Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction

Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, with a vibrant pink hue and the same soft, fluffy texture you love. These rolls are made without any dairy or eggs, but they’re just as indulgent, featuring a warm cinnamon filling wrapped in a pillowy dough. The bright pink glaze adds a fun and festive touch, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a new spin on cinnamon rolls, these are sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Vegan breakfast or brunch
• Special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day
• Sharing with friends and family
• Enjoying as a sweet treat with coffee or tea
• Anyone who loves soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with a colorful twist

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s why Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls will become your new favorite:

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These cinnamon rolls are light, soft, and tender, thanks to the vegan ingredients that mimic the richness of traditional cinnamon rolls.
• Sweet and Spicy: The cinnamon filling is warm and aromatic, balanced by the sweetness of the pink glaze, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Easy to Make: While cinnamon rolls can seem intimidating, this recipe is simple to follow and results in soft, gooey rolls that are ready to enjoy in about 2 hours.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without dairy or eggs, these rolls are suitable for vegans and anyone with dietary restrictions.
• Customizable Glaze: The pink glaze is made with natural beet juice for a subtle earthy flavor and a beautiful color, but you can adjust it for your preference.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising time)
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons applesauce (or flax egg for egg replacement)

Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or plant-based butter)

Pink Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon beet juice (or a few drops of beetroot powder mixed with water)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons almond milk (or any plant-based milk, as needed to thin out the glaze)

Ingredient Highlights

• Almond Milk: Almond milk (or any plant-based milk) creates the perfect texture in the dough without any dairy.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle richness and moisture to the dough and filling, making the rolls soft and tender.
• Beet Juice: The pink color in the glaze comes from natural beet juice, providing a beautiful color and a light earthiness to the glaze.
• Applesauce: Applesauce is used in place of eggs to provide moisture and binding, keeping the dough light and fluffy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm almond milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture, melted coconut oil, and applesauce into the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:

6. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil (or plant-based butter). Set aside.

Shape and Bake the Rolls:

7. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
8. Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Roll the Dough: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
10. Cut the Rolls: Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.
11. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for 30 minutes.
12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

Prepare the Pink Glaze:

14. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, beet juice (or beet powder mixture), and vanilla extract. Add almond milk as needed to achieve your desired glaze consistency.

Glaze the Rolls:

15. Glaze the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle the pink glaze over the warm rolls.

How to Serve Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any occasion and can be served in many ways:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them fresh out of the oven for a sweet, comforting breakfast or brunch with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or a latte.
• For Special Occasions: These rolls are a fun and festive addition to any holiday or special occasion, particularly with their vibrant pink glaze.
• With a Side of Fruit: Pair with fresh fruit like berries or citrus for a balanced and refreshing meal.
• As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy them as a snack throughout the day with a cup of tea or coffee.

Additional Tips for Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

Here are some tips to ensure your Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfect every time:

• Use Warm Milk: Make sure the almond milk is warm (about 110°F) when activating the yeast to ensure proper rising.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough just enough to make it smooth and elastic; overworking it can lead to tough rolls.
• Customize the Glaze: Feel free to adjust the amount of beet juice or switch it out for another natural coloring, such as raspberry juice, if preferred.
• Add Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of salt to the filling or a dash of nutmeg for extra spice if desired.
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. You can also freeze the rolls (before glazing) for up to 2 months and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Variations for Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

Here are 5 variations you can try for Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls:

• Lemon Glaze: Swap the pink beet glaze for a tangy lemon glaze for a fresh twist.
• Maple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the cinnamon filling and drizzle with a maple glaze.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Add vegan chocolate chips to the filling for a rich chocolate-cinnamon combination.
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the rolls gluten-free.
• Vegan Orange Glaze: For a citrusy option, substitute beet juice with fresh orange juice for a bright orange glaze.

Freezing and Storage for Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

• Freezing: These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature, and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment for Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls easier:

• Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer makes kneading the dough easier, but you can also do it by hand.
• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin helps achieve the perfect dough thickness when rolling out the dough.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for shaping and baking the rolls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of ingredients.
• Cooling Rack: Let the cinnamon rolls cool evenly on a rack before glazing.
• Silicone Spatula: For spreading the cinnamon filling evenly and drizzling the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions for Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

1. Can I use a different plant-based milk?
   Yes, any plant-based milk (soy, oat, etc.) can be used in place of almond milk.
2. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. What can I use instead of beet juice for the glaze?
   You can use raspberry juice, strawberry juice, or even a splash of pomegranate juice for a pink glaze.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
5. How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done?
   The rolls should be golden brown on top and puffed up, with the edges slightly pulling away from the pan.

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Conclusion

Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and delicious variation of a classic favorite. The soft, fluffy dough filled with cinnamon and sugar, paired with a colorful pink glaze, makes these rolls a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a special celebration or enjoying them as a cozy breakfast, these vegan cinnamon rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!