Coffee Cinnamon Rolls

Elevate your morning routine with these indulgent coffee cinnamon rolls that combine the beloved comfort of classic cinnamon rolls with rich coffee flavor in every bite. These tender, pillowy rolls feature a double dose of coffee – in the dough and the filling – creating an irresistible breakfast treat that coffee lovers will crave. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, these bakery-quality rolls deliver café-style sophistication with homemade warmth.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 45 mins (plus 2 hours rising time)
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 3 hours 10 mins
Servings: 12 rolls
Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules

For the Coffee Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Coffee Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, cooled coffee, and yeast. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy and doubled in size.
2. Make the dough: Add remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and instant coffee granules.
3. Form and knead: Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Prepare filling: While dough rises, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, instant coffee granules, and salt in a bowl. Mix until well combined and spreadable.
6. Roll and fill: Punch down risen dough and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread coffee cinnamon filling evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one long side.
7. Shape the rolls: Starting from the long side opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut into 12 equal pieces.
8. Second rise: Place cut rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving space between each roll. Cover and let rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy and touching each other.
9. Bake to perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake coffee cinnamon rolls for 22-25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
10. Make glaze and serve: While rolls bake, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls immediately after removing from oven. Serve hot.

Tips for Success

Temperature matters: Ensure milk is exactly 110°F for proper yeast activation. Too hot kills yeast, too cool prevents activation. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.

Coffee strength: Use strong brewed coffee that you’d enjoy drinking. Weak coffee won’t provide enough flavor impact in the finished coffee cinnamon rolls.

Dough texture: Properly kneaded dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add flour gradually if too wet, but avoid making it too dry.

Even rolling: Use a ruler to measure your rectangle for consistent roll sizes. Uneven rolls bake unevenly, with some overdone and others underbaked.

Recipe Variations

Mocha version: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the filling and include mini chocolate chips for an indulgent mocha twist.

Espresso intensity: Replace instant coffee with finely ground espresso beans for more robust coffee flavor and slight texture variation.

Maple coffee: Substitute maple syrup for half the brown sugar in the filling and add maple extract to the glaze.

Make-ahead option: After shaping, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature and complete second rise before baking.

Storage Instructions

Fresh coffee cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm from the oven but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

For longer storage, wrap cooled rolls tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes to restore freshness.

Nutritional Highlights

While these coffee cinnamon rolls are an indulgent treat, they provide carbohydrates for energy and a moderate caffeine boost from the coffee content. Each roll contains approximately 320 calories.

The coffee adds antioxidants while the cinnamon provides anti-inflammatory properties, making this sweet treat slightly more nutritious than traditional versions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm coffee cinnamon rolls alongside freshly brewed coffee or espresso for the ultimate coffee lover’s breakfast. They pair beautifully with crispy bacon or fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread.

For special occasions, arrange on a tiered serving stand and provide small plates and forks for elegant presentation. The rich coffee aroma and golden appearance make them perfect centerpiece treats.

Transform your kitchen into a neighborhood café with these bakery-quality coffee cinnamon rolls that deliver professional results through careful technique and quality ingredients. The double coffee flavor creates an unforgettable breakfast experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.