While many bakers focus on creating individual cinnamon rolls, I’ve discovered that transforming these beloved pastries into a wreath formation elevates both their presentation and their ability to foster connection around the table. As someone who’s spent years perfecting vegan pastries, I’ve found that the wreath’s circular design creates natural breaking points that invite sharing, while its impressive appearance belies the relative simplicity of its creation.
The interplay of soft, pillowy dough with ribbons of cinnamon-sugar filling forms a harmonious spiral that promises more than just breakfast – it offers an experience that transforms any gathering into a memorable occasion.
Recipe
This vegan cinnamon roll wreath transforms the classic breakfast treat into an impressive centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions. The interconnected rolls create a stunning circular presentation while maintaining all the warm, comforting flavors of traditional cinnamon buns.
By replacing conventional dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives, this recipe delivers soft, fluffy rolls that are completely vegan without sacrificing taste or texture. The combination of active dry yeast, vegan butter, and almond milk ensures a rich, tender dough that rises beautifully and bakes to golden perfection.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm almond milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup vegan butter, softened (for filling)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine warm almond milk with yeast in a small bowl and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and yeast mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour. Roll dough into a large rectangle, spread with softened vegan butter, and sprinkle with combined brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly lengthwise and cut into 12 equal pieces.
Arrange pieces in a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet, slightly overlapping. Let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Mix powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla to create glaze, and drizzle over the warm wreath.
For optimal results, bring all ingredients to room temperature before starting, except for the almond milk used to activate the yeast, which should be warm (110-115°F).
The dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated during the first rise; just punch it down and allow it to reach room temperature before shaping. When arranging the rolls, ensure they’re close enough to touch but have sufficient space to expand during the second rise.
Place the wreath on a large enough baking sheet to accommodate expansion, and avoid overcrowding which can lead to uneven baking.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
You’ll begin your cinnamon roll wreath by activating the yeast in warm almond milk until foamy, then combining it with your flour mixture and kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
Next, you’ll shape the dough into a rectangle, spread it with the vegan butter-cinnamon filling, roll it tightly, and arrange the sliced portions in an elegant circular pattern on your baking sheet.
After the wreath bakes to a golden brown, you’ll finish this showstopping creation with a generous drizzle of vanilla-almond milk glaze, best served while still warm.
Step 1. Activate Yeast With Milk
The delicate process of activating yeast begins with warming almond milk to precisely 110-115°F (43-46°C), creating the optimal environment for the microorganisms to thrive.
You’ll want to measure the temperature using a candy or instant-read thermometer, as milk that’s too hot will kill the yeast, while too-cool liquid won’t properly activate it.
Pour your warmed almond milk into a medium bowl, then sprinkle one packet of active dry yeast over the surface.
Don’t stir immediately; instead, let the yeast rest on the milk’s surface for about 30 seconds. This allows the granules to soften before you gently stir them into the liquid.
You’ll need to wait 5-7 minutes while the mixture develops a foamy cap, indicating that your yeast is alive and active.
If you don’t see this foam developing, your yeast may be dead or your milk temperature wasn’t correct, and you’ll need to start over.
The activated yeast mixture should smell pleasantly fragrant and have a creamy, frothy appearance before you incorporate it into your dough.
Step 2. Mix Dry Ingredients Together
While your yeast mixture develops its telltale foam, begin preparing the foundation of your cinnamon roll wreath by gathering your dry ingredients. You’ll need precisely 4 cups of all-purpose flour, one-third cup granulated sugar, and a teaspoon of salt.
Position these measured ingredients near your workspace, ensuring you’ve got everything within arm’s reach for efficient mixing.
In a spacious mixing bowl, sift the flour to eliminate any unwanted lumps that could compromise your dough’s texture. Add the granulated sugar and salt to the flour, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
Using a whisk, combine these dry components with several gentle strokes, ensuring the sugar and salt are thoroughly incorporated into the flour. This uniform distribution is crucial for achieving a balanced flavor profile in your finished wreath.
Don’t rush this foundational step – proper mixing of your dry ingredients creates the perfect canvas for the wet ingredients you’ll add next.
You’ll know you’ve achieved the right consistency when the mixture appears homogeneous, with the sugar and salt evenly dispersed throughout the flour.
Step 3. Knead Until Dough Forms
Now that your dry ingredients are perfectly combined, it’s time to transform the mixture into a pliable, smooth dough.
Begin by creating a well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the melted vegan butter. Using a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula, stir the ingredients together until they begin to form a shaggy mass.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading with the heels of your hands. Push the dough forward, fold it back onto itself, then give it a quarter turn.
You’ll need to maintain this rhythmic motion for approximately 8 minutes, during which you’ll notice the texture becoming increasingly smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. When you press your finger gently into the surface, it should spring back while holding a slight indentation.
If the dough feels too wet, incorporate small amounts of flour as needed. Once you’ve achieved a supple, uniform texture, form the dough into a ball for its first rise.
Step 4. Shape Into Circular Wreath
After your dough has completed its first rise, you’ll embark on creating the wreath’s distinctive shape – a process that transforms simple rolls into an elegant centerpiece.
Roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 18×12 inches, keeping the thickness uniform. Spread the softened vegan butter evenly across the surface, leaving a half-inch border along one long edge.
Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture uniformly over the buttered surface. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a cylinder, sealing the bare edge with gentle pressure.
Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Arrange the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a circular formation, positioning each roll at a slight angle and overlapping them slightly. You’ll want to leave a 4-inch opening in the center to maintain the wreath’s shape.
Tuck the outer end of each roll slightly under its body to ensure they don’t unravel during the second rise and baking.
Step 5. Glaze and Serve Warm
The finishing touch of a warm vanilla glaze transforms your cinnamon roll wreath from delightful to divine. While your wreath is baking, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of almond milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you’ve achieved a smooth, pourable consistency.
If needed, adjust the thickness by adding tiny amounts of additional milk or powdered sugar until perfect.
Once you’ve removed your wreath from the oven, let it cool for just 5-7 minutes – you’ll want it warm but not piping hot. Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the glaze in an elegant pattern over the wreath, allowing it to cascade down the sides and settle into the swirls.
Don’t rush this step; the artistic presentation is part of what makes this wreath spectacular.
Serve your creation while it’s still warm, when the glaze remains slightly glossy and the cinnamon-sugar filling is at its most aromatic. You’ll find the rolls pull apart easily, revealing tender, fluffy layers within.
For the most impressive presentation, transfer the wreath to a decorative serving platter garnished with fresh mint leaves or seasonal berries.
Why I Love This Dish
Warm memories of holiday gatherings always surface when I create this stunning cinnamon roll wreath.
There’s something magical about the way it transforms my kitchen into a haven of sweet, spiced aromas that drift through every room, beckoning family members to gather around the kitchen island in anticipation.
I’ve perfected this vegan version over countless Sunday mornings, and I’m continually amazed by how the plant-based ingredients create rolls that are just as pillowy and indulgent as traditional ones.
What I treasure most is the wreath’s versatility – it’s elegant enough for Christmas morning yet perfectly suited for casual brunches throughout the year.
The interconnected rolls, forming a perfect circle, remind me of the connections we share around the table.
I particularly love how this dish allows for mindful preparation.
As I knead the dough and carefully arrange each roll, I’m reminded that the best recipes aren’t just about the end result – they’re about the meditative process of creating something beautiful and delicious for those we cherish.
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