5 Best Buttermilk Substitutes for Cinnamon Rolls

Quick tip: This mixture mimics the acidity and moisture of buttermilk without altering dough consistency significantly.

Buttermilk’s acidity is crucial for reacting with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide, which helps the dough rise and become tender. Adding lemon juice or vinegar to milk acidifies it, effectively replicating this reaction. The liquid consistency remains similar to buttermilk, ensuring proper dough hydration and texture.

For best results, mix the lemon juice or vinegar into the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This allows the milk to curdle slightly, enhancing acidity. Avoid using skim milk as the fat content also contributes to tenderness.

Compared to real buttermilk, this substitute produces nearly identical texture and rise, maintaining the soft, fluffy crumb and subtle tang that cinnamon rolls require.

Quick tip: Kefir has a similar acidity and consistency to buttermilk, which helps maintain dough rise and tenderness.

Kefir is a fermented milk product with natural acidity and probiotics, closely resembling buttermilk’s chemical properties. Its acidity activates baking soda, aiding leavening, while its liquid form maintains proper dough hydration.

Use plain, unsweetened kefir to avoid altering flavor. Because kefir is slightly thinner than buttermilk, the dough may be marginally less rich but still tender.

The final cinnamon rolls will have a mild tang and soft crumb similar to those made with buttermilk, with a slight probiotic benefit.

Quick tip: This combination provides acidity without changing the liquid volume, preserving dough consistency.

Cream of tartar is an acid that can mimic the acidity of buttermilk when dissolved in milk. This acidity activates baking soda, promoting leavening and tenderness in the dough. Because cream of tartar is a dry powder, it doesn’t alter the hydration level of the dough.

Dissolve cream of tartar thoroughly in milk before mixing into the dough to ensure even acid distribution. Avoid adding too much as it can impart a slightly metallic taste.

The resulting cinnamon rolls will have good rise and texture, though the flavor may lack the subtle tang of true buttermilk.

Quick tip: A dairy-free alternative that provides acidity and moisture similar to buttermilk, suitable for vegan diets.

Soy milk has a protein and fat content that can approximate cow’s milk, and when acidified with lemon juice or vinegar, it mimics buttermilk’s acidity. This activates baking soda for proper leavening and maintains dough hydration.

Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before use to allow curdling and acidification. Use unsweetened soy milk to avoid altering the flavor profile.

Cinnamon rolls made with this substitute will have a slightly different flavor profile but maintain the desired tenderness and rise.

Quick tip: Adds richness and acidity but may impart a subtle coconut flavor and heavier texture.

Full-fat coconut milk provides fat and moisture similar to buttermilk, and acidification with lemon juice or vinegar supplies the necessary acidity to activate baking soda. This combination helps achieve tenderness and rise in the dough.

Because coconut milk is thicker and has a distinct flavor, it can slightly alter the taste and texture of cinnamon rolls. Use full-fat for best moisture and richness.

The final product may have a denser crumb and a mild coconut undertone, which might not be traditional but can be pleasant.