Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup vegan butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup monk fruit sweetener (or sugar)
• 3 tsp lemon zest
• 2 cups powdered monkfruit sweetener (or powdered sugar)
• 2 tbsp vegan cream cheese
• 2 tbsp vegan butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 tsp non-dairy milk (oat, soy, almond)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• lemon zest (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Make the dough ---

2. 2

   In a small bowl combine the non-dairy milk and vegan butter and heat in the microwave until warm, about 1 min 30 sec (it should feel like warm bath water, not too hot but not too cold). Transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl) and mix in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate (you'll know it's done once its foamy at the top and smells of yeast).

3. 3

   Gradually add the flour 1/2 cup at a time to the mixing bowl while mixing with the dough hook of a stand mixer (or using a wooden spoon). The dough should be able to easily pull away from the bowl, it should not be too wet but not too dry. It should not stick to your hands.

4. 4

   Add in the salt and lemon zest, then knead for 8-10 minutes either by hand or in a stand mixer.

5. 5

   Transfer the dough to a generously oiled bowl, cover with cling wrap and a tea towel and set it in a warm place to rise for 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

6. 6

   --- Make the filling ---

7. 7

   Add the softened vegan butter, monk fruit sweetener and lemon zest to a small bowl and mix together with a spatula until it turns into a spread.

8. 8

   --- Assemble the rolls ---

9. 9

   Once the dough is doubled in size, transfer to a generously floured surfaced and roll the dough into a 14×9 rectangle.

10. 10

    Using a spatula, spread the lemon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/4-inch from the edges.

11. 11

    Tightly roll up the dough from the 9-inch side.

12. 12

    Using a serrated knife, cut about 1/2 inch off the ends. then make nine 1-inch cuts to make 9 even-sized rolls.

13. 13

    Place the rolls next to each other into an oiled or parchment lined 8x8 baking dish.

14. 14

    Cover the dish with cling wrap and a tea towel and set it in a warm place to rise for another 30-45 more minutes.

15. 15

    Preheat the oven to 350F. Bake the rolls uncovered for 35-40 minutes. If the middle of the rolls start to pop up while baking, just use a spatula to push them down.

16. 16

    Once finished baking, remove from the oven and let the rolls cool before frosting.

17. 17

    --- Make the frosting ---

18. 18

    Using a stand mixer or hand-held mixer, cream together all of the frosting ingredients: powdered sugar, vegan cream cheese, softened vegan butter, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract.

19. 19

    --- Frost and serve ---

20. 20

    Spread the frosting over the rolls, garnish with lemon zest, and dive in!