“NUTELLA” CINNAMON ROLLS

SERVES 12 PORTIONS

FOR THE DOUGH

1 cup soy, almond, or rice milk

1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp. sugar

1/2 cup vegan margarine

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup warm water, about 38°C/110°F

1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp.)

5 cups all-purpose flour, * plus extra for rolling

Canola oil for greasing

FOR THE FILLING

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

4 tbsp. vegan margarine, melted Vegan “Nutella”

FOR THE GLAZE

2 cups powdered sugar

4 tbsp. water
*For a gluten-free alternative, substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour plus 2 tbsp. xanthan gum. If dough seems too dry, add water, 1 tbsp. at a time, until dough is more pliable.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Calories: 491kcal
Fat: 16.8g (3.4g S.Fat)
Carbs: 79.4g
Protein: 6.2g
Sugar: 36.2g
Sodium: 242mg

METHOD

For the dough:
In a pot, combine nondairy milk, 1/2 cup sugar, margarine, and salt over low heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool until it reaches 38°C/110°F. While the mixture is cooling, in a 1-cup glass measuring cup, combine the warm water, remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast. Set aside for about 10 minutes after a quick stir. The yeast will foam up, double in size, and reach 3/4 cup. If it does not, the yeast is dead or the water was not at the correct temperature, so make another yeast mixture before moving on to the next step.

Combine the non-dairy milk mixture and the yeast mixture in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment and beat on medium speed for about 1 minute. Reduce the speed to low and add the remaining 2 1/2 cups flour. Add the remaining 2 1/2 cups flour and beat until combined. Beat for another 2 minutes. Take the dough out of the mixing bowl; it will be slightly wet and sticky. Place it on a floured surface and knead it with your hands for about 2 minutes, or until the dough is soft and pliable. To keep the dough from sticking to your hands, add more flour.

Place the dough in a large, well-oiled mixing bowl. Place in a warm area of the kitchen and cover with a dry kitchen towel. Allow it to sit for 1 1/2 hours or until it has doubled in volume (see Tip, below).

Remove the kitchen towel and punch your fist into the center of the dough to deflate it. Remove the dough and place it on a floured surface, cover with a kitchen towel, and set aside for 10 minutes.

For the filling and to assemble the rolls:
Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan lightly. Roll the dough into a 20 x 12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush the entire surface of the dough with melted margarine, then evenly sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture. Spread a spoonful of vegan Nutella on top of the dough.

Roll the dough up evenly with the long end facing you. Cut the log in half, seam side down, with a sharp knife. Then, divide each half into six equal pieces. You'll get 12 cinnamon rolls. Place the rolls, cut side up, in four rows in the prepared pan, three rolls in each row, with some space between them. Cover with a dry kitchen towel and set aside in a warm area of the kitchen for the second rise, about 1 hour, until the rolls have risen and expanded.

Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F once the rolls have risen. Cook, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. Allow the rolls to cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

For the glaze:
Whisk together the powdered sugar and water until smooth. Drizzle the glaze on top of the rolls. Warm or at room temperature, serve.