Apple Cacao Cinnamon Spelt Rolls

It had been few years since I made these awesome rolls!    It takes bit of prep and effort but definitely worth it if like to make this delicacy at your kitchen.    My younger one reminded me about it few weeks back.   I had somehow forgotten about it.    

I learnt sometime ago that cacao is different from cocoa powder.  Itz great if you can find cacao since its super high in antioxidants and flavonoids since its fermented and roasted at low temperature. Cacao is higher in protein, fibre, magnesium and iron.   Thanks to Costco for having it at our local stores.   It has become a staple since I use them on a variety of recipes including my chocolate avocado mousse, choco banana bread/cup cakes, smoothies!   

Choco Apple Filling:

What you need?

Dates soaked - 1 cup

Cacao powder - 1/3 cup

Brown/Turbinado Sugar-1/4 cup

cinnamon - 1 tsp

Apple sauce - 1 cup

salt - 1/4 tsp

How to make the filling?

• Soak the dates in hot water for about 2-3 hours
• Check for the pits on dates and blend them with 1/4 cup of water
• Make apple sauce by pressure cooking apple for 8 mins, Allow it to cool and mash them with fork.   
• In a sauce pan, add blended dates, apple sauce, cinnamon, salt and Cacao, mix well and cook it on a low flame for about 15 mins stirring occasionally 

for the Rolls:

What you need?

Spelt Flour - 3.5 cups

Yeast - 2.5 tsp

Oil - 3 Tbsp

Sugar/Jaggery - 1/4 cup

Apple butter - 1/2 cup

Yogurt -  1/2 cup

Salt - 1/2 tsp

Warm Water - 1/2 cup

Apple cider Vinegar - 2 Tbsp

How to make?

• Activate yeast in luke warm water with a tsp of Sugar. Leave it for few mins
• In a bowl, add measured flour by scooping from a small cup to the actual measuring cup to get a perfect measurement, salt
• Check if the yeast is frothy, add apple butter, yogurt, rest of the sugar, oil and apple cider vinegar and stir well
• Add the liquid mixture to the bowl with flour and gently knead them till you get a dough consistency.  
• Cover the dough with a cloth and allow it to proof till it doubles  over the counter during summer or inside the oven with just the lights on 
• Punch down and roll it as a rectangle of 9*13 evenly.
• Spread the filling mixture all through and roll it
• You can use a sharp knife or a thread to cut them into 12 equal rolls.
• Line them with few inches apart on 9*13 Pan.  Cover it and let it raise for about 35-40 mins over the counter during summer or inside the oven with lights on
• Bake at 350 F for about 23-25 mins.  Gently lift the bottom with a flat spatula to check if its done!

Enjoy the delicious rolls guilt free!