Coffee Rolls Recipe

If you have a soft spot for sweet, aromatic baked goods and a love for all things coffee, then you’re absolutely going to fall for these Coffee Rolls. Imagine tender, pillowy rolls with a rich coffee-infused cinnamon filling, all baked to a perfect golden brown and finished with a luscious coffee cream cheese frosting. These rolls are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re a warm hug in pastry form, seamlessly blending the cozy aroma of coffee with the comforting sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you enjoy them during a lazy weekend brunch or as an afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite cup of joe, these Coffee Rolls will quickly become an irresistible favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Coffee Rolls lies in their simple, well-balanced ingredients that come together to create complex flavors and an irresistible texture. Each element plays a key role, from the tenderizing tangzhong that makes the dough super soft, to the bold instant coffee granules that elevate the whole experience.

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for tangzhong): Creates the cooked starch base that gives the dough extra moisture and softness.
• ¾ cup water (for tangzhong): Combines with flour to form the essential tangzhong paste.
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for dough): The structure for the rolls, measured carefully to ensure perfect texture.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough without overpowering the coffee flavor.
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast: Responsible for the beautiful rise and airy crumb.
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• ½ cup whole milk, slightly warmed: Activates the yeast and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules: Infuses the dough with that unmistakable coffee taste.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: Provides moisture and helps enrich the dough.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature: Incorporates tenderness and helps create a soft crumb.
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (for filling): Creates a rich base for the delicious coffee-cinnamon filling.
• ⅔ cup dark brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and moist texture to the filling.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that pairs beautifully with coffee.
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant coffee granules (for filling): Deepens the coffee flavor in the filling.
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting): Gives the frosting its creamy tang.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Provides richness and smoothness.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting perfectly.
• 4 tablespoons heavy cream: Adds silkiness and helps with spreading.
• ¾ teaspoon instant coffee granules (for frosting): Enhances the coffee flavor in the final touch.

How to Make Coffee Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

This is where the magic for soft, fluffy rolls begins. Whisk together the flour and water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a smooth paste. This tangzhong acts as a moisture reservoir in the dough, ensuring your rolls stay fresh and tender longer. Set it aside to cool before adding it to your dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In your mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. These dry ingredients form the base of your dough and create the right environment for the yeast to work its rising magic.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Warm the milk just enough to dissolve the instant coffee granules fully, freeing their deep aroma. Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and cooled tangzhong to your dry mix. Begin kneading on low speed with a dough hook. This step blends everything together into a shaggy but promising dough ball.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Knead

Add softened butter slowly, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring it fully absorbs into the dough for that tender crumb. Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. Adjust with flour or milk as needed to get the perfect dough texture for rolling.

Step 5: First Rise

Shape the dough into a smooth ball, place it in a buttered bowl seam side down, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 45 to 60 minutes. This rise builds the airy structure that makes these Coffee Rolls so wonderfully light.

Step 6: Make the Coffee Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is resting, mix the softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and coffee granules to create a smooth, aromatic filling that will infuse every bite with warmth and rich coffee flavor.

Step 7: Roll and Fill

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 14 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the coffee cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a clean edge at the top. This ensures a neat roll and keeps the filling inside while baking.

Step 8: Shape the Rolls

Slice the dough rectangle into twelve 1 ½-inch strips, then roll each strip tightly away from you, pinching the ends to seal. Transfer the spirals to a prepared baking pan, cover, and let them rise again until doubled, about 45-60 minutes.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the rolls for about 20-23 minutes, until golden and irresistibly fragrant. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before frosting to avoid melting the creamy topping.

Step 10: Make and Spread the Frosting

Whip together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and instant coffee until smooth and spreadable. Generously slather this rich, coffee-flavored frosting over the warm rolls for a perfectly decadent finish.

How to Serve Coffee Rolls

Garnishes

For a little extra visual pizzazz and texture, sprinkle your Coffee Rolls with finely chopped toasted nuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Even a few coffee beans on the side add a rustic, aromatic touch that enhances the coffee theme beautifully.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a creamy latte, a rich hot chocolate, or a simple glass of cold milk. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a lightly dressed green salad to balance out the sweetness with some freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Coffee Rolls by turning them into little sharing platters for gatherings—arrange them on a large wooden board with small bowls of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or honey. Or turn them into breakfast sliders by slicing the rolls and stuffing with crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup for a savory twist that nods to their coffee roots.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Coffee Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps preserve their softness without drying out. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge can extend freshness, but warm them briefly before enjoying.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls un-frosted for up to one month. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm them gently and apply the frosting fresh for that just-baked feel.

Reheating

For the freshest taste, reheat coffee rolls in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes. This revives their soft texture perfectly and makes that coffee cream cheese frosting ooze deliciously all over again.

FAQs

Can I use instant espresso instead of instant coffee in Coffee Rolls?

Absolutely! Instant espresso powder works beautifully and will give an even more intense coffee flavor to your rolls and frosting without altering the texture.

What if I don’t have tangzhong ingredients? Can I skip it?

You can make Coffee Rolls without tangzhong, but the texture will be less soft and tender. Tangzhong helps retain moisture, so adding it really elevates the rolls to bakery-quality fluffiness.

Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with something else?

Sure! A simple vanilla glaze or a coffee-flavored buttercream are delicious alternatives. Keep in mind that cream cheese adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness wonderfully.

How do I know when the yeast is active and the dough is ready to rise?

You’ll notice the dough becomes smooth and elastic and rises to roughly double its size within an hour. A good tip is to press the dough gently with your finger—if it springs back slowly, it’s perfectly proofed.

Are Coffee Rolls suitable for freezing once frosted?

It’s better to freeze them unfrosted, as the frosting might change texture when thawed. You can always frost them fresh after reheating to get that perfect creamy finish.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about Coffee Rolls that make them irresistible—warm, comforting, and bursting with coffee-spiced sweetness that can brighten any morning or afternoon. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own batch of these heavenly treats. Trust me, once you have your first bite, these rolls will become your new go-to for sharing moments filled with flavor and joy.

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