Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rolls bring together the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the deep, aromatic flavor of coffee. They’re soft, gooey, and perfectly spiced, with a glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a twist on a classic, these rolls are satisfying and indulgent without being overly complicated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
all-purpose flour
instant yeast
warm milk
brewed coffee (cooled)
granulated sugar
brown sugar
unsalted butter
egg
salt
ground cinnamon
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
Directions
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, brewed coffee, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy.
Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, a small amount of brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling with the coffee glaze.
Servings and timing
Servings: 9–12 rolls
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture. You can include chocolate chips for a mocha twist or swap the glaze for a cream cheese frosting. For a stronger coffee flavor, add espresso powder to the filling or glaze.
Storage/Reheating
Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Add a little extra glaze after reheating if desired.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, dissolve instant coffee in warm water to replace brewed coffee.
How do I make the rolls softer?
Avoid adding too much flour and do not overbake them.
Can I prepare the dough overnight?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and bake the next day.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
The yeast may be inactive or the liquid may have been too hot or too cold.
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Yes, freeze them before or after baking and reheat when needed.
What type of coffee works best?
A strong brewed coffee or espresso gives the best flavor.
Can I make them without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with milk or a plant-based alternative.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Roll the dough tightly and avoid overfilling.
Can I add spices other than cinnamon?
Yes, nutmeg or cardamom pairs well with coffee.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
Conclusion
Coffee cinnamon rolls are a delicious upgrade to the classic treat, combining rich coffee flavor with soft, sweet dough and warm cinnamon spice. Perfect for mornings or special occasions, they’re sure to become a favorite for anyone who enjoys a comforting homemade bake.
PrintCoffee Cinnamon Rolls
Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls infused with rich coffee flavor, layered with a sweet cinnamon filling and finished with a smooth coffee glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Instant yeast
- Warm milk
- Brewed coffee (cooled)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Egg
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, brewed coffee, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for a few minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rise until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread with softened butter.
- Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of brewed coffee and vanilla extract to create a glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over slightly cooled rolls and serve.
Notes
- Add espresso powder for a stronger coffee flavor.
- Include chocolate chips for a mocha variation.
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a richer option.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
