These soft vegan pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls are a delightful vegan treat, perfect for autumn. The Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with pumpkin flavor, making them an ideal addition to your fall breakfast or brunch table. Below is a comprehensive recipe that combines elements from various sources to ensure a delicious outcome.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 1/4 cups (540 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 packet (8 g) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 1/4 cup (270 mL) dairy-free milk (e.g., almond, soy, or oat), warm
• 1/3 cup (87 g) pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup (57 g) vegan butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 cup (57 g) vegan butter, softened

For the Icing:

• 1/2 cup (115 g) vegan cream cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) maple syrup
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

• In a bowl, combine warm dairy-free milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add the pumpkin puree, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise:

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice.

Roll Out the Dough:

• Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches.
• Spread softened vegan butter over the rolled-out dough and sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over it.

Form the Rolls:

• Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.

Second Rise:

• Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Icing:

• While the rolls are baking, beat together vegan cream cheese, maple syrup, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Serve:

• Allow the rolls to cool slightly before drizzling with icing. Serve warm.

Creative Toppings for Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

When it comes to vegan pumpkin cinnamon rolls, the toppings can elevate your treat from delicious to extraordinary. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your rolls:

• Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: A classic choice that adds a rich, creamy texture. Mix vegan cream cheese with maple syrup and a dash of vanilla for a sweet, tangy topping.
• Spiced Nut Glaze: Combine powdered sugar with almond or cashew milk and a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. Drizzle over the rolls for a spiced kick.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this topping adds a tropical twist. Whip chilled coconut cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla for a delightful finish.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor. Toast them lightly for an extra layer of taste.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt vegan chocolate and drizzle it over the rolls for a decadent touch. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice.
• Caramel Sauce: A homemade or store-bought vegan caramel sauce can add sweetness and richness, making your cinnamon rolls indulgent.

Alternative Flours for Cinnamon Rolls

You can absolutely use different types of flour instead of all-purpose flour in your pumpkin cinnamon rolls:

• Whole Wheat Flour: This will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
• Spelt Flour: A great alternative that’s easier to digest than regular wheat flour. It provides a slightly sweet flavor and works well in baking.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: If you’re looking for gluten-free options, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Reducing Sweetness in Frosting

To make the frosting less sweet while still maintaining creaminess:

• Use Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in your frosting recipe by one-third or half.
• Add More Cream Cheese: Increase the amount of vegan cream cheese to balance out the sweetness.
• Incorporate Citrus Juice: A splash of lemon or orange juice can cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing tang.
• Use Unsweetened Yogurt: Substitute some of the frosting with unsweetened dairy-free yogurt for creaminess without extra sugar.

Gluten-Free Variations

For gluten-free pumpkin cinnamon rolls, consider these tips:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Use a certified gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together.
• Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: You can create a blend using almond flour and coconut flour, but be aware that this may require additional binding agents like flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water.

Storing Leftover Cinnamon Rolls

To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, place them in the fridge where they can last up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Unique Flavor Combinations

Experimenting with flavors can lead to exciting variations of pumpkin cinnamon rolls:

• Chai Spice: Replace traditional spices with chai spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves for an aromatic twist.
• Apple Cinnamon: Add finely chopped apples into the filling along with cinnamon for added moisture and flavor.
• Maple Pecan: Incorporate chopped pecans into the filling and drizzle with maple syrup before baking.

Speeding Up Dough Rising

To help your dough rise faster:

• Warm Environment: Place your dough in an oven that has been preheated to its lowest setting (then turned off) or near a warm stove.
• Use Warm Ingredients: Ensure your liquids are warm (not hot) when mixing; this activates the yeast more effectively.
• Cover Tightly: Use plastic wrap or a damp cloth to cover the bowl tightly, trapping warmth and moisture.

Alternative Milk Options

You can use various types of milk in your dough:

• Almond Milk: A popular choice that adds a subtle nutty flavor without overpowering the pumpkin spice.
• Soy Milk: Offers a creamier texture and is high in protein, making it an excellent substitute.
• Oat Milk: Naturally sweet and creamy, oat milk enhances the overall flavor profile of your rolls.

Freezing Cinnamon Rolls

To freeze your cinnamon rolls effectively:

1. Allow them to cool completely after baking.
2. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
4. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Making Cinnamon Rolls More Indulgent

For an extra indulgent experience:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix dairy-free chocolate chips into the filling for pockets of melted chocolate goodness.
• Layered Filling: Create layers by adding different fillings such as almond paste or peanut butter alongside traditional cinnamon sugar.
• Double Frosting Layer: Spread frosting between layers before rolling up for an extra creamy surprise inside.

These tips will help you create deliciously unique vegan pumpkin cinnamon rolls that are perfect for any occasion!