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Coffee Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Delicious Treats

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Coffee Cinnamon Rolls: Just the name alone conjures up images of cozy mornings, the aroma of freshly baked dough, and the sweet, comforting taste of cinnamon. But what if I told you we could elevate this classic treat to a whole new level of deliciousness? Forget your average cinnamon roll; we’re infusing these beauties with the rich, bold flavor of coffee, creating a truly unforgettable breakfast or brunch experience.

Cinnamon rolls themselves have a fascinating history, tracing back to Scandinavia, where they’re known as “kanelbullar” in Sweden and “kanelsnegle” in Denmark. These sweet, yeasty buns have become a beloved staple in bakeries and homes worldwide, evolving into countless variations. The addition of coffee, however, is a modern twist that perfectly complements the warm spice of cinnamon.

People adore cinnamon rolls for their soft, pillowy texture, the gooey sweetness of the filling, and the comforting warmth they provide. They’re a treat that evokes feelings of nostalgia and happiness. And let’s be honest, who can resist that irresistible aroma wafting from the oven? By adding coffee, we’re not just enhancing the flavor; we’re adding a layer of sophistication and depth that will have everyone begging for more. These Coffee Cinnamon Rolls are surprisingly easy to make, and I’m excited to share my foolproof recipe with you. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful twist on a classic favorite!

Coffee Cinnamon Rolls this RECIPE

Ingredients:

  • For the Dough:
    • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
    • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
    • ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
    • ¼ cup (60ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled slightly
    • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 large egg
  • For the Filling:
    • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
    • ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
    • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
    • Pinch of salt
  • For the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting:
    • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
    • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
    • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
    • 2-3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt

Preparing the Dough:

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Make sure the yeast is well distributed among the dry ingredients. This helps ensure even activation.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, cooled coffee, melted butter, and egg. The milk temperature is crucial; too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. Aim for that sweet spot between 110-115°F (43-46°C).
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little rough at this stage.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm environment is key for proper rising. You can place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) or near a sunny window.

Preparing the Filling:

  1. Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened. It should be soft enough to easily spread but not melted. Leaving it out at room temperature for about an hour usually does the trick.
  2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, instant espresso powder, and salt. Mix well with a fork or spatula until everything is evenly combined and forms a paste-like consistency. The espresso powder enhances the coffee flavor and adds a nice depth to the filling.

Assembling and Baking the Rolls:

  1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Aim for an even thickness throughout the rectangle.
  2. Spread the Filling: Spread the prepared filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough rectangle, leaving a small border (about ½ inch) along one of the long edges. This helps seal the rolls properly.
  3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to create those beautiful swirls.
  4. Seal the Seam: Pinch the seam to seal it tightly. This prevents the rolls from unraveling during baking.
  5. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Dental floss is a great trick for getting clean cuts without squishing the rolls. Simply slide the floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
  6. Arrange in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the prepared dish, leaving a little space between each roll. This allows them to rise and bake evenly.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and almost doubled in size. This second rise is crucial for achieving soft and fluffy rolls.
  8. Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake the Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach around 200°F (93°C). If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
  10. Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set slightly and prevents the frosting from melting completely.

Preparing the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Soften Cream Cheese and Butter: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are both softened to room temperature. This is essential for a smooth and creamy frosting.
  2. Cream Together: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the frosting too stiff.
  4. Add Coffee, Vanilla, and Salt: Add the cooled strong brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of coffee to reach your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more coffee; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Frosting and Serving:

  1. Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the coffee cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  2. Serve Immediately: Serve the coffee cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! They are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat them briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.

Tips for Success:

  • Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results. Expired yeast won’t activate properly, and your dough won’t rise.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cinnamon rolls. Knead or mix the dough until it’s just smooth and elastic.
  • Warm Environment for Rising: A warm environment is crucial for proper rising. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) or near a sunny window.
  • Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in dry cinnamon rolls. Bake until they are golden brown and cooked through, but still slightly soft in the center.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling and frosting to your liking.
  • Add Nuts: For extra flavor and texture, add chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the filling.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling. You can also assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.
Variations:
  • Maple Coffee Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute maple syrup for some of the sugar in the filling and frosting for a maple-

    Coffee Cinnamon Rolls

    Conclusion:

    This isn’t just another cinnamon roll recipe; it’s an experience. The rich, aromatic coffee infusion elevates these rolls from a simple breakfast treat to a decadent indulgence. The combination of warm cinnamon, the subtle bitterness of coffee, and the sweet, creamy glaze creates a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds. Trust me, once you try these Coffee Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll never look at a regular cinnamon roll the same way again!

    But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s all about the depth of flavor. The coffee isn’t just a hint; it’s woven throughout the entire roll, from the dough to the filling, creating a cohesive and unforgettable taste. The dough is perfectly soft and fluffy, the filling is gooey and spiced just right, and the glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness. It’s the kind of recipe that will impress your friends and family, and leave them begging for more.

    And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! While it does require a little time and patience, the steps are straightforward and the results are well worth the effort. I’ve included detailed instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can still create these amazing rolls.

    Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. These Coffee Cinnamon Rolls are delicious on their own, warm from the oven, but you can also dress them up to make them even more special.

    Serving Suggestions:

    * Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream melts into the warm rolls, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
    * Alongside a cup of coffee or tea: The perfect pairing for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.
    * As a dessert for a special occasion: These rolls are sure to impress your guests.
    * Brunch centerpiece: Arrange them beautifully on a platter for a stunning brunch display.

    Variations:

    * Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
    * Use different extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla, almond, or maple, to customize the flavor.
    * Add chocolate chips: Fold chocolate chips into the dough or filling for a chocolatey twist.
    * Make a cream cheese frosting: Instead of the glaze, top the rolls with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
    * Espresso boost: For an even stronger coffee flavor, add a shot of espresso to the dough or the glaze.

    I truly believe that this recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, from a lazy weekend breakfast to a special holiday gathering. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some seriously delicious Coffee Cinnamon Rolls.

    I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made them, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and any tips you have for other bakers. Happy baking! Let me know how your Coffee Cinnamon Rolls turn out!

    Coffee Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Delicious Treats

    Soft, fluffy coffee cinnamon rolls filled with a rich cinnamon-espresso filling and topped with a creamy coffee cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet, caffeinated treat!

    Save This Recipe
    Prep Time45 minutes
    Cook Time30 minutes
    Total Time180 minutes
    Yield12 rolls
    👨‍🍳By: Lily
    📂Category: Breakfast
    📊Difficulty: Easy
    🌍Cuisine: American
    🍽️Yield: 12 rolls
    🥗Dietary: Vegetarian

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Recipe Notes

    • Use fresh yeast for the best results.
    • Don’t overmix the dough.
    • A warm environment is crucial for proper rising.
    • Don’t overbake.
    • Adjust sweetness to your liking.
    • Add chopped nuts to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
    • You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
    • You can also assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    → How do I ensure the bread stays moist?
    Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.
    → Can I substitute ingredients?
    Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.
    → How long does this bread keep?
    Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
    → What if I don't have all the spices?
    You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.
    → Can I freeze this bread?
    Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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