Name: Vegan Dulce De Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 batch vegan buttermilk; 75 g vegan butter (block-style), melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 460 g all-purpose flour; 60 g granulated sugar; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 60 g vegan butter (block-style), softened; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 240 g vegan dulce de leche; 60 g vegan dulce de leche; 60 g powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon plant-based milk; ¼ teaspoon sea salt

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about waking up to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, especially when they’re made with luscious, creamy vegan dulce de leche swirled throughout. This Vegan Dulce De Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is not only a delicious treat but a comforting experience that brings together a perfect balance of sweet caramel notes, warm cinnamon spice, and irresistibly soft, fluffy dough. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these rolls will quickly become a favorite for weekend brunches, special occasions, or anytime you crave a warm, comforting indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In the first image, there is a white bowl filled with rough, uneven dough mixture that looks sticky with bits of flour still visible on the surface and sides of the bowl; a white spatula with a blue edge is partially buried in the dough on the left side. In the second image, the same white bowl holds a smooth, round dough ball with a soft, even texture and a pale beige color, resting on a clean white marbled surface with clear edges of the bowl visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create these dreamy Vegan Dulce De Leche Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from providing the structure of the dough to infusing flavor and delivering that gooey, caramel center that makes this recipe so unforgettable.

Vegan buttermilk: A tangy, plant-based liquid that helps tenderize the dough and activate the yeast for a perfect rise.
Vegan butter (melted and softened): Adds richness and moisture to the dough and fillings for tender, flavorful rolls.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and aroma, giving subtle depth to the dough.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and a soft, fluffy texture.
Granulated sugar: Helps feed the yeast and sweetens the dough for a balanced flavor.
Instant yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise beautifully light and airy.
Sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the rolls.
Light brown sugar: Brings warm, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon filling.
Ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice adding that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Vegan dulce de leche: The star ingredient—rich, creamy, and decadently sweet, creating those signature gooey swirls.
Powdered sugar and plant-based milk: Combined to make a simple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and shine.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Vegan Dulce De Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Dulce De Leche

Start by making the vegan dulce de leche ahead of time. It’s best to prepare this luscious caramel flavor at least 3 hours in advance or even up to 2 days ahead so it can thicken perfectly and be ready to spread into your rolls. This step really sets the tone for the rich, gooey filling that makes these cinnamon rolls unforgettable.

Step 2: Mix the Moist Ingredients

Next, prepare a batch of vegan buttermilk—this tangy liquid keeps the rolls tender and helps the yeast work its magic. Gently melt your vegan butter, just warm enough to liquefy without overheating, then mix it with the vegan buttermilk and a splash of vanilla extract. These ingredients come together to add richness and subtle flavor complexity to the dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and sea salt. Slowly pour in the wet mixture and stir until a shaggy dough begins to form. This initial mixing is key for getting a workable dough that’s soft and sticky rather than dry and crumbly.

Step 4: Knead to Perfection

Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It will be sticky at first, but trust the process and resist adding extra flour; the dough will gradually firm up as you knead. Using a dough scraper will help you manage any stickiness while keeping the dough well-hydrated and soft.

Step 5: First Proofing

Lightly oil a clean bowl and place your dough inside. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and leave it in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size. This proofing step is essential—it allows the yeast to ferment, creating those lovely air pockets that make your rolls fluffy and airy.

Step 6: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Once your dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, roughly 11 by 16 inches. Spread the softened vegan butter evenly over the surface, then drizzle the vegan dulce de leche on top and gently spread it out with an offset spatula. Finally, sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon over everything for that classic cinnamon roll sweetness and spice.

Step 7: Shape the Rolls

Now comes the fun part—cutting and rolling! Slice the dough lengthwise into 9 even strips. Roll each strip individually into a tight spiral. Alternatively, you can roll the entire rectangle into a log and slice it into 9 pieces using unflavored dental floss, which is a neat trick for clean cuts without squashing the dough.

Step 8: Second Proofing

Place the shaped rolls in a parchment-lined baking dish, ensuring they’re snug but not overcrowded. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and leave it somewhere warm for another 1 to 2 hours until the rolls have puffed up beautifully.

Step 9: Baking and Cooling

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20 to 24 minutes until their tops turn a lovely golden brown. Let them cool for 15 minutes before glazing or serving. This cooling time helps prevent the dulce de leche filling from becoming too runny and keeps the rolls perfect for enjoying.

How to Serve Vegan Dulce De Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The image shows a white square baking dish filled with nine uncooked cinnamon rolls arranged in three rows of three. Each roll is a light beige dough spiraled with a dark brown cinnamon sugar filling, visible in the swirls that vary slightly in size and shape. The rolls’ dough looks soft and slightly shiny with spots of cinnamon filling oozing a bit on the sides. The inside of the baking dish has some marks and streaks from the cinnamon filling, creating a slightly sticky texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Vegan Dulce De Leche Cinnamon Rolls, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and a pinch of sea salt over the warm rolls. This gentle sweetness adds a lovely shine and an additional layer of flavor that complements the rolls’ richness without overpowering it.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with a fresh fruit salad or a hot cup of your favorite coffee or chai latte. The fruity notes and warm spices complement each other beautifully, creating a balanced and indulgent breakfast or brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the rolls in a cast-iron skillet to create a rustic, cozy presentation. Alternatively, arrange them on a decorative platter sprinkled with chopped toasted nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon for a festive touch that will wow family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry out the rolls quickly.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen rolls will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the rolls with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain their softness and reactivates the gooey filling. You can also microwave a single roll for about 20 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

While the texture will differ, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be aware that the dough may require adjustments in hydration and kneading time.

How do I make vegan buttermilk?

Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of your favorite plant-based milk. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it curdles slightly, creating the tangy vegan buttermilk needed for the dough.

What is the best vegan butter to use for this recipe?

Choose a block-style vegan butter with a neutral flavor and good melting properties, ideally one that is soy-free if you have allergies. This ensures the best texture and flavor in both dough and filling.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before baking?

Absolutely! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, allow them to come to room temperature and puff up before baking, which deepens the flavor and improves texture.

Is vegan dulce de leche difficult to make at home?

Not at all. Vegan dulce de leche can be made by simmering coconut milk and sugar until thickened, or you can find ready-made versions at specialty stores. Making it ahead allows it to set perfectly for the rolls.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Vegan Dulce De Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, you’ll be hooked on the sweet, caramel-filled goodness packed into every fluffy bite. It’s the kind of recipe that brings warmth and joy to any morning, creates smiles around the table, and reminds us just how delightful vegan baking can be. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable homemade indulgence.