Vegan Chocolate Sweet Rolls Recipe

If you have a soft spot for warming your kitchen with sweet aromas and indulging in something sinfully chocolatey yet completely plant-based, then you’ve got to try these Vegan Chocolate Sweet Rolls. They are super soft, irresistibly rich, and come loaded with luscious vegan Nutella, crunchy hazelnuts, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy weekend morning or want to impress friends with a delightful bake, these rolls deliver a perfect mix of gooey chocolate goodness and fluffy dough that you won’t stop craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create those irresistibly tender and flavorful Vegan Chocolate Sweet Rolls. Each element plays an essential role, from the dairy-free milk softening the dough to the vegan butter infusing richness, and the chocolate and nuts providing that delightful contrast in texture and taste.

• Dairy-free milk (400ml): Room temperature milk is vital to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Vegan butter (115g, melted): Adds moisture and a luscious buttery flavor to the rolls.
• Caster sugar (50g): Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough just the right amount.
• Active dry yeast (7g): The magic ingredient for fluffy, risen rolls.
• Plain flour (480g): The sturdy base that forms the soft but structured dough.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances and balances the sweet flavors in the dough.
• Vegan Nutella (4 heaped tablespoons): The dreamy chocolate-hazelnut spread for a luscious filling.
• Hu Chocolate Bar (2 bars, roughly chopped): Adds extra bursts of melting chocolate inside every bite.
• Chopped hazelnuts (15g): Provides a delightful crunch to contrast the tender dough.
• Vegan cream cheese (80g): Forms the creamy, tangy frosting topping that brings it all together.
• Icing sugar (140g): Sweetens the frosting to perfection without overpowering.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Deepens the flavor of the frosting with warm aromatic notes.
• Dairy-free milk (1 teaspoon, optional): Thins the frosting if needed to a perfect spreadable consistency.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Sweet Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Start by melting the vegan butter gently on low heat until it’s all smooth and liquid. Transfer it into a mixing bowl where you’ll whisk in the room temperature dairy-free milk, caster sugar, and active dry yeast. Cover this mixture and let it sit in a warm spot for about 10 minutes until it froths up, signaling the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Next, sift in your plain flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead everything together until you have a smooth, elastic dough that bounces back when pressed. Whether you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook or simply working by hand on a floured surface, aim for a soft dough that’s tacky but doesn’t stick excessively. Over-kneading can toughen the rolls, so moderate your enthusiasm here!

Step 3: First Proofing

Shape your dough into a neat ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a tea towel and set it aside once again in a snug warm area to rise. This first proofing lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, during which your dough should roughly double in size, becoming plump and airy.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 180° C fan and grease a round baking dish. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 16 by 24-inch rectangle. This thin layer ensures you get plenty of swirls in your rolls. Spread the vegan Nutella evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the chopped Hu chocolate and hazelnuts on top. This filling will create delicious pockets of melty and crunchy treats baked right in.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough starting from the long edge into a tight log, pinching the ends to seal the chocolatey treasure inside. Using a piece of kitchen string or a sharp knife, cut the log into 8 or 9 even rolls. Place the slices spaced out into your greased baking dish and let them proof a little more under a towel for another 20 minutes to puff up nicely before baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the tops with a little dairy-free milk to encourage a golden crust, then slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake these beauties for about 25 to 30 minutes until they’re puffed, golden, and filling your kitchen with that irresistible cocoa aroma.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls cool just slightly, whip together your vegan cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and lump-free. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of dairy-free milk until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency. You can spread this luscious frosting over cooled rolls for thick, defined topping or drizzle it warm over fresh buns for a glossy glaze.

How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Sweet Rolls

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little grated vegan chocolate or crushed hazelnuts over your frosted rolls for an inviting look and an extra crunch that complements the creamy frosting perfectly.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a stand-alone star, but pairing them with a dollop of coconut yogurt or a side of fresh berries provides a lovely balance, adding freshness and a hint of tang to each indulgent bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls warm in individual ramekins with a drizzle of extra vegan Nutella on top or lay them out on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, and nut butters for a fun, shareable breakfast feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the Vegan Chocolate Sweet Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their soft texture, though they are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked rolls by wrapping them tightly in cling film and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a surprisingly fresh taste.

Reheating

To revive your Vegan Chocolate Sweet Rolls, warm them gently in the oven at 160° C for 10-15 minutes or microwave them for about 20 seconds. Add a little extra frosting after warming for that freshly made experience every time.

FAQs

Can I use any type of dairy-free milk for these rolls?

Absolutely! Almond, oat, soy, or any other plant-based milk works well in this recipe, just make sure it’s unsweetened and at room temperature to activate the yeast properly.

Is it necessary to proof the dough twice?

Yes, letting the dough rise twice helps develop a light texture and better flavor. The first proof builds the dough’s strength, while the second gives it that fluffy, airy softness you expect in perfect rolls.

Can I substitute vegan Nutella with something else?

Definitely! You can swap vegan Nutella for any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even a homemade blend of melted chocolate and nut butters if you prefer a personalized filling.

How long can I keep the Vegan Chocolate Sweet Rolls at room temperature?

They’re best eaten fresh or within 24 hours at room temperature. Beyond that, refrigeration is recommended to prevent spoilage, especially because of the vegan cream cheese frosting.

Can I make these rolls without nuts?

Sure thing! Simply omit the hazelnuts in the filling for a nut-free version, or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch without nuts.

Final Thoughts

Making these Vegan Chocolate Sweet Rolls is such a joy, and the result is pure happiness on a plate. Their soft, chocolate-packed layers with creamy frosting make them an irresistible treat whether for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon bite. I can’t recommend these enough—trust me, once you try them, Vegan Chocolate Sweet Rolls will become one of your favorite go-to recipes whenever you want to indulge your sweet tooth while keeping it entirely vegan. Happy baking!