Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Chocolate Dough:
- 1 cup plant-based milk almond, soy, or oat
- ¼ cup dairy-free butter melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
Chocolatey Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup dairy-free butter softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1 cup vegan mini marshmallows
Whipped Frosting:
- 1 cup dairy-free butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tbsp plant-based milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the plant-based milk, melted dairy-free butter, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture until just warm, about 98.6°F (37°C), similar to a warm bath.
- Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the warm mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast. Ensure the mixture is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and set in a warm place to rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened dairy-free butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Stir in the dairy-free chocolate chips.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
- Spread the chocolatey cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the vegan mini marshmallows over the filling.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cut side up.
- Cover the dish with a towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly in the pan while you prepare the frosting.
Prepare the Whipped Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the dairy-free butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and plant-based milk (one tablespoon at a time) until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
Serve:
- Spread the creamy whipped frosting over the warm rolls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallow-filled goodness!
Notes
- Vegan Mini Marshmallows: Ensure the marshmallows are vegan, as traditional marshmallows often contain gelatin.
- Dough Rising: The dough needs to rise in a warm place to double in size. An oven with the light on or a slightly warm spot in the kitchen works well.
- Serving: These rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh, but can be reheated in the microwave for a gooey treat later.