I once drove 2 hours before work at 5:30 in the morning in the pitch black just to get a cinnamon roll at an Amish bakery. That’s how much I love cinnamon rolls, and apparently how unwilling I am to make them myself. Go figure.

Why doesn’t anyone make cinnamon rolls? They’re complicated, difficult and time consuming. That’s why.

But these cinnamon rolls are different:

7 ingredients

No complex steps

No difficult methods

Practically fool proof

Just straightforward, fluffy, gooey goodness in cinnamon-roll form.

Oh yeah, and they’re vegan. Holy friggin’ delicious.

I was able to keep the ingredients to a minimum by narrowing down what you really need in a cinnamon roll and forgetting the rest. And then I went a step further and tested the true need for “scalding the milk” and letting them rise a second (sometimes third) time.

Turns out? Not necessary. And they turned out JUST AS DELICIOUS as bakery fresh cinnamon rolls. This, my friends, is my new go-to cinnamon roll recipe and it just so happens to require 7 ingredients and one lazy morning’s preparation. Behold, the World’s Easiest Cinnamon Rolls.

When I pulled these beauties out of the oven I was mesmerized. I couldn’t believe how fluffy and perfect they looked despite minimal ingredients and time.

Although a glaze isn’t really necessary or within the 7-ingredient limit, it’s an easy last-minute addition that will send them over the top. In other words, highly recommended for pure cinnamon roll bliss.

Origins of Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are believed to have originated in Sweden in the 1920s. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that they became popular. In Sweden, they’re commonly served for fika, which is a gathering time that includes a cup of coffee or tea. Sweden even has a National Cinnamon Bun Day. We’re on board for that!

FAQs

Can I prep these cinnamon rolls the night before?

Yes. Follow through step 5, then refrigerate overnight and let the pan “rise” on top of the oven while the oven is preheating so they don’t get shocked from cold to super hot.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes. Most milks should work. Find our recipes for homemade dairy-free milks here.

Can I use dry active yeast?

Yes. Use the same measurements and just let it rise longer until almost doubled in size.

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?

Coconut oil doesn’t provide the same flavor and fluffiness/tenderness. But it should be okay.

These vegan cinnamon rolls are:

Fluffy

Soft

Sweet

Tender

Cinnamon-y

Easy

& Satisfying

In other words, perfection. Hooray for easy cinnamon rolls, finally!

More Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!