Take your cinnamon rolls to a luxurious level with a bold coffee twist! These fluffy rolls are infused with rich coffee flavor, a gooey chocolate-cinnamon filling, and topped with creamy coffee frosting. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time you want to treat yourself to something truly indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Coffee Flavor: A unique twist on classic cinnamon rolls with a coffee kick.
- Rich and Decadent: A chocolatey cinnamon filling adds extra indulgence.
- Fluffy Texture: Soft and tender dough that melts in your mouth.
- Showstopping Frosting: Creamy coffee frosting ties it all together.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for brunches, holidays, or when you want to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 3/4 cup water, warmed
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
For the Coffee Frosting:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 teaspoon warm water
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, water, and instant yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and instant coffee granules.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread and Sprinkle: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture, and top with chocolate chips.
3. Shape and Bake
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the longer side. Cut into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Make the Coffee Frosting
- Mix the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla, dissolved coffee, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. Mix until creamy and spreadable.
5. Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy the gooey, chocolatey, coffee-infused goodness!
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 Chocolate: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the frosted rolls.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the filling.
- Mocha Twist: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the frosting for a mocha flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra decadence.
- Espresso Lover’s Version: Double the coffee in the filling and frosting for a stronger coffee flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and frosting.
FAQs
1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before the second rise. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
2. What can I use instead of instant yeast?
Use active dry yeast, but proof it in warm liquid with sugar for 5-10 minutes before adding to the dough.
3. Can I skip the chocolate in the filling?
Yes, the rolls will still be delicious with just the coffee-cinnamon filling.
4. Can I use instant espresso powder instead of coffee granules?
Absolutely! Instant espresso powder works perfectly for a bolder coffee flavor.
5. How do I ensure the frosting is smooth?
Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing.
6. Can I use plant-based ingredients?
Yes, replace butter, milk, and cream with plant-based alternatives, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
7. Can I reduce the sweetness?
You can reduce the sugar in the filling and frosting slightly if desired, but the flavor will be less rich.
8. How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
9. What’s the best way to cut the rolls evenly?
Use unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife for clean cuts.
10. Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought refrigerated dough for a quicker version, but the flavor and texture may differ.
Conclusion
Chocolate Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Frosting are a decadent treat that combines fluffy rolls, rich coffee, gooey chocolate, and creamy frosting. Perfect for special mornings or indulgent desserts, these rolls are a surefire way to impress your family and friends. Try them today and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Chocolate Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Frosting
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Take your cinnamon rolls to the next level with these Chocolate Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Frosting! Infused with coffee, cinnamon, and brown sugar, and topped with a creamy coffee frosting, these indulgent rolls are fluffy, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 3/4 cup water (warm)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (optional, for a chocolatey twist)
- 3 tsp instant coffee granules
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
Coffee Frosting:
- 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp instant coffee granules (dissolved in 1 tsp heavy cream)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
Chocolate Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Frosting Recipe
SEO Optimized Description
Take your cinnamon rolls to the next level with these Chocolate Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Frosting! Infused with coffee, cinnamon, and brown sugar, and topped with a creamy coffee frosting, these indulgent rolls are fluffy, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 3/4 cup water (warm)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (optional, for a chocolatey twist)
- 3 tsp instant coffee granules
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
Coffee Frosting:
- 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp instant coffee granules (dissolved in 1 tsp heavy cream)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, water, and 1 tsp of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, stir gently, and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough:
- Add the flour, granulated sugar, sea salt, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes.
- Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- Make the filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder (if using), and instant coffee granules.
- Roll out the dough:
- Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter over the surface and sprinkle the filling evenly on top.
- Roll and cut:
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake the Rolls:
- Second rise:
- Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the Frosting:
- Prepare the coffee frosting:
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and dissolved coffee granules. Mix in the heavy cream, 1 tbsp at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Assemble and Serve:
- Frost the rolls:
- Spread the coffee frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the indulgent flavors!
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the instant coffee granules in the filling or frosting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
- Add chocolate chips to the filling for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American