Want a cinnamon roll recipe without all the refined sugar? Look no further! Try these soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls with coconut sugar! They are so good you can’t even tell the difference!
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Why should I use coconut sugar instead of white granulated sugar?
Using coconut sugar instead of white refined sugar has many benefits!
Firstly, coconut sugar is considered a healthier alternative to white sugar. Unlike white sugar, which is heavily processed and stripped of nutrients, coconut sugar is derived from the sap of coconut palm flowers and undergoes minimal processing. It retains some of the nutrients found in the coconut palm, such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals are important for maintaining good health.
Secondly, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index compared to white sugar. The GI is a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, followed by a sharp drop, which can leave you feeling tired and hungry. Coconut sugar has a lower GI, which means it is digested more slowly and provides a more sustained release of energy.
Additionally, coconut sugar has a more complex and caramel-like flavor compared to the simple sweetness of white sugar. Its unique taste adds depth and richness to whatever you are using it in.
Lastly, coconut sugar is less chemically altered. It is just an overall better choice than heavily processed white sugar.
Overall, using coconut sugar instead of white refined sugar can be a healthier choice that offers a distinct flavor profile. It’s worth considering as even a permanent substitute in your favorite recipes!
What does coconut sugar taste like?
Coconut sugar has a distinct and unique flavor. I would describe it as having a rich, caramel-like taste. The flavor is not overly sweet like refined white sugar. It gives your baked good a nice sweetness rather than tasting like you just took a big bite of candy.
The texture of coconut sugar has a fine powdery granular consistency. The color of coconut sugar can vary from light golden to dark brown, depending on how long it has been caramelized during the production process.
When used in baking, coconut sugar adds a delightful depth of flavor to recipes. It pairs wonderfully with ingredients like chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla, enhancing the overall taste of the baked goods. It can be used as a replacement for regular sugar in a 1:1 ratio, making it an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce their intake of refined sugars.
What frosting should I use?
For this recipe I chose to use my favorite cream cheese frosting recipe! It is light and fluffy, with the full flavor of the cream cheese!
How can I make these cinnamon rolls with coconut sugar even healthier?
There are several ways to make these cinnamon rolls healthier for you. For one you can substitute the white flour, or better yet you can use freshly milled flour! I use the Nutrimill Classic to mill my wheat berries. It’s the cheapest one I’ve found and works wonderfully!
You can also make a frosting using coconut sugar instead of powdered sugar. I’ve made it many times. It isn’t quite as fluffy, but chances are you are making it for your family and they will love it just how you made it!
Make sure to use real butter! Margarine is loaded with inflammatory seed oils and is highly processed.
What tools you might need to make these cinnamon rolls:
Bread Machine – For this recipe I used this bread machine.
Rubber Spatulas – Here are the type of rubber spatulas that I use.
Baking Pan – I like to use baking pans like these.
Nutrimill – If you decide to mill your own flour, here is the Nutrimill I use.
What ingredients will I need to make cinnamon rolls with coconut sugar?
Coconut Sugar – of course for this recipe you will need coconut sugar!
Flour – In this recipe I use white flour, but you can use whole wheat if you are wanting to make them a bit healthier for you!
Water – I always use filtered water, but tap works as well.
Milk – For this recipe I used whole milk, but if you choose to use another milk such as almond milk that’s fine as well.
Butter – real butter please!
Yeast – For this recipe I am using rapid rise yeast.
Salt – I always use pink salt because it has a higher mineral content.
How do I make cinnamon rolls with coconut sugar?
Here is a short video of me making these cinnamon rolls!
Do I have to use a bread machine for these cinnamon rolls?
No, you do not have to use a bread machine to make these cinnamon rolls. You can make these the old fashioned way by kneading the dough for about 10 minutes. This is what will help your cinnamon rolls develop gluten that will make them soft and fluffy! After you are done kneading you will let the dough rise for 35 minutes.
More delicious recipes!
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Easy Healthy Cinnamon Rolls With Coconut Sugar
Ingredients
- 1/2 c coconut sugar
- 1/2 c water
- 1/2 c milk
- 2 eggs
- 4 1/2 c flour
- 2 tsp rapid rise yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 c softened butter
Filling
- 1/2 c softened butter
- 1 c coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Add 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup milk, and 2 beaten eggs to the mixing bowl.
- After all the liquid ingredients are added, add your dry ingredients to the mixing bowl. So, add 1/2 cup coconut sugar, 4 1/2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of rapid rise yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1 stick of softened butter.
- Once all the ingredients are added, place your mixing bowl back into the bread machine. Close the lid, choose the "dough" setting on your machine, and press start.
- When your dough is done roll it out to desired thickness, spread your filling, and completely cover the whole piece of dough with your filling.
- Roll up your dough long ways and start cutting cinnamon rolls. Place your dough in a well greased (I use butter) pan. Let rise for bout 35 minutes or until doubled in size.
- When your dough has doubled in size preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Once it is preheated bake your cinnamon rolls for about 17 minutes. If they are still doughy in the center, put the cinnamon rolls back in for a couple minutes at a time. A couple minutes in the oven can do a lot when they are almost done!
- When they are done, make sure you let them cool before you add your frosting. I do frost mine when they are still warm, because I think they are most delicious straight from the oven! But I do wait for about 15 minutes so it all doesn't completely melt.
- Store by placing cling wrap or aluminum foil over the top.
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I had not tried coconut sugar in a cinnamon roll recipe until now – I don’t think I will look back!
Love this recipe! Thanks for sharing.