Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There is something utterly magical about waking up to a batch of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls infused with that irresistible aroma of coffee. If you love the comforting swirl of cinnamon and sugar but crave a little extra boldness to your breakfast treat, this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It beautifully blends the rich flavors of coffee with the sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls, giving you a tender dough, a luscious spiced filling, and a perfectly drizzled glaze to top it all off. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked on this cozy, morning indulgence that feels both familiar and delightfully fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how straightforward and satisfying the ingredient list is. Each element plays a key role, from giving the dough its soft texture to creating a warm, aromatic filling, and finally adding a shiny, flavorful glaze that ties everything together perfectly.

• All-purpose flour (3 ½ cups): The foundation of our dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp): Essential for that fluffy, rise-and-shine softness you expect in every roll.
• Warm milk (¾ cup): Keeps the dough tender and moist while activating the yeast.
• Brewed strong coffee (¼ cup, cooled): Adds a subtle but rich coffee flavor that makes these rolls stand out.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering the coffee notes.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Egg (1): Provides richness and a tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup softened for dough, ½ cup softened for filling): Brings decadence and moisture throughout.
• Brown sugar (¾ cup): The classic cinnamon roll sweetener with its deep molasses hint.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tbsp): The star spice that creates that warm, cozy swirl everyone loves.
• Instant espresso powder (1 tbsp in filling): Boosts the coffee flavor giving a slightly bold, aromatic kick.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the smooth, sweet glaze that finishes things off beautifully.
• Brewed coffee (2 tbsp for glaze): Enhances the glaze with coffee’s robust flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the glaze.

How to Make Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Combine the Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together the warm milk, brewed coffee, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly—this signals that your yeast is alive and ready to create those light, fluffy rolls you crave. Once bubbly, add the egg, softened butter, and salt, mixing until everything is smooth and combined.

Step 2: Form and Knead the Dough

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes, or until your dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky—this process develops the gluten structure that will make your rolls beautifully tender and puffy.

Step 3: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl and place your dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This rise is key to getting that perfect texture everyone dreams about in cinnamon rolls.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and instant espresso powder until well combined. This sinful filling adds the classic cinnamon sweetness with an inviting coffee twist that makes each bite unforgettable.

Step 5: Roll Out and Add Filling

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly across the dough, making sure every inch is covered with that fragrant cinnamon-coffee mixture.

Step 6: Shape and Slice the Rolls

Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 even rolls to ensure everyone gets an equally delicious portion of this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place the rolls side by side in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they’re puffed and nearly doubled—this step guarantees tender, light bites.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and start filling your kitchen with the most heavenly fragrance.

Step 9: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract. This glaze is the crowning glory of the Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, adding a shiny finish and an extra layer of sweet, coffee-flavored delight. Drizzle it over the warm rolls just before serving.

How to Serve Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can elevate the beauty and flavor of your coffee cinnamon rolls. Consider a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a touch of crunch. You could also add a few chocolate shavings on top for a decadent twist that complements the coffee notes perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pairing these rolls with complementary sides can turn a simple breakfast into a full feast. A steaming cup of black coffee or a creamy latte perfectly echoes the coffee flavors in the rolls. Fresh fruit like berries or orange slices adds brightness and balances the sweetness beautifully. For a savory counterpoint, crisp bacon or scrambled eggs offer a tasty contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just slap these rolls on a plate; make each serving special. Present them in a rustic wooden tray lined with a linen napkin for a cozy, farmhouse vibe. For parties, place the rolls in cute individual ramekins or muffin tins so everyone has their own perfect portion with extra glaze on top. You might also consider layering them in a clear glass trifle dish to show off those mesmerizing swirls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve moisture and softness, wrap them tightly or use a sealed container so they don’t dry out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these at a later date, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their signature flavor and texture, making it easy to indulge anytime cravings strike.

Reheating

Reheat your rolls gently in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to refresh their soft, gooey goodness. Adding a little extra drizzle of glaze or a pat of butter before reheating will bring them back to life beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use decaf coffee in this recipe?

Absolutely! Using decaf brewed coffee in both the dough and glaze will give you all the rich coffee flavor without the caffeine punch, perfect for evening treats or those avoiding caffeine.

What if I don’t have instant espresso powder?

If you can’t find instant espresso powder, a good-quality instant coffee granules works well too. If neither are available, you can increase the brewed coffee slightly, but keep in mind the filling may be a bit less intense.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and adding the filling for best results.

Are these cinnamon rolls suitable for vegetarians?

Definitely. This recipe contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients and uses common vegetarian-friendly staples like butter and eggs, making it suitable for most vegetarian diets.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling?

For sure! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or sprinkling in mini chocolate chips before rolling up the dough adds delightful texture and bursts of flavor to every bite.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe enough if you’re looking for a fresh twist on a classic breakfast treat. The melding of coffee’s deep notes with the familiar warmth of cinnamon rolls creates an irresistible combination that is sure to brighten your mornings and impress family or friends. It’s comforting, fun to make, and downright delicious—so why not roll up your sleeves and share in the joy of baking this unforgettable breakfast favorite?

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