Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you have a craving for something irresistibly comforting that merges the warmth of cinnamon with the bold punch of coffee, this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly the treat you need. Picture soft, fluffy rolls with a perfectly spiced filling enhanced by espresso’s rich aroma, all draped in a silky coffee glaze that melts in your mouth. From the very first bite, you’ll understand why these rolls quickly become a morning favorite or a cozy afternoon indulgence. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring one quietly with your favorite cup of joe, this recipe brings out the best of breakfast and dessert in one glorious package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic starts with simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create this unforgettable treat. Each element plays a crucial role, from the softness of the dough to the boldness of the filling and the smoothness of the glaze, crafting a perfect harmony of texture and flavor.
- All-purpose flour, 3 ½ cups: Provides the body and structure of the dough for that tender bite.
- Active dry yeast, 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp): Helps the dough rise beautifully, creating the classic fluffy texture.
- Warm milk, ¾ cup: Activates the yeast while adding moisture and richness.
- Granulated sugar, ¼ cup: Sweetens the dough subtly, balancing the flavors.
- Large egg, 1: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
- Unsalted butter (melted), ¼ cup: Enhances the dough’s softness and flavor without overpowering it.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Elevates all the flavors just right.
- Brown sugar, ½ cup: The base for the filling, lending a deep caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon: Infuses classic warmth and spice to the filling.
- Instant espresso powder or finely ground coffee, 1 tablespoon: Brings that signature coffee kick that sets this recipe apart.
- Unsalted butter (softened), ¼ cup: Melds the filling ingredients into a creamy paste.
- Powdered sugar, 1 cup: The backbone of the glaze, offering a smooth sweetness.
- Brewed coffee (cooled), 1–2 tablespoons: Gives the glaze an authentic coffee flavor.
- Vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon: Adds a gentle, fragrant finish to the glaze.
How to Make Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Start the Dough
Begin with a warm embrace for your yeast—combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Allow this mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s wonderfully foamy. This signals the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Next, add melted butter, egg, salt, and start incorporating flour. Begin with two cups, stirring to combine before gradually incorporating the rest. When your dough pulls together into a soft but workable ball, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’re aiming for smoothness and elasticity, a sign your rolls will be airy and light.
Step 2: First Rise and Prepare the Filling
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. While waiting, mix the filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, espresso powder, and softened butter into a luscious paste. This filling is exactly what gives these rolls their head-turning flavor and inviting scent.
Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Slice
Once your dough has puffed up nicely, roll it out gently on a floured surface into a 10 by 16-inch rectangle. Spread the coffee-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, making sure every bite will have that delicious swirl of flavor. Roll the dough tightly lengthwise and cut it into 12 equal slices — your soon-to-be rolls.
Step 4: Second Rise and Bake
Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover again, and let them rise once more for 30 to 40 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready for their golden transformation. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are beautifully golden brown on top, hinting at the soft, gooey center that awaits.
Step 5: Whip Up the Glaze and Finish
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. As soon as your rolls come out of the oven, drizzle this gorgeous coffee glaze generously over the warm buns. The glaze seeps into every crevice, enhancing the coffee flavor and adding an irresistible sheen.
How to Serve Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few finishing touches can elevate the experience. A sprinkle of finely ground espresso on top gives an extra pop of coffee flavor, while a dusting of cinnamon or a few chocolate shavings add delightful texture contrasts. For a fresh twist, a small dollop of whipped cream or a scattering of chopped toasted nuts adds a bit of luxury and crunch.
Side Dishes
These rolls are crowd-pleasers that pair beautifully with simple sides. A cup of black coffee or a creamy latte complements the richness perfectly, amplifying the coffee theme. Fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries brightens up the plate with a burst of color and acidity. For brunch, serve with scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to balance sweetness with savory goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, homemade vibe. Layer them in a glass baking dish right on the table for that charming, fresh-from-the-oven feel. For parties, arrange mini versions on a tiered dessert tray or package individual rolls in cute boxes tied with ribbons to give as thoughtful gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover coffee cinnamon rolls fresh by sealing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This maintains their softness without drying out. For a little extra life, refrigerate, but bring them back to room temperature or warm gently before enjoying to restore that fresh-baked softness.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully, making them a perfect make-ahead breakfast. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven for a few minutes.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat your rolls in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep them moist. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds also works, but the oven method preserves their gooey texture best.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso powder in the filling?
Instant espresso powder is preferred for its concentrated coffee flavor without adding extra moisture, but you can substitute a strong brewed coffee if you reduce other liquids in the filling carefully. Just be mindful of the texture.
Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for any plant-based milk like almond or oat, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The dough will still rise beautifully and taste delicious.
Can I prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning?
Yes! Simply shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise for about an hour at room temperature before baking for the perfect fresh-baked aroma.
How strong is the coffee flavor in this recipe?
The coffee flavor is noticeable but balanced, thanks to the espresso powder in the filling and coffee glaze. You can enhance it by using bold brewed coffee in the glaze or adding a touch more espresso powder if you like a stronger kick.
Can I freeze the dough instead of baked rolls?
Freezing unbaked dough is a great option! After shaping the rolls, wrap them tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw fully and allow the rolls to rise before baking as usual.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe feels like handing over a warm hug from the kitchen. Each roll offers a perfect balance of sweet cinnamon, robust coffee, and tender dough that will brighten any morning or satisfy your dessert cravings. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your household — I promise, your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Coffee Cinnamon Rolls featuring a fragrant espresso and cinnamon filling, topped with a rich coffee-infused glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or finely ground coffee
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons brewed coffee (cooled)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: Mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, instant espresso powder, and softened butter into a smooth paste for the filling.
- Roll and Fill: After the dough has risen, roll it out into a 10×16-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough surface.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log, then cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Make Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving for a sweet, coffee-flavored finish.
Notes
- Use a stronger brewed coffee or espresso in the glaze for a more intense coffee flavor.
- Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate after shaping. Bake them the next morning after allowing them to rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
