Chocolate Coffee Cinnamon Rolls

Coffee Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring a bold coffee flavor in both the fluffy dough and rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these rolls are a dream for coffee lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Coffee Flavor: Infused with coffee in the dough and frosting, these rolls are a caffeinated delight.
• Light and Fluffy Texture: Made with tangzhong, the rolls are exceptionally soft and tender.
• Decadent Frosting: A coffee cream cheese glaze elevates these rolls to bakery-quality perfection.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as a morning treat, dessert, or an indulgent snack.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough

• 3 ¾ cups flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• ¾ tsp fine sea salt
• 3 ¼ tsp instant coffee granules
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¾ cup water
• 1 egg, large
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Filling

• ⅔ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting

• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp instant coffee granules

Tangzhong

• 3 tbsp flour
• ⅓ cup water
• ⅓ cup whole milk

Directions

Prepare the Tangzhong

1. Combine flour, water, and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a paste-like consistency.
3. Remove from heat and let cool before using.

Make the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and coffee granules.
2. Warm the milk and water until lukewarm. Add to the dry ingredients along with the tangzhong, egg, and softened butter.
3. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly.

Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
2. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
3. Roll tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
4. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes.

Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and coffee granules.
2. Mix in heavy cream until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

Frost the Rolls

1. Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

• Extra Coffee Kick: Double the coffee granules in the dough and frosting.
• Chocolate Coffee Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a mocha twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeasted recipes.
• No-Cream Frosting: Substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple coffee glaze made from powdered sugar, coffee, and water.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

1. What is tangzhong?

Tangzhong is a roux made from flour and liquid, used in bread recipes to create soft, fluffy rolls.

2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temperature before baking.

3. What’s the best coffee to use?

Use instant coffee granules for convenience, but you can substitute finely ground espresso for a richer flavor.

4. Can I freeze coffee cinnamon rolls?

Yes, freeze baked rolls without frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

5. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but proof the yeast in warm milk and sugar before adding it to the dough.

6. What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

Substitute with mascarpone or a simple coffee glaze.

7. How can I prevent the rolls from drying out?

Cover the rolls with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking if they appear to be browning too quickly.

8. Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?

Yes, use the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for 6–8 minutes.

9. Can I skip the coffee flavor?

Of course! Simply omit the coffee granules and enjoy classic cinnamon rolls.

10. Can I make mini rolls?

Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce baking time by 5–7 minutes.

Conclusion

Bold Coffee Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious fusion of fluffy cinnamon rolls and robust coffee flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With their tender dough, sweet filling, and creamy coffee frosting, these rolls are guaranteed to delight coffee enthusiasts and pastry lovers alike. Give this recipe a try and savor the indulgent taste of coffee-infused perfection!

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