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Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 75 reviews

These Coffee Rolls are a delightful twist on classic sweet rolls, infused with rich coffee flavor both in the dough and the filling. Soft, tender, and topped with a creamy coffee-infused frosting, they’re perfect for an elevated breakfast or an indulgent snack for coffee lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup water
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 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 (prepared from the ¼ cup flour and ¾ cup water mixture)
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature)

Filling

  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tsp instant coffee granules

Frosting

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

Instructions

  1. Make Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the ¼ cup all-purpose flour and ¾ cup water. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 4-5 minutes until it thickens into a paste-like slurry. Scrape into a bowl and set aside to cool.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt until evenly mixed.
  3. Dissolve Coffee in Milk: Slightly warm the ½ cup whole milk and stir in 1 tsp instant coffee granules until dissolved.
  4. Form Dough: Add the egg, coffee-milk mixture, vanilla, and cooled Tangzhong to the dry ingredients. Knead on low speed with a dough hook for 2 minutes until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Add Butter: With the mixer running low, add the 4 tablespoons of softened butter one tablespoon at a time, fully incorporating each before adding more.
  6. Knead Dough: Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky at the bowl’s bottom. Adjust with flour or milk as needed to get the right consistency.
  7. First Rise: Shape the dough into a smooth ball, place seam side down in a buttered bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45-60 minutes.
  8. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine 5 tbsp softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 ½ tsp instant coffee granules until smooth.
  9. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 14×18 inch rectangle with the long side closest to you. Spread the coffee-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ¼ inch border at the top edge.
  10. Shape Rolls: Cut the dough into twelve 1 ½-inch strips. Roll each strip away from you and pinch the ends to seal. Place rolls into a prepared baking pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 45-60 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  11. Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-23 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
  12. Make Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and 4 tbsp softened butter. Mix in powdered sugar, then whisk in heavy cream and ¾ tsp instant coffee granules until smooth.
  13. Frost and Serve: Spread the coffee frosting generously over the cooled rolls. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Measure flour correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off for accuracy.
  • Tangzhong is a cooked flour-water roux that helps create soft, tender rolls.
  • Adjust the dough moisture by adding small amounts of flour or milk if needed during kneading.
  • You can substitute instant coffee granules with espresso powder for a stronger flavor.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: coffee rolls, coffee cinnamon rolls, soft coffee bread, coffee frosting rolls, sweet rolls with coffee, tangzhong coffee rolls

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/coffee-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/