Coffee Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of coffee and cinnamon, then these Coffee Rolls are just what you need! Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of freshly baked rolls, with a rich coffee twist that will make your mornings feel extra special. These fluffy coffee cinnamon rolls are perfect for family gatherings, brunch with friends, or simply as a sweet indulgence after a long day. Trust me, once you sink your teeth into these soft rolls topped with creamy frosting, you’ll be coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, making these Coffee Rolls is a breeze even for beginner bakers.
• Family Favorite: The delightful coffee flavor paired with sweet cinnamon makes these rolls irresistible to everyone in the family!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them; they make a wonderful breakfast or snack throughout the week.
• Customizable Toppings: You can play around with different frostings or toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these heavenly Coffee Rolls, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; you probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

For the Dough

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup water
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring below)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoon instant yeast
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ cup whole milk (slightly warmed)
• 1 tsp instant coffee granules
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Tangzhong (from recipe above)
• 4 tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature)

For the Filling

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ⅔ cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ tsp instant coffee granules

For the Frosting

• 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp heavy cream
• ¾ tsp instant coffee granules

Variations

This Coffee Rolls recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to get creative based on what you have at home or your personal preferences! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for a delightful crunch.
• Change the Frosting: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter touch.
• Incorporate Chocolate: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the dough or sprinkle them on top before adding the frosting.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the filling to add another layer of flavor.

How to Make Coffee Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and all-purpose flour. This mixture is called tangzhong and helps keep your rolls moist and fluffy. Cook over medium heat while whisking constantly until it turns into a paste-like slurry—about 4-5 minutes. Once done, transfer it to a bowl and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl, combine the remaining all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of flavors—and trust me, it sets you up nicely for success!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Warm up your milk slightly—this helps activate the yeast. Stir in the instant coffee until it dissolves completely. Then add this mixture along with your egg, vanilla extract, and tangzhong into your dry ingredients. Knead on low speed using the dough hook for about 2 minutes until you see it forming a shaggy dough ball.

Step 4: Add Butter Gradually

With your mixer still running on low speed, introduce the softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Allow each piece to fully incorporate before adding more. This step is essential because it makes your rolls rich and flavorful!

Step 5: Knead Until Elastic

Knead the dough for another 8-10 minutes until it looks smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky on the sides of the mixing bowl, sprinkle in more flour one tablespoon at a time—not too much though! We want that perfect balance.

Step 6: Let It Rise

Shape your dough into a ball using lightly buttered hands and place it seam side down in a buttered bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it’s doubled in size—about 45-60 minutes. This step allows those lovely air bubbles to form!

Step 7: Prepare Filling

While waiting for your dough to rise, combine softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and instant coffee in a small bowl until smooth. This fragrant filling will make your rolls taste divine!

Step 8: Roll Out Dough

Once risen, roll out your dough on a floured surface into a rectangle (14×18 inches). Spread that delicious coffee cinnamon filling evenly across—don’t forget to leave about ¼ inch at the top clean!

Step 9: Cut & Shape Rolls

Cut the dough into twelve strips of about 1½ inches wide. Roll each strip tightly away from you and pinch the end to seal. Place them seam side down in an oiled baking pan; cover again with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled—around another 45-60 minutes.

Step 10: Bake & Cool

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake those beauties for about 20-23 minutes until golden brown on top. Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack while you whip up that luscious frosting!

Step 11: Make Frosting

Combine softened cream cheese with butter in a bowl; mix in powdered sugar until fully combined. Finally, whisk in heavy cream and instant coffee until smooth—this will be so good!

Step 12: Frost & Enjoy!

Spread that creamy frosting generously over your warm Coffee Rolls and enjoy every delicious bite! These treats are sure to bring joy whether it’s breakfast or dessert!

Pro Tips for Making Coffee Rolls

Making the perfect coffee rolls can be a delightful journey, and these tips will help ensure your baking experience is smooth and successful.

• Measure Your Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much flour into your measuring cup. This helps maintain the right dough consistency for fluffy rolls.
• Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature: Make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This allows for better emulsification and results in a smoother dough.
• Knead Thoroughly: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic is essential. It develops the gluten structure that gives your rolls their fluffy texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Let Dough Rise in a Warm Place: Finding a warm spot in your kitchen can help the dough rise perfectly. If it’s too cold, the yeast might not activate properly, leading to dense rolls.
• Cool Before Frosting: Allow the rolls to cool on a wire rack before adding the cream cheese frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Coffee Rolls

These coffee rolls are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some fun ideas for presentation.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
• Chocolate Shavings: For an indulgent twist, sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings on top of your frosted rolls for added flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that complements the rich coffee flavors beautifully.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with the sweet rolls.
• Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide a savory balance to the sweetness of the coffee rolls, making for a delightful breakfast spread.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavor profile and makes for a comforting experience.

Enjoy these delightful coffee rolls with your loved ones—each bite is sure to bring warmth and smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Coffee Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, fresh treats throughout the week! You can prepare them in advance, store them properly, and even freeze a batch for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled coffee rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.
• To maintain their softness, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the rolls.

Freezing

• Allow the coffee rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• If reheating leftovers, microwave each roll on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• For a crispy exterior, reheat in a toaster oven instead of the microwave.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful Coffee Rolls!

Can I make Coffee Rolls without instant yeast?

Yes! You can use active dry yeast instead. Just be sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to your dough mixture.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Coffee Rolls?

To amp up the coffee flavor, consider adding more instant coffee granules into both the dough and filling. You could also experiment with flavored syrups or extracts!

What makes these Coffee Rolls so special?

These Coffee Rolls combine light and fluffy dough with rich coffee flavor and creamy frosting, making them an indulgent treat perfect for breakfast or dessert!

How long do Coffee Rolls last?

When stored properly at room temperature, they last up to 2 days; in the fridge, they can last up to a week. If frozen, they stay good for about three months!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen as it has brought to mine! These Coffee Rolls are not only a delicious way to enjoy your morning cup of coffee but also a delightful treat that everyone will love. Enjoy making them and savor every bite! Happy baking!