If you’re ready to transform your breakfast or brunch into an unforgettable flavor adventure, these Coffee Cinnamon Rolls are calling your name! Imagine everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls, but with a cozy boost of real coffee woven through the fluffy dough and swirled right into the filling and icing. Each bite is sweet, spiced, gently caffeinated, and topped with a silky coffee glaze that turns even the greyest morning into something extraordinary. Whether you’re sharing a pan with friends, treating your family, or saving one just for yourself (no judgment!), this recipe is bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Coffee Cinnamon Rolls is delightfully simple, but each one brings its own magic to the table. From the richness of butter to the earthy depth of brewed coffee, every component packs flavor and helps create those perfectly soft, gooey spirals you crave.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the rolls their signature plush structure and springy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and encourages a tender crumb.
- Instant yeast: The power behind that beautiful, airy rise—fresh, happy dough every time!
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances every other flavor, making the sweetness and spices shine.
- Whole milk: Delivers richness and moisture to keep the dough pillowy soft.
- Strong brewed coffee: Adds a deep, roasty undertone in both the dough and the glaze—never overpowering, just dreamy.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Lends silky richness to the dough and filling for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and gives the rolls a tender finish.
- Brown sugar: Creates that caramelized, gooey swirl that defines every memorable cinnamon roll.
- Ground cinnamon: The unmistakable, warming spice that pairs perfectly with coffee’s depth.
- Instant espresso powder: Kicks up a hint of robust coffee flavor in the filling—your secret weapon for wow-factor.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the sweet base for the luscious, pourable icing.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze for a beautifully fragrant finish.
- Pinch of salt (for icing): Keeps the glaze from being too sweet, balancing every bite.
How to Make Coffee Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by measuring 2 1/2 cups of the flour into a big mixing bowl along with the sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a small saucepan or microwave, gently heat up your milk and coffee just until warm—think cozy bath temperature, not scalding. Pour this aromatic blend into the dry ingredients, toss in the softened butter and egg, and mix everything together until a soft, sticky dough starts to form. Gradually add the rest of the flour as needed until the dough is smooth but still a little tacky. Then, knead by hand or mixer for about 5 to 7 minutes—your dough should feel elastic, supple, and bounce back when pressed.
Step 2: First Rise
Transfer your dough into a greased bowl, turning it once so every inch is coated. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and slide it somewhere warm (an oven with the light on or a sunny windowsill works) for about an hour. The dough should double in size, becoming pillowy and fragrant with a subtle coffee aroma—just the anticipation is delightful!
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, mix together your brown sugar, cinnamon, and instant espresso powder. This simple blend is the flavor powerhouse for your Coffee Cinnamon Rolls, swirling each bite with sweetness and that unmistakable coffee-house vibe. Have your softened butter on standby for slathering the rolled dough just before adding the filling.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 10×16 inches. Spread the entire surface with softened butter—don’t skimp!—then shower evenly with that incredible coffee-cinnamon filling. Gently but snugly roll up the dough into a tight log, then slice into 12 equal rolls. Nestle them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover again, letting them rest and puff for another 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen and look wonderfully plump, bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and your kitchen smells like an artisanal bakery. Keep an eye out—they should barely kiss golden on top, staying gooey in the center.
Step 6: Make the Coffee Icing
As the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, strong brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The mixture should flow easily off your whisk, wrapping each roll in a blanket of coffee-perfumed sweetness. As soon as the rolls emerge from the oven, drizzle generously so the glaze sinks into all the nooks and crannies.
How to Serve Coffee Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and texture, shower the warm rolls with chopped toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans are divine) or sprinkle with mini chocolate chips just as the coffee icing sets. A dusting of cocoa powder or a few espresso beans also makes any platter look instantly bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair your Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with fresh fruit or a big bowl of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast spread. On brunch days, add savory favorites like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a veggie frittata—the sweet-and-savory combo turns breakfast into a full-on celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls in a muffin tin for adorable single-serve swirls perfect for brunch buffets or bake them in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, café-inspired feel. For special occasions, arrange the rolls in a wreath shape on a round pan and drizzle the icing in a zigzag or with artistic splatters. However you present them, Coffee Cinnamon Rolls always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Coffee Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For maximum moistness, place a slice of bread in the container alongside the rolls—it helps keep them from drying out too quickly. If you’d like to savor a roll or two throughout the week, you can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking (but before icing), let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and pop into a zip-top freezer bag. When the craving hits, thaw at room temperature or microwave for about 30 seconds, then slather with fresh coffee icing for a just-baked taste.
Reheating
For that straight-from-the-oven warmth, give leftover rolls a quick zap in the microwave (15–20 seconds per roll does the trick) or reheat in a low oven (300°F) covered loosely with foil for 10 minutes. The coffee aroma and soft texture spring right back to life.
FAQs
Can I prepare Coffee Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! After shaping and arranging the rolls in your baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature (about an hour) while the oven preheats, then bake as usual—perfect for effortless brunches.
What type Breakfast, Dessert
Use a strong, freshly brewed coffee for both the dough and the glaze. Dark roast varieties lend deeper flavor, but medium roast works just as beautifully. Just make sure it’s bold enough to let the coffee notes shine through.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips are fantastic mix-ins. Sprinkle them on top of the filling before rolling up the dough for extra indulgence in every bite.
How do I keep the rolls from unraveling while baking?
Roll the dough tightly and be sure to slice with a sharp, serrated knife or dental floss for clean cuts. When arranging in the baking dish, press each roll against its neighbors so they support each other as they rise and bake.
Is it possible to make these Coffee Cinnamon Rolls vegan?
With a few swaps—such as using non-dairy milk, plant-based butter, and an egg replacer—these rolls can easily be adapted to suit a vegan diet. Opt for a strong brewed coffee of your choice for the same incredible flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Few things beat the intoxicating aroma and inviting warmth of freshly baked Coffee Cinnamon Rolls, especially when you know every swirl is packed with flavor and made with love. If you’re craving something a bit more exciting than your usual morning treat, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in and bake a batch—you’ll never look at breakfast the same way again!
Print
Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of coffee and cinnamon with these delectable Coffee Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups of the flour with sugar, yeast, and salt. Warm the milk and coffee, then add to the dry ingredients along with butter and egg. Knead until smooth, then let rise.
- Make the filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and espresso powder. Roll out the dough, spread butter, sprinkle filling, roll into a log, and slice into rolls.
- Bake: Place rolls in a baking dish, let rise, then bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Prepare the icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, coffee, vanilla, and salt. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them overnight after placing them in the baking dish. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
- Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
