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Wholesome Cinnamon Rolls (Light, Soft & Comforting)


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  • Author: Madilyn
  • Total Time: 3 hr

Ingredients

Dough:

½ cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk, warm (118 ml)

¼ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar (55 g)

2 tsp instant yeast

¼ cup neutral oil (sunflower, coconut, or canola)

1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)

1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

½ cup pumpkin puree, unsweetened (110 g)

3½ cups whole wheat bread flour, sifted (440 g)

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground nutmeg

Filling:

¼ cup butter, softened (60 g, or vegan butter/coconut oil)

½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar (100 g)

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (optional)

2 tbsp optional add-ins: raisins, cranberries, walnuts, pecans

Glaze (Optional):

2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk

¼ cup powdered sugar (30 g)

1 tsp vanilla bean paste


Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.

  2. In a large bowl, mix oil, egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Stir in yeast mixture.

  3. Gradually add flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until a soft dough forms.

  4. Knead for 3–5 minutes until elastic and smooth. Cover and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.

  5. Roll dough into a 14×16-inch rectangle. Spread butter evenly, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture and optional add-ins. Roll tightly into a log, cut into 12 rolls.

  6. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 pan, cover, and let rise 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  7. Bake 20–30 minutes until golden brown.

  8. Whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using bread flour improves texture and softness.
  • Ensure milk is warm to activate yeast.
  • Spoon and level flour for accurate measurement to avoid dense rolls.
  • Vegan substitutions: plant-based milk, flax egg, vegan butter.
  • Rolls can be prepped ahead and refrigerated overnight.
  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 2 hr 30 min