These Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and naturally tinted pink for a fun and festive twist on classic cinnamon rolls! Made with plant-based ingredients and a delicious cinnamon-sugar filling, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or whenever you want a sweet, colorful treat. Topped with a luscious pink glaze, these rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 100% plant-based – No dairy or eggs required!
- Soft and fluffy – Just like traditional cinnamon rolls.
- Naturally pink – Made with beet puree or food coloring for a fun touch.
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or weekend baking.
- Customizable – Add nuts, fruit, or different glazes to make them your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Instant yeast
- Plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- Beet puree (for natural pink color) or pink food coloring
- Coconut sugar or cane sugar
- Vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Vegan butter or coconut oil, softened
For the Pink Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Plant-based milk
- Freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground (or pink food coloring)
- Vanilla extract
Directions
Make the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: Warm the plant-based milk until lukewarm (not hot). Stir in sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted vegan butter, vanilla, and beet puree (or food coloring). Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead for about 8 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling and Assemble:
- Prepare the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened vegan butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice into 10–12 rolls.
- Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Pink Glaze:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, plant-based milk, ground freeze-dried strawberries (or food coloring), and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze the Rolls: Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10–12 rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1.5 hours
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted vegan chocolate over the rolls for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- Berry Filling: Spread strawberry or raspberry jam inside for extra fruitiness.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of cardamom for a warm, spiced twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing. Thaw, rise, and bake when ready.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. How do I make the dough naturally pink?
Use beet puree or freeze-dried strawberry powder for a natural pink hue.
2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Just proof it in warm milk with sugar for 10 minutes before mixing.
3. What plant-based milk works best?
Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well in this recipe.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
5. Why didn’t my rolls rise?
Your yeast may be expired, or your liquid may have been too hot or too cold.
6. Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! You can enjoy them plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
7. How do I make them fluffier?
Make sure to knead the dough well and allow enough time for rising.
8. Can I make mini cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Just cut smaller rolls and reduce the baking time by 5 minutes.
9. Can I use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes! Coconut sugar works great for a slightly caramel-like flavor.
10. What’s the best way to roll and cut the dough cleanly?
Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing them.
Conclusion
These Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are a fun, festive, and delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a special brunch, or just because, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them today and enjoy a fluffy, sweet, plant-based treat!
PrintVegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls
These Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and naturally colored with beet powder for a beautiful pink hue! Filled with a warm cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a creamy dairy-free glaze, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pink Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- ¼ cup (56g) melted coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons beet powder (for natural pink color)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
For the Vegan Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and beet powder.
- Add warm plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Roll out the dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle.
- Brush with melted coconut oil, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
3. Roll and Cut
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and pinch the seam to seal.
- Slice into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes.
5. Make the Glaze & Serve
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
- Extra Flavor: Add a vegan cream cheese glaze instead of vanilla glaze for a tangy twist!