Ingredients
- Water – 1 cup, lukewarm (activates the yeast)
- Vegan Honey or Maple Syrup – ¼ cup (adds natural sweetness)
- Molasses – ¼ cup (star ingredient for flavor and color)
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups (provides structure)
- Whole Wheat Flour – 1 cup (adds texture and nutrition)
- Cocoa Powder – 1 tablespoon (adds depth and a hint of chocolate)
- Instant Yeast – 2 teaspoons (helps the dough rise)
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (balances sweetness)
- Oil – 2 tablespoons (adds moisture and softness)
- Cornmeal – For dusting (prevents sticking and adds a crispy bottom)
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, salt, and instant yeast. Ensure even distribution for a consistent texture.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the lukewarm water, vegan honey or maple syrup, molasses, and oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms. The molasses and syrup create a rich, flavorful base.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes using a stand mixer or 12-15 minutes by hand. Proper kneading develops gluten, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
- Let It Rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size. This step allows the yeast to work its magic.
- Shape and Second Rise: Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle, then into cylinders, pinching the seams. Place them on a lined baking sheet dusted with cornmeal and let them rise for another 40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool for 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam, or store in an airtight container for later.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or microwave with a damp paper towel for 30 seconds.
- Variations: Add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
- Kneading Tip: Proper kneading ensures a soft and fluffy texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving – 1 Roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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