There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked sweet rolls filling the kitchen. These soft and pillowy coffee rolls take that comfort to the next level by combining the rich, deep flavors of coffee with a tender, buttery dough. They’re the perfect morning indulgence, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a cozy dessert for coffee lovers.
Inspired by classic cinnamon rolls, these coffee rolls take a unique twist by infusing both the dough and glaze with the bold taste of coffee. The result? A warm, gooey, and lightly spiced treat that melts in your mouth with every bite. If you love the combination of coffee and sweet pastries, this recipe is about to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Whether you’re making these for a special weekend brunch, holiday gathering, or just because you deserve something delicious, these coffee rolls will deliver a bakery-quality experience right at home. So grab your favorite mug of coffee, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Coffee Lovers – Each bite is infused with a deep coffee flavor, making it the ultimate treat for those who can’t start their day without a cup of joe.
- Soft & Fluffy Dough – The dough is light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, thanks to a slow rise that allows flavors to develop beautifully.
- Gooey Coffee Filling – A delicious brown sugar and coffee filling creates a rich, caramel-like center that adds warmth and sweetness.
- Easy to Make Ahead – You can prep these rolls the night before, let them rise in the fridge, and bake them fresh in the morning.
- Better Than Store-Bought – No need to run to a bakery when you can make these homemade coffee rolls with simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Coffee Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee or espresso powder
For the Coffee Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Coffee Rolls
Making homemade coffee rolls is easier than you think! Just follow these simple step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have warm, gooey rolls ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to create a beautifully risen dough.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or the dough hook on a stand mixer, mix everything together until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5–6 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1 ½ hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Coffee Filling
While the dough rises, prepare the coffee filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and instant coffee. Stir until you get a smooth, spreadable paste. The coffee and cinnamon create a deep, rich aroma that will make your kitchen smell like a dream.
Step 3: Roll & Fill the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
Spread the coffee filling evenly over the dough, making sure to reach all the edges for the most flavor in every bite. Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 10–12 even rolls.
Step 4: Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them for rising. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rest for another 30–45 minutes until they puff up beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20–25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
Step 6: Make the Coffee Glaze
While the rolls cool slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls, letting it seep into all the little crevices.
Serve warm and enjoy the soft, coffee-infused goodness!
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Yeast – If your yeast doesn’t foam up in the first step, it may be expired. Always check the expiration date before starting.
- Don’t Overheat the Milk – The milk should be warm but not too hot (about 110°F). Too much heat can kill the yeast.
- Make Ahead Option – Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- For Extra Coffee Flavor – Add an extra teaspoon of instant coffee to the filling for a stronger coffee kick.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Adjusting the Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the brown sugar in the filling by ¼ cup or use a lighter glaze.
- Stronger Coffee Flavor – For a more intense coffee taste, increase the instant coffee in the filling or use espresso powder instead.
- Soft Dough Tip – If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes smooth and elastic. Avoid adding too much, or the rolls may turn out dense.
- Overnight Method – To make these ahead, assemble the rolls in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Cutting the Rolls Easily – Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough. Simply slide the floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight to cut through.
- Alternative Glazes – If you want to change things up, try a cream cheese glaze or a simple vanilla icing instead of the coffee glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
Yes! Just make sure it’s strongly brewed so the flavor stands out.
Can I freeze coffee rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked rolls without the glaze, then warm them up and glaze them before serving.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem! You can knead the dough by hand; it will just take a bit more effort.
Storage Instructions
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, homemade coffee roll with its soft, fluffy texture and rich coffee-infused filling. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or save them for a sweet treat later, these rolls are sure to become a favorite. So go ahead—give this recipe a try and treat yourself to something delicious today!
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Soft & Fluffy Coffee Rolls
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked sweet rolls filling the kitchen. These soft and pillowy coffee rolls take that comfort to the next level by combining the rich, deep flavors of coffee with a tender, buttery dough. They’re the perfect morning indulgence, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a cozy dessert for coffee lovers.
Inspired by classic cinnamon rolls, these coffee rolls take a unique twist by infusing both the dough and glaze with the bold taste of coffee. The result? A warm, gooey, and lightly spiced treat that melts in your mouth with every bite. If you love the combination of coffee and sweet pastries, this recipe is about to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Whether you’re making these for a special weekend brunch, holiday gathering, or just because you deserve something delicious, these coffee rolls will deliver a bakery-quality experience right at home. So grab your favorite mug of coffee, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Coffee Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee or espresso powder
For the Coffee Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to create a beautifully risen dough.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or the dough hook on a stand mixer, mix everything together until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5–6 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1 ½ hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Coffee Filling
While the dough rises, prepare the coffee filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and instant coffee. Stir until you get a smooth, spreadable paste. The coffee and cinnamon create a deep, rich aroma that will make your kitchen smell like a dream.
Step 3: Roll & Fill the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
Spread the coffee filling evenly over the dough, making sure to reach all the edges for the most flavor in every bite. Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 10–12 even rolls.
Step 4: Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them for rising. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rest for another 30–45 minutes until they puff up beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20–25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
Step 6: Make the Coffee Glaze
While the rolls cool slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls, letting it seep into all the little crevices.
Serve warm and enjoy the soft, coffee-infused goodness!
Notes
- Adjusting the Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the brown sugar in the filling by ¼ cup or use a lighter glaze.
- Stronger Coffee Flavor – For a more intense coffee taste, increase the instant coffee in the filling or use espresso powder instead.
- Soft Dough Tip – If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes smooth and elastic. Avoid adding too much, or the rolls may turn out dense.
- Overnight Method – To make these ahead, assemble the rolls in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Cutting the Rolls Easily – Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough. Simply slide the floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight to cut through.
- Alternative Glazes – If you want to change things up, try a cream cheese glaze or a simple vanilla icing instead of the coffee glaze.