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Wife Mama Foodie

Making Healthy Taste Good

July 25, 2017

Vegan Spelt Cinnamon Rolls

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These vegan spelt cinnamon rolls are made with healthier ingredients and are free of eggs, dairy, & refined sugar. Can also substitute whole wheat or all-purpose flour.

Vegan Spelt Cinnamon Rolls | Made with healthier ingredients. Can also substitute whole wheat or all-purpose flour.
When I got pregnant with my son, I didn’t want anything to do with sweets. Weird for someone who’s typically a dessertaholic, but all I wanted was french fries with ketchup, pizza, and mouth-puckering lemonade. I know, talk about junk food! But, at least it was normal food and not, like, pickles dipped in chocolate or something. 😝

Well, my salty/savory phase only lasted for a few months because in my third trimester I practically lived off Cinnabon. I passed by one on my way to work and would think about it alllll day, chomping at the bit to get off work so I could stuff my face with those giant rolls! Pregnant people and their crazy food impulses! 😂 That saying, “there’s a bun in the oven,” was pretty much true for my baby who was primarily nourished those last few months with cinnamon rolls!

Vegan Spelt Cinnamon Rolls | Made with healthier ingredients. Can also substitute whole wheat or all-purpose flour.
Vegan Spelt Cinnamon Rolls | Made with healthier ingredients. Can also substitute whole wheat or all-purpose flour.
Vegan Spelt Cinnamon Rolls | Made with healthier ingredients. Can also substitute whole wheat or all-purpose flour. Ever since then, homemade cinnamon rolls have become a regular thing in our house. We all know that cinnamon rolls aren’t usually the most healthy treat, with loads of butter, sugar, and white flour. Since we enjoy making these often, I wanted to come up with a version that I felt better about serving my family.

I made these with spelt flour, which is an ancient strain of wheat, but much less modified. Spelt does contain gluten, but since it’s easier to digest, many people with gluten sensitivities can tolerate it. I’ve been testing recipes for some gluten-free cinnamon rolls too, but am not completely happy with the results just yet. I’ll be sure to share that recipe when it’s ready though, so stay tuned!

Vegan Spelt Cinnamon Rolls | Made with healthier ingredients. Can also substitute whole wheat or all-purpose flour.
Vegan Spelt Cinnamon Rolls | Made with healthier ingredients. Can also substitute whole wheat or all-purpose flour.
These cinnamon rolls are made with whole grains and free of dairy and refined sugar. They’re a delicious treat you can feel good about serving your family! I hope you enjoy them!

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Vegan Spelt Cinnamon Rolls


  • Author: Joscelyn Abreu
  • Total Time: 43 mins
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
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Description

These cinnamon rolls are made with healthier ingredients and are free of eggs, dairy, and refined sugar. Can also substitute whole wheat or all-purpose flour.


Ingredients

Scale

Spelt Cinnamon Rolls

  • 3–4 cups spelt flour, divided (can also use half unbleached all-purpose for softer rolls)
  • 2 packets rapid rise yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons. Can also use active dry but will have to let rise longer)
  • 1/3 cup + 3 tablespoons coconut sugar, divided (can use brown sugar or natural cane sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups almond milk or other milk of choice, warmed to about 110ºF
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter (dairy-free can be used)
  • 3 tablespoons softened butter (dairy-free can be used)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting:**

  • 8 oz. dairy-free or regular cream cheese (I used Kite Hill plain)
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter (dairy-free can be used)
  • 2–4 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or powdered sugar to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–3 tablespoons milk of choice, if needed to thin

Instructions

Cinnamon Rolls:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, yeast, 3 tablespoons coconut sugar, and salt. Pour in warm almond milk and 1/4 cup oil. Blend together until mixture is smooth and no lumps of flour remain.
  2. Switch to dough hook, if you have one, or use a wooden spoon and begin incorporating flour 1/2 cup at a time until you have a soft dough. Don’t add too much flour or rolls will be dry. You may not need the full amount of flour. Let dough rest for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9×13 pan or line with parchment paper.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together remaining 1/2 cup coconut sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
  5. Roll dough into a large, thin rectangle. I find it easier to roll dough out on a large piece of parchment or a couple sheets of plastic wrap so the dough doesn’t stick to the counter.
  6. Spread softened butter all across the dough and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar mixture. Starting at the long side, tightly roll dough into a log, keeping the seem side down on the counter.
  7. Cut the log in half and each half in 6 slices, for a total of 12 rolls. I like to use dental floss to get a nice clean cut, but you can also use a sharp knife.
  8. Place the rolls into parchment lined pan and cover with a clean towel. Let rolls rise for 10–15 minutes.
  9. Remove the towel from the pan and place into the oven. Bake 16–20 minutes, until rolls are fluffy and the outside edges feel firm. Careful not to over bake; Rolls do not brown a whole lot in the oven. Let cool in the slightly before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Place cream cheese and softened butter together in a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth. Add some of the sweetener and vanilla, continuing to blend until creamy. Add additional sweetener to taste. If mixture is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Frost slightly cooled rolls.
  2. Alternatively, if you’re making powdered sugar glaze, just blend powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach the desired consistency. Drizzle over rolls.

