Jam Donut Cinnamon Rolls

These Jam Donut Cinnamon Rolls combine everything you love about soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls with the fruity burst of raspberry jam you’d find in a classic jam-filled donut. They’re fluffy, sweet, and indulgent—with a glossy glaze or optional cinnamon sugar topping to seal the deal. Completely vegan and made with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy weekend bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are everything you want in a comforting treat: light and fluffy dough, warm cinnamon spice, and a gooey jam swirl running through every bite. They taste like a donut and a cinnamon roll rolled into one, but without the need for deep frying. The raspberry filling adds a tart contrast to the sweet dough, and the optional frosting gives it a bakery-style finish. Plus, they’re easy to make and completely plant-based!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:
3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1 cup warm dairy-free milk
½ cup vegan butter, room temperature
3 tablespoons granulated sugar or coconut sugar
1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter)

For the Raspberry Jam Filling:
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (or any light-colored sweetener, to taste)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Dash of water

Optional Frosting:
½ cup vegan cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar (to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla bean extract or powder

Directions

Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine all dough ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together.

2. Knead until the dough is smooth, stretchy, and slightly tacky. Add more milk or flour as needed.

3. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Make the Jam Filling:

4. In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and a dash of water.

5. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth.

6. Let the jam cool completely.

Assemble the Rolls:

7. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick).

8. Spread the cooled raspberry jam evenly over the dough, all the way to the edges.

9. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice into 12 equal rolls.

10. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking tray with space between each one.

11. Cover with a towel and let rise for 1 hour, or until increased in size by about 50%.

Bake:

12. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

13. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

14. Let cool slightly before glazing or serving.

Frost or Top:

15. To make the frosting, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

16. Drizzle generously over cooled rolls.
    Alternatively, dust with cinnamon sugar for a more donut-like finish: mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon and sprinkle on top.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Variations

• Strawberry or Mixed Berry Jam: Swap raspberries for other berries or use pre-made jam.

• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Instead of frosting, dust with cinnamon sugar for a more donut-style finish.

• Stuffed Style: Add a small dollop of jam in the center of each roll before baking.

• No Frosting Needed: These rolls are delicious even without frosting, thanks to the jam filling.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For best results, reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven until warm.

You can also freeze the rolls (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding glaze or serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought jam?

Yes! Use about ½ to ¾ cup of your favorite store-bought jam in place of the homemade filling.

Can I make these the night before?

Yes, prepare and shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise in the morning before baking.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, you can knead the dough by hand—it just may take a few extra minutes.

Can I use regular dairy ingredients?

If you’re not vegan, you can substitute dairy milk, butter, and cream cheese as needed.

Why is my dough too sticky or too dry?

Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if it’s too sticky, or add milk a little at a time if it’s too dry. Dough should be soft and pliable.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely. You can leave them plain, top with cinnamon sugar, or simply enjoy them warm with a little butter.

How do I know when the dough is ready to bake?

The rolls should be puffy and nearly doubled in size after the second rise.

What if my kitchen is too cold for proofing?

Place the dough in the oven (turned off) with the light on or near a warm appliance to help it rise.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, simply halve all the ingredients and bake in a smaller dish.

Are these rolls overly sweet?

They’re lightly sweet from the jam and sugar, with the option to adjust glaze sweetness to taste.

Conclusion

Jam Donut Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate mash-up of two classic baked goods—perfectly sweet, soft, and bursting with raspberry goodness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend treat, or just because, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. And with their vegan ingredients and easy steps, they’re as accessible as they are irresistible.