Vegan Chocolate Pistachio Sweet Rolls

Prep

Step 1

Grease a medium sized bowl with olive oil or coconut oil, and set aside. Make sure the vegan butter for the dough is room temperature.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, heat the dairy-free milk until it’s warm. It should not be above 110F.

Make the Dough

Step 3

In a stand mixer bowl with dough attachment or a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and sea salt. Add in the dairy-free yogurt, heated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until combined. Then add in the vegan butter, and mix on high speed (holding the stand mixer in case it moves) for 10 minutes to knead the dough. If making this by hand, lightly flour a clean surface, and knead the dough for 10 minutes.

First Proof

Step 4

Knead the dough lightly, for 2-4 minutes, until it forms a smooth dough ball that's not sticky. Then place the dough into the greased medium bowl, cover with a cloth or wrap, and place into a warm area to let rise for 1 hour. It should be double in size. If it's at least 80°F outside, you can place the bowl outside, otherwise you can place it in the oven (which is turned off) and turn on the oven light or start preheating the oven to 350°F and place the bowl near or on top of the oven.

Make the Filling

Step 5

While the dough is rising, grease a large casserole dish with oil and set aside. Then make the chocolate cream cheese filling. In a large bowl and using a hand mixer, cream together the vegan butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Then add in the brown sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. Set aside. Toast the pistachios on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 5-6 minutes. Then remove and cool.

Make the Rolls

Step 6

Lightly flour a clean surface, and roll out the dough to be 12 inches by 18 inches. Spread the chocolate cream cheese filling on top, and sprinkle with pistachios. Then use a pizza cutter or large kitchen knife, and along the 18” side, make a slice every 1.5” to create 12 strips that are 12” long. Then roll each swirl individually.

Step 7

Place each sweet roll into the prepared casserole dish, and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Optional Glaze

If desired, you can top your chocolate pistachio swirls with a glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle on top and serve!