Notes

*Can also use whole wheat or unbleached all-purpose, but amount may vary
**Alternative frosting: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese and are not opposed to eating powdered sugar, you can combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk of choice & 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and drizzle over cooled rolls.

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 18 mins
  • Category: Dessert, Vegan

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Filed Under: Breads & Muffins Tagged With: all-purpose, Bread, cinnamon rolls, Coconut Sugar, Cream Cheese, Dairy Free, Dessert, Easy, Egg Free, Healthier, Quick, Refined Sugar Free, spelt, Vegan, whole grain, whole wheat

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tiffany says

    April 1, 2022 at 6:18 am

    Any idea how much dry yeast would be used in place of rapid rise?

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      April 1, 2022 at 9:36 am

      Hi Tiffany, it’s the same amount, it’ll just require two rises. So instead of letting it rest 5-10 minutes, it will need to rise 25-30 minutes (or until the dough has puffed up some)

      Reply
      • Tiffany says

        April 1, 2022 at 3:50 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
  2. Monique says

    March 23, 2019 at 6:54 pm

    Just made these this morning and they are DELICIOUS. I am a cinnamon roll girl and have high standards for them, but I didn’t miss the regular flour or white sugar at all. Loved the dense and chewy texture. Will be my new go-to for sure.

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      March 23, 2019 at 7:52 pm

      Hi Monique! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave feedback! So happy you enjoyed these rolls 🙂 I am also pretty picky about my cinnamon rolls lol and we love these just as much as regular ones, if not even more because I know they’re made with wholesome ingredients. If you like berries, be sure to try the triple berry rolls here on the site too, which are my personal fave! You can even use the spelt dough from this recipe and the filling from that one. Here’s the recipe if you’re interested (https://www.wifemamafoodie.com/triple-berry-sweet-rolls/)

      Hope you’re having a great weekend!

      Reply
      • Monique says

        March 30, 2019 at 5:30 pm

        Thanks Jocelyn! I made the triple berry rolls with this spelt dough today for brunch, and substituted agave in the icing. They were delicious! Quick enough to put together but really pretty and impressive looking. Perfect for brunch 🙂 Thanks!

        Reply
        • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

          March 30, 2019 at 6:18 pm

          Oh that’s awesome! Thanks for letting me know, Monique! Happy they turned out well for you. I’ll have to make them again soon now too…All this talk about them gave me a craving for berry rolls, haha!

          Reply
  3. Jennifer says

    December 19, 2018 at 11:16 pm

    Can I do steps 1-8 and then keep them in the fridge until I’m reading to bake the following day or do they need to be baked right away? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      December 20, 2018 at 8:25 pm

      Hi Jennifer, yes, you would do steps 1-8, except after putting the sliced rolls into the pan, you don’t let them rise again. Just cover well with foil and place into the fridge. The next morning, take the pan out of the fridge and take the foil off. Cover with a kitchen towel and let come to room temperature for 30-40 minutes. They should begin to rise as the warm up. If they have already risen in the fridge, then you can just preheat the oven and bake as instructed. I refrigerate my rolls often and they always turn out as good as when I make them fresh 🙂

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        December 22, 2018 at 11:38 pm

        Thank you, these will be a hit on Christmas morning!

        Reply
        • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

          December 23, 2018 at 12:20 am

          You’re so welcome! Hope you enjoy them! Merry Christmas!

          Reply
  4. Laura | Tutti Dolci says

    August 3, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    I love cinnamon rolls! These are so pretty and I’m swooning over the cream cheese frosting!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      August 4, 2017 at 10:07 am

      Thank you friend. These were so good!

      Reply
  5. Catherine says

    July 27, 2017 at 10:53 pm

    So thought I would give these a go not having worked with dough before – think I erred on the wrong side of “don’t put to much flour in or they will be dry” so the dough was a bit wet and hard to get off the paper but I have 11 cinnamon roundish looking buns waiting to go in the oven and I had fun doing them and I’m sure my boys will devour them thanks or the recipe.

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:21 am

      Thank you for trying the recipe out, Catherine. I’m so glad you and your boys enjoyed it. This warms my heart! Thank you also for taking the time to leave feedback. I hope you have a wonderful Friday and weekend!

      Reply
  6. Joy says

    July 27, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    These sound so yummy and I won’t feel as bad devouring them! I may try them with coconut flour Pinned to make later!

    Joy
    http://www.basicallyjoy.com/

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:23 am

      Thank you for pinning, Joy. Please let me know how it turns out with coconut flour.

      Reply
  7. Jenna says

    July 27, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    Okay these look outrageously good!!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:23 am

      Jenna, thank you for the compliment!

