Cinnamon Rolls (whole wheat and coconut sugar)

Cinnamon Rolls with whole wheat and coconut sugar

Cinnamon rolls. Even the word makes me hungry. Whoever first came up with the idea of rolling out dough on a floured counter and then dusting it with that delightful mixture of cinnamon and sugar deserves a monument. I enjoy every moment of the cinnamon-roll process. The mixing, the kneading, the rolling, the sprinkling. But I especially enjoy taking a clean serrated knife to the long log of dough and cutting my rolls.

I’ve been craving cinnamon rolls for months now. I’ll see one at a coffee shop and think, “I really want a cinnamon roll…but just not that one.” Because let’s be honest: the best cinnamon rolls are the straight-out-of-the-oven cinnamon rolls. The best cinnamon rolls are the ones your dad makes, or your friend makes, or the ones you make. Cinnamon rolls are just one of those baked good best made at home.

Cinnamon Rolls with whole wheat and coconut sugar

These cinnamon rolls are made with whole wheat flour and coconut sugar. They’re wholesome and indulgent. The best of both worlds. The coconut sugar adds another layer of complexity, and the whole wheat flour is hardly noticeable thanks to the addition of potato flakes. This dough is easy to work with, rises beautifully, and bakes to a lovely golden brown. I know we’ll be making these over and over again this fall.

Cinnamon Rolls with whole wheat and coconut sugar

Cinnamon Rolls (whole wheat and coconut sugar)

1 packet instant yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons)

1/2 cup lukewarm water

1/2 cup lukewarm whole milk

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

6 tablespoons butter, room temperature

3 tablespoons coconut sugar

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup instant mashed potato flakes

Filling:

1/4 cup coconut sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons milk, to brush on dough

Vanilla Glaze (optional):

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 to 5 tablespoons heavy cream

Combine the yeast, the lukewarm water, the lukewarm milk, the flours, the butter, the sugar, the salt, and the potato flakes. Mix and knead everything together–by hand or mixer–till you have a smooth dough. This will take about seven minutes if you are kneading with your stnad mixer. The dough should clean the sides of the bowl, perhaps sticking a bit at the bottom.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise till it has nearly doubled in bulk, about 1 to 2 hours.

While the dough is rising, grease two nine-inch cake pans. Make the filling by combining the coconut sugar and cinnamon.

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased work surface and pat it into a 16″ x 12″ rectangle. Brush the dough with the two teaspoons of milk and sprinkle the filling over the dough, covering the entire surface. Roll the dough into a log the long way. It will stretch to about 20″ as you roll.

Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 16 slices. Space eight rolls in each of the prepared pans. Flatten them slightly. Cover the pans and let them rise for an additional 1 1/2 to 2 hours. They should spread out and start to crowd each other. While the rolls are rising, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls until they’re golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove the rolls from the oven, loosen their edges with a knife, and turn pan onto a rack. Spread with icing (simply combine powdered sugar with vanilla and cream) and serve.

 

 

30 thoughts on “Cinnamon Rolls (whole wheat and coconut sugar)

  1. Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen

    I am very excited to try these – I love that you made them with healthy ingredients! 🙂 I love the unique idea of adding mashed potato flakes to the dough 🙂 And can I just say – I am super jealous of your gorgeous le creuset pan – I need one 😉

  2. Alanna

    You are so right – the best cinnamon rolls are fresh from the oven. These look divine – love the whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, and the fact they they are baked in a skillet. These look perfect, Monet.

  3. Nancy @ gottagetbaked

    Ooooooh, good call on the potato flakes to make the dough softer, Monet! These look absolutely perfect. I love that you used whole wheat flour to make them a bit more wholesome. There’s nothing better than sinking my teeth into a soft, warm, home made cinnamon bun!

  4. Allison

    I haven’t had breakfast yet, but I think I absolutely need to pull apart one of these beauties! I agree that warm is the way to go with cinnamon rolls! So intrigued by the nutty whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, and potato flakes! This sounds and looks SO delish.

  5. ATasteOfMadness

    Whenever I make cinnamon rolls they turn out looking hideously ugly 🙁 How do you make it so gorgeous? Maybe I’m using the wrong recipe. These look amazing!

  6. Deb

    The scrumptious Whole Wheat Cinnamon Roll recipe has my undivided attention! I have a almost forgotten bag of coconut sugar deep in my pantry that has been waiting for baking inspiration. It’s time to find that coconut sugar and start baking!

  7. Kelly

    Cinnamon rolls are one of my weaknesses and I love that you used whole wheat flour to and coconut sugar to make them a bit more wholesome. The potato flakes sounds like a great idea too! These look absolutely amazing, Monet!

  8. Monica

    These cinnamon rolls looks great! I’m happy to see a healthier version! I made a small batch of cinnamon rolls a while back and it was so yummy, we’ve been craving it since then…and actually had them for breakfast yesterday! I need to try whole wheat like yours. Looks divine!

  9. Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen

    It’s way too early to be thinking about Thanksgiving – but… these would make a great day after Thanksgiving treat when I’m back east visiting family. Pinning for future “thanksgiving” reference. Love the photos. Thanks!

  10. Erika

    I had to come check out your blog after seeing your beautiful instagram feed and I’m so glad I did! All of your recipes look SO amazing! And I now have so many potential ways to use my newly acquired coconut sugar–so excited. I’m loving your photos/writing/recipes!!

  11. Isadora

    Haha, I totally agree with you, they really do deserve a monument! Cinnamon rolls are such a great comfort breakfast food and I love the icing that goes on top! I just bought my first bag of coconut sugar the other day and I’ve been loving using it. These cinnamon rolls look amazing!

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