Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the yeast. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm soy milk, sugar, and melted vegan butter. The mixture should be just warm to the touch but not too hot, as that may kill the yeast. Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the mixture, stir, and let sit in a warm place for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the dough. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add 2 cups of flour, along with the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, to the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Gently fold in the ½ cup of grated carrots (make sure they’re squeezed dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture).
3. First rise. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place the bowl in a warm place to rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
4. Prep the pan. Generously grease a large baking dish (a 9×13-inch pan works well) and set it aside.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Make the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well until combined. Stir in the ¼ cup of grated carrots (squeezed dry). Set aside.

Shape the Rolls:

1. Add remaining flour. Once the dough has risen, remove the plastic wrap and add the remaining ½ cup of flour along with the baking powder and salt. Stir until well combined.
2. Knead the dough. Flour a clean work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until it is no longer sticky and is soft. The dough should spring back when poked.
3. Roll out. Roll the dough out into a ½-inch thick large rectangle (about 12×14 inches—it doesn’t have to be perfect).
4. Add filling. Using a spatula, evenly spread the filling over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one of the long edges. Sprinkle with walnuts and raisins if using.
5. Cut into strips and roll. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 6 even long strips. Roll each into a cinnamon roll. 
6. Transfer to a baking dish and rise. Arrange the rolls evenly in the prepared baking dish, cover with a clean towel, and place in a warm area to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. 

Bake:

1. Preheat and bake. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. The rolls should be cooked through and spring back slightly when touched.
2. Cool slightly. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

1. Whisk the frosting. While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, sift in the powdered sugar (to prevent lumps), then add the vegan cream cheese, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk together until smooth and creamy.

Finish and Serve:

1. Frost and enjoy. Generously drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls (we use it all!). If necessary, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the frosting evenly. Serve warm.