Salted Caramel Coconut Cinnamon Buns

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups of all purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast

• 1/4 cup coconut sugar

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large egg

For the Filling:

• 1/3 cup coconut sugar, packed

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Salted Caramel Coconut Sauce:

• 1 cup coconut sugar

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/2 coconut cream

• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preparing the dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all purpose flour, 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of instant yeast, 1/4 coconut sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

2. Warm up 1/2 a cup of coconut milk on a stovetop or whichever way preferred till it's warm to touch but not hot.

3. Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter on the stovetop or whichever way preferred.

4. Next in a separate bowl whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, 1/2 applesauce, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

5. Now, gradually add the wet bowl of ingredients to the dry bowl of ingredients, mixing until combined and a soft dough forms.

6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

7. Then place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a moist kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

8. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it our on a floured surface into a large rectangular shape.

Preparing the filling:

9. While the dough in rising prepare the decadent filling. In a small bowl by mixing together 1/3 cup of coconut sugar packed, 2 tablespoons or ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.

Adding the Filling and Shaping the Dough:

10. Soften the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter by warming it up the slightest amount so it is soft and malleable but not melted.

11. Then spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-coconut sugar mixture evenly on the top.

12. Now roll the dough tightly into a log shape and pinch the seams to seal.

13. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9x13 - inch baking dish.

14. Cover the rolls with a moist kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Baking:

15. Once the rolls are almost ready preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

16. Once the oven reaches 350°F (175°C) put the rolls into the oven and bake for 25 - 30 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Making the Salted Caramel Coconut Sauce:

17. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the 1 cup of coconut sugar and mix it in the pan for about 3 minutes to brown a bit but not burn.

18. Then carefully add the 6 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter stirring until melted.

19. Gradually whisk in the 1/2 cup of coconut cream until smooth. Once combined turn off the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt and 1/2 a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Set aside.

Glazing the Rolls:

20. Once the cinnamon rolls are ready take them out of the oven and let them cool the slightest bit for about 3 minutes.

21. Next, drizzle the caramel sauce all over the rolls.

22. Now they are ready to serve! they can also be eaten room temperature, cold, or warmed up another day. But they do taste the best warm and freshly out of the oven.

23. Enjoy! ♡

If you're looking for a sweet and indulgent twist on a classic favorite, these Salted Caramel Coconut Cinnamon Buns are sure to hit the spot. Imagine soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls with a subtle hint of coconut cream, all wrapped up in a swirl of warm, spiced cinnamon sugar. But the real magic happens when you top them off with a homemade salted caramel sauce that’s smooth, gooey, and just the right amount of salty.

Each bite is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the coconut adding a delightful crunch and the caramel bringing it all together in a heavenly gooey mess. Whether you're enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat to share with friends and family for Thanksgiving or Christmas, these cinnamon buns are sure to become a new favorite this Fall/Christmas season!

Makes 12 Cinnamon Buns

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