5 Best Beef Broth Substitutes for Cinnamon Rolls

Quick tip: Maintains moisture and adds mild umami without overpowering sweetness.

Vegetable broth works well because it provides a gentle savory base that complements the sweet and spiced elements of cinnamon rolls without introducing strong meat flavors. The broth's water content helps hydrate the flour and activate yeast properly.

For best results, use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels and avoid masking the cinnamon and sugar notes. Warm the broth slightly before mixing to aid yeast activation.

Compared to beef broth, vegetable broth results in a slightly lighter flavor but preserves the dough's tenderness and rise, making it the closest plant-based alternative for this recipe.

Quick tip: Adds earthy umami that complements cinnamon without overwhelming sweetness.

Mushroom broth contains natural glutamates that mimic the savory depth of beef broth, enhancing the dough's flavor complexity. Its umami notes pair well with the warm spices in cinnamon rolls.

Use homemade or low-sodium mushroom broth to avoid excessive salt. Strain well to ensure a smooth dough texture.

This substitute can slightly deepen the flavor profile, giving the rolls a subtle earthiness while maintaining softness and rise similar to beef broth.

Quick tip: Provides subtle flavor without added salt or fat, but less umami depth.

Herb-infused water (e.g., rosemary, thyme) adds aromatic notes that can complement cinnamon rolls mildly. While it lacks the umami of broth, it still hydrates the dough and adds a nuanced background flavor.

Prepare by steeping herbs in hot water for 10 minutes and cooling before use. Avoid strong or overpowering herbs to keep balance.

This option yields a lighter dough flavor and may require slight sugar adjustment to maintain sweetness balance, but it preserves dough texture and rise.

Quick tip: Adds umami and saltiness but can introduce a slight soy flavor.

Diluted light soy sauce mimics the savory and salty profile of beef broth by providing glutamates and sodium, which support yeast activity and dough flavor. The dilution prevents overpowering the sweet cinnamon notes.

Use low-sodium soy sauce if possible and mix thoroughly to avoid uneven flavor pockets. Monitor salt levels carefully.

This substitute can slightly alter the flavor profile with a mild soy undertone and may darken the dough color, but it supports good rise and moisture retention.

Quick tip: Provides savory depth but may impart poultry flavor that conflicts with sweetness.

Bone broth contains gelatin and minerals that improve dough texture and moisture retention. However, the poultry flavor can compete with the cinnamon and sugar, potentially creating an unbalanced taste.

Use mild-flavored, low-sodium bone broth and taste the dough before baking. Consider reducing other savory ingredients.

This substitute enhances dough tenderness but may slightly alter the flavor profile, making it less ideal than vegetable or mushroom broth.