Coffee cinnamon rolls combine the classic, sweet breakfast flavors of coffee with cinnamon rolls into one delicious treat.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Prep Time 1 hourhour
Cook Time 26 minutesminutes
Rise Time 2 hourshours
Total Time 3 hourshours26 minutesminutes
Servings 12Rolls
Calories 352kcal
Equipment
large mixing bowl
Electric mixer
9x13 baking dish
Rolling Pin
small bowl
sharp knife
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 ¼teaspoonactive dry yeast
½cupwarm water110°F
1tablespoongranulated sugarfor the yeast
½cupbrewed coffeecooled to lukewarm
¼cupgranulated sugar
½cupunsalted buttermelted and cooled
1 teaspoonvanilla
2large eggs
2cupsall-purpose flour
2cupsbread flour
1teaspoonsalt
For the Filling:
¾cupbrown sugar
2tablespoonsground cinnamon
⅓cupsoftened butter
1cupmilk
For the Icing:
Pillsbury cream cheese frosting
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the yeast, ½ cup warm water, and 1 tbsp of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Build the Dough
Once the yeast is activated, add in the brewed coffee, melted butter, vanilla, eggs, remaining ¼ cup sugar, and salt. Mix well until combined.
Add the flour — starting with 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 cups of bread flour — gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need a touch more flour depending on humidity.
Knead by hand or using the dough hook for about 6–8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 to 1½ hours).
Roll & Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16x12 inches).
Spread the softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture.
Roll the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 12 even rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour 1 cup of milk over the top of the rolls.
Bake the rolls for 22–26 minutes, or until lightly golden on top and cooked through.
Glaze & Serve
Drizzle the icing over warm rolls and serve immediately. Best enjoyed with a cup of coffee, of course.
Notes
Want a stronger coffee flavor? Use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for texture.
Make it ahead: prep the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them rise slightly at room temp before baking in the morning.