Name: Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup of unsweetened plain plant-based milk; 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar; 1 pack of instant yeast; ¼ cup of pumpkin puree; 1 (3.9-ounce) pack of unsweetened apple sauce; 4 cups of all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon of salt; ¼ cup of vegan butter, melted; ⅓ cup of brown sugar; 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice; ¼ cup of vegan butter, at room temperature; 5 oz vegan cream cheese, at room temperature; ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups of powdered sugar

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Soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm fall flavors, these Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate seasonal treat. Featuring a rich pumpkin spice filling and topped with a luscious vegan cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for cozy mornings or an indulgent dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are everything you love about autumn in one bite—sweet, spiced, and comforting. The dough is tender and fluffy, thanks to a combination of pumpkin puree and apple sauce, while the filling is perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie seasoning. A generous swirl of tangy vegan cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:
½ cup of unsweetened plain plant-based milk
1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
1 pack of instant yeast
¼ cup of pumpkin puree
1 (3.9-ounce) pack of unsweetened apple sauce
4 cups of all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon of salt

For the Filling:
¼ cup of vegan butter, melted
⅓ cup of brown sugar
2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice

For the Frosting:
¼ cup of vegan butter, at room temperature
5 oz vegan cream cheese, at room temperature
¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 ½ cups of powdered sugar

Directions

Heat the plant-based milk in the microwave for 1 minute, then let it cool until warm to the touch. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar until dissolved. Add yeast and whisk until foamy. Cover with a towel and allow it to activate for 5 minutes.
Stir in the pumpkin puree and apple sauce into the activated yeast mixture.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, ¼ cup of sugar, and salt. Add to the wet mixture and combine until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 3 minutes, then shape it into a ball. Place it into an oiled bowl, cover with a warm damp towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a large rectangle (about 2 feet by 1 foot). Roll it out to ½ inch thick.
Brush the dough with melted vegan butter. Mix the brown sugar and pumpkin spice, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
Arrange the rolls in a baking pan in 3 rows of 4. Let them rest while the oven preheats to 375°F.
Bake for 35–45 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove and let cool on a rack.
Prepare the frosting by creaming vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
Spread frosting over warm rolls for a melty glaze or let them cool for a thicker, creamy topping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Nut-Free: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese substitutes, are nut-free.
Maple Glaze: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze of powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Extra Spicy: Add a bit of extra cinnamon or nutmeg for a bolder spice profile.
Stuffed Rolls: Add chopped pecans or raisins into the filling before rolling for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and feel soft and airy. This typically takes about 1 hour in a warm environment.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, as long as it’s not too watery. If using homemade puree, drain excess moisture before using.

What can I use instead of vegan cream cheese?

You can use coconut cream, a vegan yogurt base, or make a glaze with powdered sugar and plant milk.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight before baking the next morning.

Why did my dough turn out too sticky?

Too much moisture or not enough flour could be the issue. Gradually add flour while kneading until the dough is soft but not sticky.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely! They’ll still be delicious with just the spiced filling. You could also dust with powdered sugar as a lighter option.

What is the best plant-based milk to use?

Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk work well. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and plain.

Why didn’t my rolls rise?

This could be due to expired yeast or the milk being too hot when added to the yeast. Always use fresh yeast and warm (not hot) liquid.

How do I make these oil-free?

You can skip the butter in the filling and lightly brush the dough with apple sauce instead. Use oil-free frosting options like cashew cream.

Can I freeze the rolls after baking?

Yes. Let them cool completely, skip the frosting, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw, warm, and frost before serving.

Conclusion

These Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the epitome of fall baking—warm, soft, and spiced to perfection. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, they’re guaranteed to impress. Plus, they’re fully plant-based, making them a cozy treat everyone can enjoy.