Tony Ferguson
Recipes

In the mood for a treat that’s bursting with flavour and warmth? Look no further than our Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Buns! They’re a fusion of rich chocolate, zesty orange, and comforting cinnamon, making them the perfect indulgence for any occasion.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a cosy morning at home or impressing guests with a delightful dessert, these cinnamon buns are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4¼  cups all-purpose flour (plus more for flouring surface)
• ⅓ cup Tony Ferguson Organic Cacao Powder
• 1 packet (11g) activated yeast
• 1-2 teaspoons orange zest
• ½ cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar, divided
• 1 cup smooth coconut milk, room temperature
• ¼ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup salted vegan butter or margarine, melted and room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce or dairy-free yoghurt or coconut cream, room temperature

For the filling:

• 100g melted dairy-free or dark chocolate
• ½ cup vegan butter or margarine

For the frosting:

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup vegan butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1-2 teaspoons orange juice or milk

Method:

1. Grease a medium-sized bowl with coconut oil and set aside. Ensure the butter for the dough is melted and cooled.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the coconut milk until lukewarm. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour to the milk, whisk gently, then sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Mix lightly with a spoon, cover, and let it activate for 10 minutes in a warm area.
3. Once activated, pour the yeast mixture into a large bowl or stand mixer with the dough attachment. Add the remaining sugar, orange zest, applesauce, vegan butter or margarine, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Then add half of the flour and mix on medium speed until incorporated. Add the remaining flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for 2-4 minutes until it forms a smooth, non-sticky dough ball. Place the dough into the greased medium bowl, cover with a cloth or wrap, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. While the dough is rising, grease a large casserole dish with oil and set aside. Melt the chocolate and vegan butter or margarine together to make the filling, stirring until smooth.
6. After the dough has doubled, lightly punch it down and place it on a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 2 cm thick. Spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the dough, then roll it into tight rolls away from you. Slice the roll into 12 even cinnamon rolls and place them into the oiled dish.
7. Cover the dish again and let the cinnamon rolls rise for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
8. Once ready to bake, place the cinnamon rolls in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes while preparing the icing.
9. In a medium bowl, cream the vegan butter or margarine until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract, and cream again until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
10. Frost the cooled cinnamon buns with the icing.

With their irresistible combination of rich chocolate, zesty orange, and comforting cinnamon, these Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Buns are a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re indulging in them for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these buns are sure to impress with their decadent flavour and soft, pillowy texture. So why wait? Treat yourself to a batch of these heavenly buns and experience the joy of baking at its finest!