      Reply
  8. Nita says

    July 27, 2017 at 11:22 am

    I love cinnamon rolls and these look delicious!! Have never heard of spelt flour, will wee if I can get some at the local grocers! Thanks

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:28 am

      Hi Nita. You can find spelt at a healthy food store such as Sprouts and Whole Foods. Please let me know if I can help further. Have a wonderful weekend!

      Reply
  9. Stephanie Parrell says

    July 27, 2017 at 10:56 am

    This looks so tasty. Your photos look amazing also, really adding to the drool factor. Cant wait to try these out!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:28 am

      Thank you, Stephanie! Happy Friday!

      Reply
  10. Mayuri says

    July 27, 2017 at 12:07 am

    Love! Love! Love! Cinamon rolls. You made it look so easy to make but I am sure I won’t be able to make it. These look so awesome that I wish to take it out from the pic and enjoy it with coffee. 🙂

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:38 am

      Aw, thanks Mayuri! I appreciate the love.

      Reply
  11. adriana says

    July 26, 2017 at 9:06 pm

    These look soo good! I can’t believe they’re good for you too – they’re my favorite breakfast!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:39 am

      Thanks Adriana! I love cinnamon rolls too, especially if they’re a healthier version. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

      Reply
  12. Muna Kenny says

    July 26, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    I’ve been craving cinnamon cake the whole day today and then I come across your post. I need these rolls in my life, it looks so moist and l ight, Perfect!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:41 am

      Thank you for the encouragement, Muna! They’re so delicious. I hope you try them out. Have a lovely weekend!

      Reply
  13. Shileen says

    July 26, 2017 at 8:13 pm

    Holy smokes! I love cinnamon rolls! I have a mock cinnabon cinnamon roll recipe that I make on mostly special occasions. I’m the one who eats most of them so I don’t dare make them too often! ha ha I love your healthy version and will definitely give it a try at some point … sooner rather than later … I hope!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:51 am

      Haha, I can relate, Shileen! They’re so good but dangerous to make too often I like that these are healthier. Please let me know if try them out. Have a fun weekend!

      Reply
  14. Christie Brown says

    July 26, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    CINNAMON ROLLS! Oh man, I’m a sucker for a big ol’ cinnamon roll. I’m sosososo happy that you’ve shared a healthier version, I’ve never made my own before but I know how much sugar, etc. are in the ones I buy (a LOT) hehe. I’ll be giving this recipe a try for sure. 🙂

    Christie’s Take on Life. xx

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:53 am

      Hi Christie! Thanks for being willing to give these a try. I think you’ll really like them. There’s such a difference when you make them homemade. They’re so delicious! Have a wonderful weekend, Christie!

      Reply
  15. Shell says

    July 26, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    This looks like a delicious treat to make with my boys!!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:53 am

      Sounds like a wonderful idea, Shell!

      Reply
  16. Holly says

    July 26, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    These look so yummy! Your photography is gorgeous, too! xx

    http://hollyhabeck.com

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:54 am

      Thanks Holly!

      Reply
  17. Liz says

    July 26, 2017 at 12:34 pm

    We love cinnamon rolls, but we just make them for a treat ever now and then, since they are not the healthiest. We will give these a try! They look so good!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:55 am

      Hi Liz! Thanks for being willing to give these a try!

      Reply
  18. Sierra says

    July 26, 2017 at 12:03 pm

    Yum! I am not a vegan but this looks appetizing!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:55 am

      Thanks Sierra!

      Reply
  19. Lily says

    July 26, 2017 at 11:00 am

    These look absolutely delicious! I could go for one right now.
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:56 am

      Thanks Lily!

      Reply
  20. lauren says

    July 26, 2017 at 7:11 am

    These looks so fluffy! I love that they are free of dairy and refined sugar. Definitely will be trying this recipe soon!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:56 am

      Thanks Lauren. Please let me know what you think!

      Reply
  21. Alexandra says

    July 26, 2017 at 6:55 am

    Love to find recipes for comfort foods that are reworked to be healthier. This looks delish!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:58 am

      Thanks Alexandra. Please let me know if you’d like me to point you to other recipes on the blog similar this one.

      Reply
  22. Raeshal says

    July 26, 2017 at 12:25 am

    Can I do this recipe with gluten-free flour? I really want to try it. What do you think?

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says

      July 26, 2017 at 8:21 pm

      Hi Raeshal, unfortunately I don’t think it will work as gf flour doesn’t create the same fluffy texture as regular flour. I know this firsthand because I’ve been working on a gf version of these for months now and still haven’t been able to come close to the taste and texture of regular cinnamon rolls. There are a few recipes out there for gf cinnamon rolls, although I haven’t tried them personally so I don’t know how they taste. You can google it and fine several different options. I hope you’re able to find a good one! Let me know if you do!

      Reply

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Hello! My name is Joscelyn and I love to share recipes that are healthy and delicious. Many of them are also free of dairy, gluten, and refined sugar! Pick out a recipe and let's get cooking! Read More…

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