Yule Morning Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet Warmth for the Winter Solstice

On the morning of Yule — the turning point of the year, when the long night finally begins to lift — there’s something sacred about beginning the day with warmth, sweetness, and a little intentional indulgence. Vegan cinnamon rolls capture that spirit perfectly: soft dough, spiced sugar spirals, golden edges, and a creamy glaze that melts into every warm bite.

These rolls are more than a recipe. They’re a ritual — a way to greet the returning light, gather loved ones, and savor something comforting before the day unfolds. Whether you make them the night before or let your home fill with the smell of rising dough at dawn, this is a Yule morning tradition worth keeping.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup warm oat milk

• ¼ cup vegan butter, melted

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2 ¼ tsp (one packet) active dry yeast

• ½ tsp salt

•1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• 4 tbsp vegan butter, softened

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp oat milk

• ½ tsp vanilla

• Optional: pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

Make the Dough

1. Warm the oat milk until it’s just barely hot to the touch.

2. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

3. Add melted vegan butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt.

4. Mix in flour gradually until a soft dough forms.

5. Knead 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

6. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.

Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

2. Set out softened vegan butter so it’s easy to spread.

Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches).

2. Spread with soft vegan butter.

3. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar filling.

4. Roll tightly from the long end.

5. Slice into 9–12 rolls.

6. Place in a greased baking dish and let rise 30 minutes.

Bake

• Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 22–25 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Glaze

1. Stir powdered sugar, oat milk, and vanilla until smooth.

2. Drizzle over warm rolls so it melts beautifully into the spirals.

* For a Yule Twist

• Add orange zest to the dough or glaze

•Sprinkle crushed pecans into the filling

• Add a touch of cardamom for a traditional solstice flavor

• Drizzle with maple icing instead of vanilla glaze