Delicious Coffee Cinnamon Rolls

Soft cinnamon rolls with a gentle coffee twist fill the air with cozy spicy scents. Tender dough wraps around a flavorful coffee-cinnamon center and gets topped with a sweet coffee glaze that’s hard to resist for breakfast or a treat anytime.

This one quickly became a brunch hit at my place after the first try. The hint of coffee makes it interesting for both cinnamon roll fans and coffee nuts.

What You’ll Need

• Instant yeast: for a fast and dependable dough rise & fresh yeast works best
• Salt: brings out the flavors and tames the sweetness
• Softened butter (filling): keeps the filling rich and moist
• Brown sugar (filling): adds a caramel-like sweetness to pair with the spices
• Brewed coffee (glaze): gives the glaze a mild coffee taste and moist finish
• Granulated sugar: sweetens up the dough gently
• Melted butter: adds flavor and tenderness to the dough
• Powdered sugar: makes the glaze smooth and creamy
• Warm milk: wakes up the yeast without killing it, around 110°F
• One large egg: binds ingredients and makes dough tender
• Vanilla extract: softens and balances the coffee glaze's flavor
• Instant coffee powder (filling): adds a subtle bitterness to lift sweetness
• All-purpose flour: for a dough that’s soft but holds together well
• Ground cinnamon: the warm spice that’s best fresh-ground
• Melted butter (glaze): brings gloss and a smooth touch to the glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix Dough:

Mix the warm milk, instant yeast, melted butter, salt, egg, and flour. Knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until stretchy and smooth. This gluten development is what makes the dough fluffy.

First Rise:

Put the dough in a greased bowl and loosely cover with a towel. Let it sit somewhere warm for about an hour until it doubles in size. This rise makes your rolls light.

Make Filling:

Stir softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and instant coffee powder in a bowl until smooth. Mixing the coffee and cinnamon well ensures every roll gets flavor.

Form Rolls:

Roll out the dough into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling over it evenly. From the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices to bake evenly.

Second Rise:

Place the rolls in a greased pan with a little space between them. Cover them loosely with a towel and let rest for 30 minutes. This last rise makes them even softer.

Bake:

Heat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for around 25 minutes until golden and smelling amazing. Don’t open the oven too soon or they might sink.

Glaze:

While the rolls are warm, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed coffee, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the rolls for a shiny, sweet finish that highlights the coffee flavor.

Keeping Rolls Fresh

Keeping Rolls Fresh

Put any leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days so they stay soft. Wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month for longer storage. Thaw overnight and warm slightly before enjoying. A quick zap in the microwave or a short oven warming brings back that fresh-baked softness without drying them out.

Playing with Ingredients

Try switching light brown sugar with dark for a stronger molasses vibe. Use espresso powder instead of instant coffee for a more intense coffee punch. Toss in nuts like pecans or walnuts for some crunch.

Tasty Pairings

Enjoy with a hot black coffee or a creamy latte to boost the coffee flavor. Fresh fruit or yogurt on the side adds a refreshing balance. For a richer brunch, add whipped cream or mascarpone for that extra treat.

Seasonal Twists

Fall calls for nutmeg or cloves stirred into the filling. Winter benefits from a splash of maple syrup on top for a cozy feel. Spring gets fresh with orange zest sprinkled in the glaze for a bright lift.

These coffee cinnamon rolls aren’t just tasty, they’re a favorite around here for bringing people together. Every batch feels like an invitation to slow down and enjoy something great.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What makes these rolls so fluffy?

You get the fluff from kneading the dough well and letting it rise two times, which helps build gluten and makes the dough light and airy.

→ Can I make the coffee taste stronger or lighter?

Sure, adding more instant coffee powder to the filling and drizzle will make the coffee flavor richer. Use less to keep it mild.

→ What’s the right milk temperature for the dough?

Make sure the milk’s warm around 110°F so the yeast wakes up gently without getting killed, helping the dough rise properly.

→ When should I glaze the rolls?

Let the rolls cool a little first so the glaze doesn’t melt away and stays shiny and nice looking.

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the dough and keep it in the fridge after the first rise. When you're ready, shape and bake them fresh.