Coffee Rolls

These delightful Coffee Rolls are the perfect treat for coffee enthusiasts. With a unique twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, they fuse the rich flavor of coffee into a fluffy dough, making them ideal for breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just treating yourself, these rolls will impress with their soft texture and luscious coffee cream cheese frosting. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a sweet afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of coffee and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting taste that satisfies both your sweet tooth and caffeine cravings.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can successfully create these delicious rolls.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or even as a dessert after dinner.
• Ideal for Sharing: Perfectly portioned for gatherings, these rolls make a great addition to any brunch spread or holiday table.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings to make this recipe your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious Coffee Rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking pan
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: Makes kneading easy and ensures your dough is perfectly mixed without much effort.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, which is crucial for achieving the right shape and texture in each roll.
• Baking pan: A good-quality pan ensures even baking and that your Coffee Rolls rise beautifully.

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Ingredients

These light and fluffy coffee cinnamon rolls are a coffee-flavored twist on the classic recipe. With a bold coffee flavor and coffee cream cheese frosting, they are every coffee lover’s dream!

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup water
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring below)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ cup whole milk (slightly warmed)
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Tangzhong (from recipe above)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ⅔ cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant coffee granules
• 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons heavy cream
• ¾ teaspoon instant coffee granules

How to Make Coffee Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and all-purpose flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 4–5 minutes until the mixture becomes a paste-like slurry. Scrape it into a bowl and set it aside until ready to use.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until well blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Slightly warm the milk, then stir in the instant coffee until dissolved.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Add the egg, milk mixture, vanilla extract, and tangzhong into the dry ingredients. Knead on low speed with the dough hook for about 2 minutes until it forms a shaggy dough ball.

Step 5: Incorporate Butter

With the mixer running on low speed, add softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Allow each tablespoon to fully incorporate before adding more.

Step 6: Knead Until Smooth

Once all butter is added, knead the dough for an additional 8–10 minutes until it appears smooth and elastic. If it’s too wet and sticks to the sides of the bowl, add flour one tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add half a tablespoon of milk gradually.

Step 7: Let It Rise

Using lightly buttered hands, pull the sides of the dough down toward the center to form a smooth ball. Place seam side down in a greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—around 45–60 minutes.

Step 8: Prepare Filling

In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and instant coffee until smooth.

Step 9: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 14×18 inches with the long side facing you. Spread filling over the entire surface of the dough up to edges except for about ¼ inch at top clean.

Step 10: Cut Into Strips

Cut into twelve strips measuring about 1½ inches wide. Roll each strip away from you while pinching clean end to secure it. Transfer rolls to prepared baking pan; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise again in warm spot until doubled—about another 45–60 minutes while preheating oven to 325°F/163°C.

Step 11: Bake

Bake for about 20–23 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack while preparing frosting.

Step 12: Make Frosting

Combine softened cream cheese and butter in mixing bowl; then mix in powdered sugar. Whisk in heavy cream and remaining instant coffee until smooth.

Step 13: Frost Your Rolls

Spread frosting over cooled Coffee Rolls generously before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Coffee Rolls

Serving coffee rolls can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience. These delightful treats pair well with a variety of accompaniments that complement their rich coffee flavor.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the rolls.
• Sliced Bananas – Their creamy texture and natural sweetness enhance the coffee flavor beautifully.

Alongside Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream can provide a fluffy texture that balances the dense coffee rolls.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Rich Chocolate Sauce – A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top adds an indulgent touch that coffee lovers will appreciate.

Served with a Hot Beverage

• Coffee or Latte – Pairing these rolls with a cup of hot coffee or latte enhances their flavor and creates a perfect morning ritual.
• Herbal Tea – For those who prefer tea, herbal options can provide a soothing complement without overpowering the coffee notes.

How to Perfect Coffee Rolls

Making perfect coffee rolls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rise and fluffiness in your rolls.
• Knead Thoroughly – Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic is crucial for creating soft rolls that rise well.
• Let It Rise Properly – Allow enough time for the dough to double in size; this step is essential for light and airy rolls.
• Check Oven Temperature – Using an oven thermometer can help ensure consistent baking temperatures for perfectly golden tops.
• Experiment with Fillings – Feel free to add nuts or other spices to your filling for added texture and flavor variation.
• Cool Before Frosting – Letting the rolls cool slightly before adding frosting prevents it from melting away and creates a beautiful presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Rolls

Coffee rolls can be enjoyed with various side dishes that enhance their taste. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements coffee beautifully.
3. Scrambled Eggs – Soft scrambled eggs offer protein and savory flavors that pair well with sweet coffee rolls.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can add richness and depth, contrasting nicely with the sweetness.
5. Granola Bars – Crunchy granola bars make for a great on-the-go pairing if you are enjoying your coffee rolls as part of breakfast prep.
6. Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruits rounds out your meal while keeping it hearty.
7. Smoothie Bowl – A thick smoothie topped with seeds, nuts, and fruits brings nutrition and vibrancy to your table.
8. Avocado Toast – The creamy texture of avocado toast provides a lovely savory counterpart to the sweet flavors of coffee rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making coffee rolls, a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some key things to watch out for.

• Incorrect Flour Measurement: Using too much or too little flour can affect the dough’s texture. Always measure flour by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off for accuracy.

• Not Allowing the Dough to Rise: Skipping the rising time will result in dense coffee rolls. Ensure the dough has doubled in size before proceeding with shaping and baking.

• Overbaking: Baking for too long can dry out your rolls. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they’re golden brown to maintain moisture.

• Cold Ingredients: Using cold milk or eggs can hinder yeast activation. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal dough rise.

• Skipping the Tangzhong: This crucial step keeps your rolls soft and fluffy. Don’t skip making this paste; it adds moisture and improves texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store coffee rolls in an airtight container.
• They will last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Coffee Rolls

• Freeze coffee rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Coffee Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individually on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making coffee rolls, answered!

Can I make Coffee Rolls without instant coffee?

Yes! You can use brewed coffee instead, adjusting the liquid content slightly to maintain dough consistency.

How do I know when my Coffee Rolls are done?

Your coffee rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

Can I customize my Coffee Rolls?

Absolutely! Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to your filling for extra flavor and texture.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticking excessively, add flour gradually until it reaches a workable consistency without becoming dry.

Final Thoughts

These coffee rolls are not just delicious but also versatile. Their rich coffee flavor paired with cream cheese frosting makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize them with your favorite fillings or toppings. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!