Vegan Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

The temperature has just dropped yesterday, and it's starting to feel like winter. Most people probably think Hong Kong doesn't get cold when compared with the real winter of many other places. Well, just remember, Hong Kong houses/apartments do not have any insulation at all. This means no heating system, no fireplace, and the doors and windows are not built to close tightly. We normally feel chilly inside the house, even when it is 17 degree celsius.

I remember having hot chocolate with cinnamon buns from Cinnabon when I was in Vancouver. Obviously, those are sugar loaded and not exactly the healthiest snack. I miss this snack, and want to make the healthier sourdough version. Instead of discarding the sourdough starter, I might as well use it and make sourdough cinnamon rolls! Mr. Arndt also mentioned that he was craving cinnamon rolls, and how much he missed it. I guess I didn't have any excuse not to make it.

For this cinnamon roll recipe, I used: https://www.rainbownourishments.com/sourdough-cinnamon-scrolls-vegan/

Adaptations: I used 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour, and the rest with plain flour.

Remarks: The rise could be a bit different, subject to the humidity/dryness, and warmth/cold of the kitchen.

Frosting:

- 1 cup of cashew nuts (you can soaked it first, or if you have very strong blender like Vitamix or Blendtec, you can skip the soaking part)

- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (soy, almond or oat)

- 1/4 cup maple syrup

- 2 tablespoons coconut oil

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

Blend it all together until smooth.

Hope you guys enjoy making this!

After step 1, the dough ball was left resting for 2 hours. The dough should had risen at this point. Use the rolling pin to roll out the dough to approximately 45cmx35cm. Brush the melted vegan butter to the flattened dough, including the edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly, then roll the dough into a long tube. Cut the dough into about 12 rolls. Put the rolls into a greased pan with some space in between so the rolls can rise. I put the pan into the fridge overnight covered with a damp cloth.

I took it out the next day, and the dough did not rise as much as expected. I let it sit at the counter for another 6 hours before baking it. You can tell from the below pictures how much the rolls had risen then! These are super delicious when they are fresh out of the oven. Don't forget to put the frosting on top!