Coffee Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your day, these Coffee Rolls are just what you need! Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich coffee flavor, all topped with a creamy coffee frosting. It’s like having your morning cup of joe wrapped in a sweet treat! These rolls are perfect for lazy weekend brunches or when you want to impress family and friends at gatherings. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a cherished recipe in your home.

Not only are they delicious, but they’re also surprisingly easy to prepare. The warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply irresistible. Plus, who can resist the combination of coffee and cinnamon? Let’s get started on making these delightful Coffee Rolls!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have these rolls rising in no time!
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family breakfast or a gathering with friends, everyone will love them.
• Customizable Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh rolls in the morning!
• Decadent Treat: The coffee cream cheese frosting takes these rolls to the next level of deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! These simple, wholesome ingredients will come together to create the most delightful Coffee Rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 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)

For the Filling

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

For the Frosting

• 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons heavy cream
• ¾ teaspoon instant coffee granules

Variations

This Coffee Rolls recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas:

• Try Different Fillings: Swap out the coffee filling for chocolate hazelnut spread or fruit preserves for a fruity twist.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
• Experiment with Frosting: Instead of cream cheese frosting, try a simple vanilla glaze or even a chocolate ganache.
• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based milk and replace butter with margarine or coconut oil.

How to Make Coffee Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and all-purpose flour over medium heat. Cook until it forms a paste-like slurry—this step helps keep your rolls extra soft and fluffy! Scrape it into a bowl and let it cool while you gather the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl, combine the remaining all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and sea salt. This creates a solid base for your dough. Just mix them until well combined; it sets up the structure for those fluffy rolls!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Warm up your milk slightly and stir in instant coffee until dissolved. Then add this mixture along with an egg, vanilla extract, and tangzhong to your dry ingredients. Kneading on low speed helps bring everything together into a shaggy dough ball.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter

With the mixer still running on low speed, add softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Allow each piece to fully incorporate before adding more. This step gives richness to your dough that makes these Coffee Rolls so irresistible!

Step 5: Knead Until Smooth

Continue kneading for another 8-10 minutes until your dough looks smooth and elastic. If it sticks too much to the sides of the bowl, sprinkle in some flour; if it’s dry, add small amounts of milk until just right.

Step 6: Let It Rise

Shape your dough into a ball by pulling down its sides towards the center. Place it seam side down in a buttered bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 45-60 minutes—so that it can develop flavor and texture.

Step 7: Make the Filling

While waiting for your dough to rise, mix softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and instant coffee in a small bowl until smooth. This filling is where all that cozy flavor comes from!

Step 8: Roll Out Your Dough

Once risen, roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 14×18 inches. Spread that luscious coffee cinnamon filling evenly over it—don’t forget those edges!

Step 9: Shape the Rolls

Cut your dough into twelve strips about 1½ inches wide. Roll each strip away from you tightly while pinching at the end to secure them as you go. Place them in a prepared baking pan and cover again with plastic wrap; let them rise until doubled once more.

Step 10: Bake Them Perfectly

Preheat your oven while those beauties rise again! Bake for about 20-23 minutes or until golden brown on top—there’s nothing quite like that freshly baked smell wafting through your kitchen.

Step 11: Whip Up That Frosting

While they cool on a wire rack, combine softened cream cheese with butter before adding powdered sugar. Whisk in heavy cream and instant coffee until smooth—that frosting is going to make these Coffee Rolls sing!

Step 12: Enjoy Your Creation!

Spread that creamy frosting over each roll while they’re still slightly warm for extra melt-in-your-mouth goodness! Now sit back and enjoy these delightful Coffee Rolls—you’ve earned every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Coffee Rolls

Making coffee rolls can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfect every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh yeast and high-quality flour will give your coffee rolls the best flavor and texture. Stale ingredients can lead to dense rolls that won’t rise properly.
• Monitor dough temperature: The warmth of your kitchen can affect how quickly your dough rises. If it’s too cold, consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to help it rise more effectively.
• Be patient with rising times: Allowing the dough to fully double in size is crucial for light and fluffy rolls. Rushing this step may lead to heavy, undercooked rolls.
• Don’t skip the tangzhong: This unique technique adds moisture to the dough, resulting in an incredibly soft texture. It’s a game changer for any bread recipe!
• Experiment with fillings: While the coffee cinnamon filling is delicious, don’t hesitate to try other flavor combinations like chocolate or nuts for a fun twist!

How to Serve Coffee Rolls

These coffee rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds; their beautiful presentation makes them perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re serving them at brunch or as a sweet snack, here are some ideas on how to present your delicious creations.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Chocolate shavings: For those who love chocolate, adding some dark chocolate shavings on top of the frosting can enhance both flavor and visual appeal.
• Coffee beans: A few whole coffee beans scattered atop each roll can make for a charming decoration that also hints at the coffee flavor within.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the coffee rolls, balancing flavors beautifully.
• Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, making it a great accompaniment that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
• Scrambled eggs: For a heartier breakfast option, serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs. The savory element contrasts nicely with the sweet coffee rolls.
• Chai tea or herbal infusions: Pairing these rolls with a warm cup of chai tea or herbal infusion enhances their cozy feel and makes for an inviting breakfast spread.

Enjoy your delightful coffee rolls! They are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful coffee rolls are perfect for meal prep, making them a fantastic addition to your breakfast or brunch plans. You can prepare them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the coffee rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Once cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, place on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious coffee rolls.

Can I use decaf coffee granules in the Coffee Rolls?

Absolutely! If you prefer to keep it caffeine-free, feel free to substitute regular instant coffee granules with decaffeinated ones.

How do I make my Coffee Rolls extra fluffy?

For fluffier rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Kneading the dough properly will also help develop gluten, leading to a light texture.

Can I make Coffee Rolls without cream cheese?

Yes! If you want to avoid cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative mixed with powdered sugar and cream for the frosting.

What can I serve with my Coffee Rolls?

These Coffee Rolls pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, making for a delightful breakfast or brunch spread.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy into your kitchen! These coffee rolls are not just delicious; they offer the perfect balance of sweet and rich flavors that any coffee lover will adore. Enjoy creating these delightful treats, and don’t hesitate to share them with loved ones. Happy baking!