Coffee Cinnamon Rolls -

Why Make This Recipe

Coffee Cinnamon Rolls bring together the comforting flavors of cinnamon and coffee, creating a delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. They are soft, pillowy, and topped with a delightful cream cheese glaze that adds a creamy finish to the rich flavors. Whether you are starting your day or enjoying a cozy afternoon, these rolls are sure to bring joy and warmth to any occasion. Plus, they fill your home with an inviting aroma that no one can resist!

How to Make Coffee Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup softened butter
1 large egg
½ tsp salt
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Coffee Filling:

½ cup softened butter
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp instant coffee granules (or espresso powder)
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coffee Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese (softened)
3 tbsp soft butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp strong brewed coffee (cooled)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Make the Dough:

In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes slightly foamy.
Add softened butter, egg, and salt. Mix to combine.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for 5–7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Make the Coffee Filling:

In a bowl, stir together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, instant coffee, and vanilla until you create a paste. Set aside.

Roll & Fill:

Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface.
Roll it into a 15×10 inch rectangle.
Spread the coffee filling evenly over the dough.
Roll it up tightly from the long side.
Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal rolls.

Second Rise:

Place the rolls into a buttered 9×13 baking dish.
Cover and let them rise for 15–20 minutes while the oven heats to 350°F (175°C).

Bake:

Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes, until they are lightly golden but still soft.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Make the Coffee Cream Cheese Glaze:

Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and brewed coffee (add it slowly until you reach the desired consistency).
Spread the glaze over the warm rolls.

How to Serve Coffee Cinnamon Rolls

Serve your Coffee Cinnamon Rolls warm, ideally right after glazing. They are delicious on their own, or you can pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. These rolls also make a great addition to brunch gatherings or family breakfasts.

How to Store Coffee Cinnamon Rolls

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. You can also freeze the rolls, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months. Just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Tips to Make Coffee Cinnamon Rolls

Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Feel free to experiment with different types of filling, such as nuts or chocolate, for added flavor.
Knead the dough until it’s smooth for the best texture in the rolls.

Variation

For a slightly different twist, try adding chocolate chips to the coffee filling or incorporating nutmeg for a different spice flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of instant coffee?
Yes, you can use brewed coffee, but instant coffee or espresso powder gives a stronger flavor in the filling.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, roll and slice the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight. Let them rise in the fridge before baking.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Check that your yeast is fresh. If the milk was too hot or too cold, it could affect the rising. Make sure the dough is kept in a warm place while rising.