Get ready to fall in love with something truly special: Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls! These fluffy, vibrant-hued rolls weave together earthy matcha, nutty black sesame, and classic cinnamon—all wrapped up in a pillowy vegan dough. They’re the kind of treat that makes morning coffee feel like a celebration or turns any afternoon snack into a moment to remember. Whether you’re a long-time plant-based baker or just matcha-curious, this recipe delivers that irresistible swirl of comfort with a creative, sophisticated twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples and a spotlight on matcha and black sesame creates these bakery-worthy treats. Every ingredient earns its spot—bringing color, bold flavors, or the perfect texture to each bite.
- All-purpose flour: Classic and reliable, this is the base for that oh-so-soft structure in your Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls.
- Active dry yeast: The secret to those fluffy, cloud-like swirls—make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Warm almond milk: Heats things up (gently!) to jumpstart your yeast and adds a subtle nutty backdrop.
- Cane sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough and helps golden up those tops as they bake.
- Coconut oil, melted: Swaps for butter and keeps everything wonderfully tender and light.
- Salt: Just a touch for balance—it wakes up all the other flavors.
- Matcha powder: This is what gives your rolls their lush green look and that unmistakable grassy, earthy flavor.
- Tahini: Rich and creamy, tahini amplifies the sesame notes and adds moisture to the filling.
- Black sesame seeds, ground: Intensifies the nutty, toasty element—save a little to sprinkle on top if you wish!
- Brown sugar: Brings that ooey-gooey center to life, caramelizing beautifully as the rolls bake.
- Ground cinnamon: No cinnamon roll is complete without this classic touch of warmth.
- Vanilla extract: Ties everything together with an aromatic, bakery-style finish that just feels like home.
How to Make Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
Start by mixing warm almond milk, cane sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let this sit for about 10 minutes—you’ll know it’s ready when it gets foamy on top. This little science experiment is the foundation for super-fluffy Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Slowly incorporate the flour and matcha powder, mixing until you have a shaggy dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, watching as it becomes springy, smooth, and beautifully green from the matcha.
Step 3: First Rise
Pop your dough into a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and set aside for about an hour. You want it to double in size—the anticipation is worth it! This rise is key for those signature soft rolls.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is proofing, mix tahini, ground black sesame seeds, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a thick, aromatic paste. This filling is what makes these Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls unforgettable—nutty, sweet, and warmly spiced.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Rolls
Once the dough is ready, roll it into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread the sesame cinnamon filling all the way to the edges, using the back of a spoon for even coverage. Roll up tightly from the long end for beautiful spirals, then slice into 9 to 12 even rolls.
Step 6: Second Rise
Nestle the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them proof for another 30 minutes. During this time, they’ll puff up even more, getting totally ready for the oven.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re golden and your kitchen smells like pure heaven. Give them a few minutes to cool—but truly, warm is when they’re at their best.
How to Serve Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For next-level presentation, drizzle your rolls with a quick vegan glaze (just mix powdered sugar, a splash of almond milk, and a hint of vanilla). You can also dust a tiny pinch of extra matcha over the glaze or sprinkle with reserved black sesame seeds for that bakery look and a boost of color.
Side Dishes
These rolls are pure joy with a mug of oat milk latte, a cold brew, or jasmine tea. If serving for brunch, pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a little vegan yogurt with honey and berries to balance out the rich, decadent filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the rolls into a spiral “wreath” on a platter, or serve each on an individual dish with a matcha-laced glaze swirl. For special occasions, add edible flower petals or arrange slices of seasonal fruit alongside for pops of color against those gorgeous green and black swirls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you don’t eat them all right away (kudos to your willpower!), wrap leftover Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls tightly or pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep soft and tasty at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to four days.
Freezing
Want to bake ahead? Go for it! Once baked and cooled, these rolls freeze beautifully—just wrap each roll in parchment and a reusable bag. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as fresh.
Reheating
Warm rolls = irresistible. Gently reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or pop the whole tray into a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Add glaze after reheating if you want perfectly gooey results!
FAQs
Can I use other plant milks instead of almond milk?
Absolutely! Oat, soy, or cashew milk all work beautifully in Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls. Use whatever’s on hand—as long as it’s unsweetened, so it doesn’t overpower those matcha and sesame flavors.
Is it necessary to grind the black sesame seeds?
Grinding the sesame seeds makes your filling smoother and lets that nutty flavor permeate each bite. If you only have whole seeds, give them a quick blitz in a spice grinder or blender for the best texture.
How do I keep my dough from getting too dry?
If your kitchen is dry or your dough feels stiff, add tiny splashes of almond milk while kneading—just a teaspoon at a time—until it’s smooth and tacky but not sticky. Matcha can absorb a bit more moisture than expected!
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
You can try swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be a little different but they’ll still be delicious and full of that matcha-sesame flavor.
Do I have to use a glaze?
Not at all! These Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls are stellar on their own, but a simple glaze adds sweetness and a bakery finish. For extra decadence, try a maple or lemon glaze for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking something that’s both cozy-classic and adventurous, these Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls are definitely worth a spot in your baking rotation. They’re seriously impressive yet totally achievable—so carve out a cozy morning, gather your ingredients, and let your kitchen fill with those dreamy aromas. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a new favorite!
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Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (includes rising time)
- Yield: 9–12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring the earthy notes of matcha, the nuttiness of black sesame, and the warmth of cinnamon. Perfect for a plant-based breakfast or a unique matcha dessert.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm almond milk
- ¼ cup cane sugar
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
Filling:
- ¼ cup tahini
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds, ground
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Mix warm almond milk, cane sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy. Stir in melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add flour and matcha powder, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Let rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix tahini, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ground black sesame seeds into a paste.
- Roll and Bake: Roll out the dough, spread filling, roll tightly, slice, place in a baking dish, let rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Notes
- You can add a vegan glaze by mixing powdered sugar with almond milk and vanilla.
- To enhance matcha flavor, sprinkle extra matcha on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
