POV: You’re a little tot window shopping at your local mall with your parents when all of a sudden you spot (and smell from a mile away) a je ne sais quoi divine aroma emanating from your go-to spot: the cinnamon roll shop. Core scent memory unlocked.
Between the aroma of freshly-baked dough and the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon, cinnamon rolls are like a big ol’ bear hug, ready to make you feel better with just one ooey, gooey bite. That’s to say, cozy sweater weather season wouldn’t be complete without your house smelling like homemade cinnamon rolls at least once a week, can’t we all agree? Ahead we delve into a series of anti-inflammatory vegan cinnamon roll recipes—from vegan ube to golden milk cinnamon rolls—and it’s safe to say, these buns are far from basic.
5 anti-inflammatory vegan cinnamon roll recipes that scream fall
1. Golden Milk Cinnamon Rolls
According to Rachelle Robinett, a certified herbalist and the founder of Supernatural, drinking golden milk—an anti-inflammatory beverage starring turmeric—is one way to support the gut-brain axis. So naturally, we had to find a way to cook with this star ingredient, too. Enter this golden milk cinnamon roll recipe by Sweet Simple Vegan that’s the best of both worlds: anti-inflammatory and delicious. The all-vegan recipe sports anti-inflammatory spices like cinnamon, ginger, black pepper (just a pinch!), and, of course, turmeric, which gives the dough a delectable golden hue. Plus, the rolls wouldn’t be complete without the most mouthwatering, vegan, cream cheese frosting made with ingredients like vegan cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and a squeeze of lemon. Cue: Golden by Harry Styles.
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Get the recipe: Golden Milk Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Cream Cheese
2. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Fall and pumpkin-flavored everything go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly. So, a roundup of cinnamon rolls obviously wouldn’t be complete without a little pumpkin cinnamon roll action in the mix, like in this pumpkin cinnamon rolls recipe by Ambitious Kitchen. The best part? Pumpkin and fiber are also a fall time power couple (pumpkin is high in fiber, with one cup containing about seven grams of the nutrient), which we love to hear considering fiber is essential in lowering inflammation and keeping your gut health in check.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
3. Vegan Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Looking for a way to spruce up your go-to cinnamon roll recipe? Try adding ube, otherwise known as purple yams, which are packed with a bevy of potent antioxidants especially good for keeping inflammation at bay (not to mention loaded with gut-healthy fiber). Aside from the nutritional benefits, ube helps add an iconic purple hue to your filling that’ll make these vegan ube cinnamon rolls by Thank You Berry Much the centerpiece of any dessert table.
Get the recipe: Vegan Ube Cinnamon Rolls
4. Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Want to keep things simple and classic? Look no further than Feel Good Foodie’s vegan cinnamon roll recipe. It comes together with just eight simple (vegan-friendly) ingredients, and takes just shy of three hours from start to finish to prepare (BTW, only 15 minutes of that is hands on). Plus, it calls for no overnight dough rising necessary, meaning you can get snacking even sooner. Phew. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to cut back on any refined sugar intake, be sure to read up on gastroenterologists’ recommendations for gut-friendly sweeteners. The list includes options like whole fruit (fresh or frozen), apple sauce, dates, and monk fruit.
Get the recipe: Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
5. Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
No time? No problem. Let the cinnamon rolls “cook” themselves while you sleep, with this easy cinnamon roll overnight oats recipe by Savor The Spoonful. Without a doubt baking can be a messy endeavor and mean a sink-full of dishes by the time you’re done. So, if this isn’t quite your vibe, but eating delicious cinnamon roll-flavored foods is, these overnight oats are definitely calling your name. They have all the essential makings of cinnamon rolls—cozy cinnamon and warming vanilla extract—minus the need to spend hours in the kitchen kneading dough. Amen to that.
Get the recipe: Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Discover how to make gluten-free and vegan cinnamon rolls: