If you are looking for a treat that blends vibrant flavors with a comforting classic, this Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These rolls bring together the earthy brightness of matcha, the deep nuttiness of black sesame, and the warm spice of cinnamon, resulting in a soft, fluffy swirl bursting with unique taste and gorgeous green and black specks. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any cozy moment, these rolls are entirely plant-based and surprisingly simple to make, offering a wonderful twist on the beloved cinnamon roll that your whole family—or your friends—will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build the rich texture, vibrant color, and delightful layers of flavor in your vegan rolls. From the staple flour providing structure to the matcha powder that adds a beautiful hue and a subtle earthy note, these essentials come together in harmony.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your dough, giving it that soft but sturdy texture you want in a cinnamon roll.
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: This magical ingredient helps the dough rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
- ¾ cup warm almond milk: A dairy-free liquid that activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the matcha’s earthiness.
- ¼ cup vegan butter (melted): Brings richness and moisture to the dough for that perfect bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder: Gives the rolls their signature green tint and subtle, grassy notes.
- ¼ cup vegan butter (softened, for filling): Acts as the luscious base for the cinnamon and black sesame spread.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Offers deep caramel sweetness that crisps lightly during baking.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic spice, balancing the nutty elements perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds (lightly toasted): Provides texture and a toasty flavor that stands out beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon black sesame paste (optional): Intensifies the sesame flavor making your filling irresistibly rich.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and adds a delicate finish to the rolls.
- 1–2 tablespoons almond milk (for glaze): Used to thin out the glaze to your preferred drizzle consistency.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds aromatic complexity to the glaze, tying everything together.
How to Make Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm almond milk along with a pinch of sugar. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This is a crucial step that ensures your dough will rise beautifully, creating those soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls we all dream about.
Step 2: Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and matcha powder. Once combined, pour in the melted vegan butter and the foamy yeast mixture. Stir everything until it forms a crumbly dough, then turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. This kneading builds gluten, giving the rolls their lovely chewy texture. When the dough is smooth and elastic, place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for one hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Roll and fill the dough
After the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle about a quarter-inch thick. Spread the softened vegan butter evenly across the surface. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, toasted black sesame seeds, and black sesame paste if you are using it. Sprinkle or spread this mixture over the butter layer, making sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Shape and cut the rolls
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from the long edge, then slice it into 9 to 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls into a greased baking dish with some space between for expansion. Cover and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise is what gives your rolls that light and fluffy lift you’ll love.
Step 5: Bake and glaze
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are lightly golden and cooked through. While they’re cooling briefly, mix powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract to create a silky glaze. Drizzle this over the warm rolls just before serving for a sweet, glossy finish that melts into all those swirls of matcha and black sesame flavors.
How to Serve Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make your rolls extra inviting, sprinkle a few toasted black sesame seeds on top of the glaze for crunch and visual contrast. A dusting of matcha powder can add a delicate pop of green that highlights the unique flavor profile.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of hot green tea or almond milk latte, which complements both the matcha and the subtly sweet black sesame. For a heartier brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a simple tofu scramble to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a gathering, arrange the rolls on a beautiful wooden board or inside a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth. You can also accompany them with a small jar of extra black sesame paste or matcha glaze for guests to drizzle their own, adding a playful, interactive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will keep them soft and prevent the matcha from losing its vibrancy.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can keep them up to 2 months and enjoy fresh-baked goodness whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat rolls gently in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Adding a small sprinkle of water to the container before reheating will help keep them moist and soft—just like they were fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond milk with another plant milk?
Absolutely! You can use oat, soy, or coconut milk depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Just make sure the milk is warm to activate the yeast properly.
Is black sesame paste necessary for the filling?
The black sesame paste is optional but highly recommended if you want that rich, intense sesame flavor. If you don’t have it, toasted black sesame seeds alone still give great flavor and texture.
How can I make the rolls fluffier?
Make sure your yeast is active and your dough is kneaded well to develop gluten. Also, giving the dough enough time to rise—both the first and second rises—helps your rolls achieve that airy softness.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?
This specific recipe relies on gluten for structure and softness, so a direct gluten-free swap is tricky. However, experimenting with gluten-free flour blends designed for yeast breads could work with some adjustments.
What is the best way to toast black sesame seeds?
Toast them gently in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and slightly darkened. This brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch to your rolls.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a delightful way to surprise your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share them. They are bursting with flavor, visually stunning, and comforting in every bite. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite sweet treat that’s perfect for any time you want to feel a little extra special.
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Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 9–12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls, a fusion treat combining Japanese matcha, nutty black sesame, and classic cinnamon flavors. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened, these dairy-free rolls are ideal for breakfast or dessert, topped with a light almond milk glaze for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm almond milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
Filling
- ¼ cup vegan butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds, lightly toasted
- 1 tablespoon black sesame paste (optional)
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm almond milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, salt, and matcha powder. Add the melted vegan butter and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Proof: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the risen dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle. Spread softened vegan butter evenly over the surface.
- Add Filling: Mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, toasted black sesame seeds, and black sesame paste if using in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 9–12 even rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Second Proof: Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden and are cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving for a sweet finish.
Notes
- Black sesame paste adds a rich, nutty depth to the filling but is optional; you can make your own by grinding toasted black sesame seeds with a little oil.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat before serving to restore softness and flavor.
