Delicious Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
If you are craving a soft, fluffy treat that feels like a warm hug from the oven, then these Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are exactly what you need. This homemade recipe brings together pillowy dough soaked in rich buttermilk and swirled with fragrant cinnamon sugar, all topped with a luscious plant-based cream cheese icing (natural) that melts into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or a festive gathering, these rolls will become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra fluffy texture: The buttermilk tenderizes the dough, giving these cinnamon rolls an irresistibly soft and light crumb.
- Rich, tangy icing: The cream cheese icing (plant-based) adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang that complements the cinnamon filling.
- Simple ingredients: Made from pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up any day with no complicated steps.
- Perfect aroma: The smell of cinnamon and baking bread fills your home, creating an inviting atmosphere for friends and family.
- Customizable: This base recipe allows you to sneak in nuts, fruits, or other flavors effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role from the fluffiness of the dough to the rich flavor punch in the filling and icing. Here’s what you’ll gather before getting started.
- Buttermilk (plant-based): Adds tanginess while making the dough tender and moist.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and chewiness to the rolls.
- Yeast: The essential leavening agent that helps the dough rise and get fluffy.
- Brown sugar (natural): Used in the filling for deep caramelized sweetness.
- Cinnamon (natural): The star spice, warming and aromatic, swirled inside each roll.
- Butter (plant-based): Adds richness and moisture to both dough and filling.
- Plant-based cream cheese (natural): Required for the smooth and creamy frosting.
- Powdered sugar (natural): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): A tiny splash enhances depth in the icing flavor.
Variations for Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
Feel free to make these rolls your own! It’s so easy to add a personal touch or adjust ingredients for allergies or preferences.
- Nutty delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
- Fruit twist: Spread a layer of thinly sliced apples or pears before rolling for a fruity surprise.
- Spice it up: Mix in ground cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon filling to deepen the warm flavors.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a similar texture.
- Maple glaze: Swap the cream cheese icing for a simple maple glaze for a different sweetness profile.
How to Make Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by activating the yeast in warm plant-based buttermilk, then mix it with flour, sugar, and melted butter (plant-based). Knead until smooth and elastic, then let the dough rise until doubled in size, about an hour.
Step 2: Roll and fill the dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened plant-based butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture generously. Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other to form a log.
Step 3: Cut and let rise again
Slice the rolled log into even pieces and arrange them in a greased pan. Cover and allow the rolls to rise until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 4: Bake until golden
Bake the cinnamon rolls in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dough is cooked through.
Step 5: Make the cream cheese icing
While the rolls bake, combine softened plant-based cream cheese (natural), powdered sugar (natural), a little vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and a splash of grape juice (natural) to make a luscious icing.
Step 6: Frost and serve
Slather the warm rolls generously with the cream cheese icing so it melts and seeps into every swirl. Serve immediately for the best indulgence.
Pro Tips for Making Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
- Warm ingredients: Make sure your liquid ingredients are warm but not hot to activate yeast perfectly.
- Don’t rush the rise: Allow the dough to fully rise twice for maximum fluffiness.
- Use a sharp knife: When slicing the dough log, use a serrated bread knife to avoid squishing the rolls.
- Brush with plant-based butter: Lightly brushing the tops before baking helps get a golden-brown finish.
- Ice when warm: Apply the cream cheese icing while rolls are hot to achieve that irresistibly gooey glaze.
How to Serve Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
Garnishes
Scatter chopped toasted nuts or fresh berries on top of the icing for a colorful, textural boost that makes every bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside warm spiced chai or coffee for an idyllic breakfast or brunch; a fresh fruit salad also pairs beautifully to lighten the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Place the rolls in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment paper or stack them in a tiered serving tray to impress guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain softness and flavor.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls covered in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month; thaw overnight before baking for fresh-baked goodness anytime.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a warm oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds, then add a fresh layer of cream cheese icing to revive the luscious texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of plant-based buttermilk?
You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by mixing plant-based milk with a natural gelling agent or a splash of apple cider vinegar and letting it sit before using.
How do I make sure the rolls are soft and not dense?
Make sure to knead the dough well and let it rise twice until doubled in size; this creates the light, fluffy crumb you’re after.
Can I prepare the rolls the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls, let them rise, and then refrigerate overnight before baking fresh in the morning.
Is it possible to make the cream cheese icing ahead of time?
The icing can be mixed and stored in the fridge up to two days ahead, just bring it back to room temperature before spreading.
What is the best pan to bake cinnamon rolls in?
A round or square baking dish works well, just make sure it’s greased lightly to prevent sticking and to promote even browning.
Final Thoughts
If you want to fill your kitchen with warmth and the sweet aroma of homemade goodness, these Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are an absolute must-try. The combination of soft dough, cinnamon sugar swirls, and creamy icing makes for a truly comforting experience. Give this recipe a go, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite that brings smiles to everyone’s faces.
Related Posts
- Easy Cottage Cheese Spinach Crustless Quiche Recipe
- Irresistible Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Easy Air Fryer Cheesy Egg Toast Recipe
Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are soft, fluffy, and filled with fragrant cinnamon sugar swirls. Made with plant-based buttermilk and a luscious plant-based cream cheese icing, this recipe provides a tender dough with a rich, tangy topping that melts perfectly into each bite. Ideal for brunch, festive gatherings, or any cozy morning, these rolls offer a comforting homemade treat with simple, natural ingredients.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm plant-based buttermilk
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (natural)
- 4 tablespoons plant-based butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 6 tablespoons plant-based butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (natural)
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 ounces plant-based cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon grape juice (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Start by activating the yeast in warm plant-based buttermilk. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the melted plant-based butter and the yeast mixture, then knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Roll and fill the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the softened plant-based butter evenly over the surface. Mix cinnamon and brown sugar, then sprinkle it generously over the buttered dough. Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other, forming a log.
- Cut and let rise again: With a serrated bread knife, slice the rolled log into even pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan. Cover and allow them to rise until puffy and nearly doubled in size, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake until golden: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tops are golden and the dough is fully cooked through.
- Make the cream cheese icing: While the rolls bake, combine softened plant-based cream cheese, powdered sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and grape juice to create a smooth, luscious icing.
- Frost and serve: Spread the warm rolls generously with the cream cheese icing so it melts into every swirl. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure your liquid ingredients are warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- Allow the dough to rise fully twice for maximum fluffiness.
- Use a serrated bread knife to slice the dough log to avoid squishing the rolls.
- Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with plant-based butter before baking for a golden-brown finish.
- Apply the cream cheese icing while the rolls are warm to achieve a gooey glaze.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: buttermilk cinnamon rolls, plant-based cinnamon rolls, cream cheese icing, vegan cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, brunch recipe
