If you are a fan of the warm, cozy aroma of freshly baked treats paired with a rich coffee kick, you are going to love this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee-Flavored Icing Recipe. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls generously swirled with a spiced coffee-cinnamon filling, all topped with a luscious glaze that perfectly balances sweet and robust coffee flavors in every bite. This recipe will elevate your brunch or coffee break into an indulgent experience that feels both nostalgic and excitingly new. Whether you’re baking for friends or treating yourself, these cinnamon rolls bring a comforting coffeehouse vibe right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an important role in crafting the perfect Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee-Flavored Icing Recipe. From the yeast that gives the dough its airy lift to the coffee granules that infuse a delightful twist, every element combines for amazing flavor and texture.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your soft and tender dough.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: Essential for making the dough rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and tenderness to the rolls.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor overall.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness.
- 3 tablespoons instant coffee granules: Packs that signature coffee flavor right into the dough.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Creates a smooth layer for the cinnamon and coffee sugar to stick to.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling): Adds deep caramel notes and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling): Infuses the rolls with classic warm spice.
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules (for filling): Boosts the coffee punch inside the swirls.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing): Sweetly coats the tops with a delicate finish.
- 1/3 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (for icing): Gives the glaze a perfect coffee kick and creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for icing): Adds richness and helps the icing set smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Enhances all the flavors with a comforting aroma.
How to Make Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee-Flavored Icing Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk. This crucial first step wakes up the yeast so that your dough will rise light and fluffy. Leave it to get frothy for about 5 minutes—watching those bubbles start to form is always a little moment of excitement.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
Next, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and the yeast mixture in a large bowl. Stir in the instant coffee granules. The coffee here infuses the dough with subtle complexity. Mixing until the dough comes together sets the stage for a perfect cinnamon roll texture.
Step 3: Knead and Let Rise
Knead the dough until soft and elastic, then cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This slow rise lets the flavors develop and the texture become wonderfully airy, usually taking about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling and Roll the Dough
Roll your dough into a rectangle about 15 by 9 inches. Spread softened butter evenly on the surface to hold the filling in place. Then sprinkle a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and coffee granules for that signature spiced coffee sensation packed inside every roll.
Step 5: Form the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly from one long side, sealing the seam as you go. Slice into 12 equal pieces. Each slice is a perfect little bundle of coffee-cinnamon goodness waiting to be baked.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the rolls into a greased 13×9-inch pan, cover again, and allow to rise until doubled—about 30 minutes. This final proof ensures that once baked, the rolls will be tender and pillowy.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden brown. The smell will fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of cinnamon and coffee—the best kind of waiting.
Step 8: Whip Up the Coffee-Flavored Icing
While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, strong brewed coffee, melted butter, and vanilla extract into a smooth, creamy glaze. This icing perfectly complements the rolls, soaking in just enough to add sweetness and a smooth coffee finish without overpowering the spices.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle your coffee-flavored icing generously over the tops, letting it melt into every curve. This is the final step that brings the Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee-Flavored Icing Recipe to its utterly irresistible form.
How to Serve Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee-Flavored Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a light dusting of instant coffee granules on top of the icing for a rustic, aromatic finish. For an extra special touch, chopped toasted pecans or walnuts provide a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or creamy latte to enhance the coffee flavors even more. If you want to balance sweetness, fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt can be a refreshing partner, cutting through the richness and making everything feel balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee-Flavored Icing Recipe on a decorative tray lined with parchment paper and garnish the platter with coffee beans and cinnamon sticks. This makes for an inviting display perfect for brunch or a special occasion. You can also serve the rolls warm in individual ramekins drizzled with extra icing for an elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover rolls in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to two days. This way, they maintain their softness and freshness without drying out—perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
Your Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee-Flavored Icing Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently to enjoy rolls that taste freshly baked.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their soft, gooey texture. Add a little extra drizzle of coffee-flavored icing if you want that fresh-from-the-bakery feeling.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
Instant coffee granules dissolve easily and distribute flavor evenly, making them ideal for this recipe. However, you can substitute with a strong brewed coffee in the dough and filling, just reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to keep the dough consistency right.
How do I make sure my rolls rise properly?
Yeast loves warmth and moisture. Proof your yeast in warm (not hot) milk and let the dough rise in a cozy spot away from drafts. Using fresh yeast and giving the dough enough time to double in size are key to light, fluffy rolls.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee-Flavored Icing Recipe breaks down the process into straightforward steps, and with a bit of patience during rising times, beginners can definitely create a show-stopping batch.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! After mixing and kneading, refrigerate the dough overnight. The slow cold rise will actually develop flavors even more. Just bring the dough back to room temperature before rolling and filling.
What can I do if I don’t have brown sugar?
If brown sugar isn’t on hand, you can substitute with an equal amount of granulated sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses. This mix will mimic the moisture and caramel flavor that brown sugar provides in the filling.
Final Thoughts
You simply cannot go wrong with the cozy charm and bold flavor combination found in this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee-Flavored Icing Recipe. It’s the kind of treat that turns ordinary mornings into memorable moments and invites smiles with every bite. So grab your apron, set aside a few hours, and bake yourself a batch of these incredible rolls—you will be so glad you did.
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Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee-Flavored Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 40m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 1h 40m
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coffee Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic sweetness of cinnamon rolls with a rich coffee flavor, creating a perfect breakfast treat or dessert. Soft, fluffy dough is infused with coffee granules, filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar spread accented by more coffee, and topped with a luscious coffee-flavored icing. Ideal for coffee lovers looking to start their day with a delightful twist.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons instant coffee granules
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk (approximately 110°F) and let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. This ensures the yeast is alive and ready for baking.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir in the instant coffee granules. This mixture forms the coffee-flavored dough base.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough until soft and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. This gives the dough its light, airy texture.
- Prepare the Roll: Roll the risen dough out into a 15×9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough surface, then sprinkle the filling mixture — brown sugar, cinnamon, and additional instant coffee granules — evenly on top.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape and pinch the seam to seal. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices to create individual cinnamon rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover again with a cloth and let them rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. This second rise ensures fluffy rolls.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Icing: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, cooled brewed coffee, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. This creates a creamy coffee icing.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm coffee icing over the freshly baked cinnamon rolls just before serving to enhance their rich coffee flavor and sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can adjust the amount of coffee granules to intensify or soften the coffee flavor according to your preference.
- For softer rolls, cover them with a clean kitchen towel while baking to retain moisture.
- If the dough feels sticky during kneading, add a little more flour, but do so sparingly to keep rolls tender.
- Use strong brewed coffee for the icing for a pronounced coffee flavor without bitterness.
- These cinnamon rolls can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat before serving.
