The mere smell of warm cinnamon rolls is enough to draw a breakfast crowd. These vegan sticky buns are an indulgent way to start the day, and are especially appreciated when you have weekend guests — vegan or non-vegan. Make a triple batch and freeze extra sticky buns for an even easier way to get a vegan breakfast treat on the table.

Vegan Sticky Buns

Serves 12

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 2-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 envelope)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 cup coconut milk, warm
• 3 tablespoons agave or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3-1/4 cups white whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar, divided
• 4 tablespoons vegan margarine, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Scatter almonds on a small baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes or until they start to lightly brown. Quickly remove from the oven to avoid scorching them. Set aside on a paper towel to cool.
3. In the bowl of a stand up mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine yeast, sugar, and water. Set aside for 5 minutes or until mixture is frothy (this means yeast is viable).
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, agave or maple syrup, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk flour and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon together.
5. Add coconut mixture and 1-1/2 cups of flour mixture to mixer bowl and blend on low speed until combined.
6. Switch to dough hook and add remaining flour, mixing on medium-low speed until dough comes together.
7. Knead with dough hook for 5 to 6 minutes or until dough is smooth. Dump onto a lightly floured surface and form into a ball.
8. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and set aside in a warm draft-free place. Let rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
9. Punch dough down and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
10. In a small bowl, mix together almonds, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and remaining cinnamon.
11. Brush dough with about 2/3 of the margarine and sprinkle with almond mixture. 
12. Use a sharp knife to cut dough lengthwise into 12 strips. Roll each strip to form a roll.
13. Spray a 10-inch round baking pan with cooking spray. Place cinnamon rolls in pan (cut side down) and cover with a damp towel.
14. Let cinnamon rolls rise for 20 minutes. Brush with remaining butter and sprinkle with remaining brown sugar.
15. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

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