Blackberry Cinnamon Rolls

Makes 8 rolls

Ingredients:

Dough:

1 packet yeast

1 c. plant-based milk

1 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry or white whole wheat flour

1 c. all-purpose flour, plus more

1 T. baking powder

1/4 c. sugar

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. salt

1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce

Filling:

1/2 c. brown sugar (or 1/2 c. sugar plus 1/2 T. [1 1/2 t.] molasses)

1 T. cinnamon

2 T. plant-based butter, softened

1 pt. blackberries, washed and dried

Icing:

1 c. powdered sugar

1/4 c. plant-based cream cheese

Few drops of vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Warm milk to between 105 and 115 degrees F. Dissolve yeast in warm milk and set aside.

2. Combine flours, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a small bowl, combine filling ingredients except berries and set aside. 

4. After yeast and milk mixture is foamy (about 5-8 min), stir in applesauce. Add applesauce mixture to dry dough ingredients and stir until a dough forms.

5. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a minute (or about 20 times). Knead in extra flour as necessary (about 1/4 c.), and knead until dough is no longer sticky. 

6. Roll dough into a large rectangle. Sprinkle filling over dough, then scatter blackberries over filling. 

7. Roll dough up firmly to make a log. Cut into 8 equal pieces and place in an 8x8-inch pan greased with cooking spray or brushed with vegetable oil. 

8. Cover rolls with a clean towel and allow to rise in a warm place for about 40 min before baking. (Between 75 and 85 degrees F is ideal.)

9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake rolls for 20-25 min.

10. Combine icing ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle rolls with icing.

Note: Dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated over night. Then let dough rise 40 min before baking. 

Variation: Instead of blackberries, add raisins and chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.