Better Than Cinnabon

I sure do love cinnamon. 

I love it on my oats.

And in my coffee.

 

And in my bread.

Okay, so you get the point.  I love me some cinnamon!  And you wanna know something super sweet about cinnamon?  There are a number of health benefits associated with eating it, score!

In this article from Women's Health, I learned that cinnamon contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants.  They contribute to healthier arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.  And it has an energizing smell that increases alertness.  Need this in my breakfast ASAP.  

Cinnamon, say hello to sugar and ooey gooey goodness.  I'm sure the sugar helps boost the health benefits, right?  

Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
adapted from VeganBaking.net  and Janae at The Hungry Runner Girl

I love good old fashioned cinnamon rolls, but thought I'd attempt to veganize this classic treat. After Shane ate one, I told him it was vegan and he didn't believe me!  Same goes for my co-workers, they loved them!

For the dough you'll need:

6 tbsp + 1 tsp flax meal
6 tbsp warm water

1 packet (or 2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 1/4 c. warm water
1 tsp sugar 


4 c. flour
1 tsp salt 
1/3 c. Earth Balance, softened
                                                       1/2 c.+ 1 tbsp sugar


- Make flax egg by mixing flax meal with  warm water.  Set aside.
- Proof yeast by mixing yeast, warm water and sugar.  Let stand 10 minutes.  You'll know yeast is active if the mixture doubles.
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.  
- Add butter, flax mixture, and yeast mixture to bowl.  Mix until dough pulls away from the outer bowl and sticks to the beater.  I used my Kitchen Aid beater mixer.
- Take out your sticky dough and knead on a floured surface until smooth.  Shape like a ball.
-Put it back in your bowl, be sure to flour the surface so it doesn't stick, and cover.  Let stand for 15 minutes.
-While dough is resting, prepare the filling.
You'll need:

3/4 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. Earth Balance, softened
2 tbsp maple syrup (use the real stuff, it tastes better!)
2 1/2 tsp cinnamon

*I doubled this, however my buns were oozing and it was quite messy.  If that's not your thang, I suggest sticking with the original filling quantities.*

-Set aside the filling mixture and roll out your dough.  Be sure to flour the surface, because it is sticky!
- Roll out the dough to form a flat 16x20 rectangle.  
- Spread the filling evenly.  The back of a spoon works really well for this.
- Roll your dough lengthwise so it's 16 inches long and cut into 1 1/2 inch sections with a sharp knife.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Put those babies in a lightly greased 9x13 glass or ceramic baking dish and let rise for 10 more minutes.  
-Put in oven for 15 minutes until golden brown.  I turned them halfway through cooking.
When you take them out, pour the vanilla frosting on top. 
Here's what you need:

2 c. powdered sugar
2 tbsp almond milk, or more to reach desired consistency
1 tsp vanilla extract


- Mix ingredients in a bowl.
- When buns come out, drizzle on top.

ENJOY!