Add the vegan butter, hot water, and coconut sugar to your food processor or mixing stand bowl*. Stir and let butter melt.
After butter has melted, sprinkle the yeast onto this mixture and let sit for five minutes.
Add 3 cups of flour and the salt. Use dough hook to combine ingredients.
Scrape the sides of your mixing bowl or food processor and add 3 cups of flour. Mix until dough ball forms and continue for about 2-3 minutes after that.
Check your dough. If it is super-sticky, you may want to add some more flour. Knead in 1/4 cup at a time until it's not completely sticking to your fingers when you touch it. Place dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl and cover to let rise for an hour.
Punch the dough down (BAM!), and turn onto lightly floured surface to knead for 30 seconds. Divide into 8 pieces and roll these pieces into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover to let sit 20 minutes. In the meantime, heat 6-8 cups of water in a large pot until just boiling.
Stir in baking soda (slowly and carefully, lest your pot boil over) and keep at a very low boil.
Gently drop each dough ball into boiling liquid. I was able to do three at a time.Cook for 20 seconds, flip, and cook another 20 seconds. Remove using a slatted spatula or spoon and place on baking sheet once again.
Use a sharp knife to cut an X in the top of each roll. Sprinkle with course salt.Bake at 400F for 16-17 minutes.Let cool on a cooling rack and enjoy with vegan butter or a veggie burger!
Notes
You can make this without a mixer as well. Just use a large wooden spoon to mix the dough together; then get in there with your hands and knead. It will take a little longer than the mixer instructions, but totally doable!