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Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes, then drizzle the icing over the top.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
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Flour Measuring: Be careful not to over-measure the flour, as too much can make the rolls dense. Fluff the flour before measuring, and level it off with a knife.
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Dairy-Free Milk Choices: Feel free to use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Each will impart a slightly different flavor but should yield a delicious result.
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Customize Your Fillings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional fillings like nuts, raisins, or even a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
FAQs
1. Can these cinnamon rolls be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and even cut the rolls the night before. Just place them in the fridge after cutting, and allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
2. What’s the best way to store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.
3. Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for texture.
4. Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls without sugar?
You can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but be aware that this might change the texture and flavor slightly. Always check the conversion ratio on the package.
Final Thoughts
Dairy-free cinnamon rolls are not just a satisfying dessert; they can also serve as the perfect brunch dish or snack. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, this recipe allows you to indulge without the dairy, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Enjoy baking and digging into these warm, gooey delights!
For more delicious dairy-free recipes, check out Go Dairy Free!