Coffee Rolls

These delightful Coffee Rolls are a perfect treat for coffee enthusiasts, featuring a luscious coffee flavor and a creamy frosting that takes your taste buds on a delicious journey. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are fluffy and inviting, making them suitable for any occasion, from brunch with friends to a cozy family dinner. Their unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll makes them stand out in any dessert spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Coffee Flavor: The combination of instant coffee granules and cream cheese frosting creates a rich coffee experience in every bite.
• Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the tangzhong method used in the dough, these rolls remain incredibly soft and airy.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these rolls fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can master this recipe with ease.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve them warm and frosted for an eye-catching dessert that will impress guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Coffee Rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Baking pan
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading easier and more efficient, ensuring a smooth dough without the effort of hand-kneading.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients; using multiple bowls helps keep everything organized during preparation.
• Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness when rolling out dough, which is crucial for uniform baking results.

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Ingredients

These light and fluffy coffee cinnamon rolls are a coffee-flavored twist on the classic recipe. With a bold coffee flavor and coffee cream cheese frosting, they are every coffee lover’s dream!

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup water
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring below)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoon instant yeast
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ cup whole milk (slightly warmed)
• 1 tsp instant coffee granules
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Tangzhong (from recipe above)
• 4 tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 5 tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ tsp instant coffee granules
• 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp heavy cream
• ¾ tsp instant coffee granules

How to Make Coffee Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and all-purpose flour. Cook over medium heat while whisking constantly until the mixture becomes a paste-like slurry. This should take about 4–5 minutes. Scrape it into a bowl and set aside until it’s ready to use.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixing bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Slightly warm the milk. Stir in the instant coffee until it dissolves completely. Then add this mixture along with the large egg, vanilla extract, and tangzhong to your dry ingredients.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Knead on low speed with the dough hook for about 2 minutes until it begins forming a shaggy ball. Gradually add softened butter one tablespoon at a time while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Continue Kneading

Knead for an additional 8–10 minutes until the dough appears smooth and elastic. If it’s too wet or sticking to the sides of the bowl, add flour gradually; if it’s dry, add milk half a tablespoon at a time.

Step 6: Let It Rise

With lightly buttered hands, pull the dough sides down into its center to form a smooth ball. Place it seam-side down in a buttered bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 45–60 minutes).

Step 7: Make Filling

In a small bowl, combine softened butter with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and instant coffee until smooth.

Step 8: Roll Out Dough

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 14×18 inches with the long side facing you. Spread the filling evenly over the dough up to the edges while leaving about 1/4 inch clean at the top.

Step 9: Cut Rolls

Cut into twelve strips measuring around 1½ inches each. Roll each strip away from you while pinching to seal at the clean end. Transfer them into your prepared baking pan; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise again in a warm spot until doubled (about another 45–60 minutes). Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Step 10: Bake

Bake for about 20–23 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and allow cooling on a wire rack while preparing frosting.

Step 11: Make Frosting

Combine softened cream cheese with butter before mixing in powdered sugar thoroughly. Whisk in heavy cream along with instant coffee until smooth.

Step 12: Frost Rolls

Spread frosting generously over warm Coffee Rolls before serving—enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Serve Coffee Rolls

Coffee rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their delicious coffee flavor. Whether you are hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet morning at home, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the coffee rolls.
• Banana Slices: Adding banana slices will provide a sweet, creamy texture that complements the coffee flavor.

With Coffee or Tea

• Espresso: Pair your coffee rolls with a shot of espresso for an extra kick of coffee goodness.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea can balance out the sweetness of the rolls and provide a soothing experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: Top your coffee rolls with light whipped cream for added richness and creaminess.

As Part of a Breakfast Spread

• Yogurt Parfait: Include coffee rolls in a breakfast spread alongside yogurt parfaits for variety in textures and flavors.
• Granola Bowl: Serve them with granola and your favorite milk for a satisfying breakfast option.

How to Perfect Coffee Rolls

Achieving perfect coffee rolls involves attention to detail at every step. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out fluffy and flavorful.

• Bold Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. This guarantees proper rising and fluffy texture in your rolls.
• Accurate Measurements: Use precise measurements for flour and liquids. Too much flour can lead to dense rolls.
• Warm Environment for Rising: Let the dough rise in a warm place. This significantly impacts how well it rises and develops flavor.
• Knead Thoroughly: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten, leading to better structure.
• Bake Until Golden Brown: Keep an eye on baking time. Pulling them out at just the right moment ensures they remain soft inside.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Rolls

Coffee rolls can shine even brighter when served alongside complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options that pair beautifully with them.

1. Greek Yogurt: A creamy, tangy yogurt can balance the sweetness of the coffee rolls while adding protein.
2. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your breakfast table.
3. Avocado Toast: The rich creaminess of avocado toast provides a savory contrast to sweet coffee rolls.
4. Cereal Bowl: A simple bowl of cereal with milk can offer crunch alongside the soft texture of the rolls.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie topped with granola makes for a nutritious addition that complements coffee flavors.
6. Savory Muffins: Serve with savory muffins like cheese or herb varieties for an interesting taste combination.
7. Scrambled Eggs: Light, fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and create a hearty breakfast experience alongside coffee rolls.
8. Chia Pudding: This nutritious option is not only healthy but also provides contrast in texture that pairs well with coffee flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making coffee rolls can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Incorrect flour measurement: Using too much or too little flour can drastically change the texture of your coffee rolls. Always use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.

• Skipping the tangzhong: This special paste helps create fluffy rolls. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for moisture and softness.

• Not letting the dough rise enough: Patience is key! Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size to achieve that light, airy texture.

• Overbaking the rolls: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove them from the oven as soon as they turn golden brown to avoid dryness.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Ensure that your milk and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder yeast activation and dough development.

• Rushing the frosting process: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy frosting without lumps.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store coffee rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Coffee Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Coffee Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap rolls in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds. Add more time if needed.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm each roll for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making coffee rolls:

How do I make my coffee rolls fluffier?

To achieve fluffier coffee rolls, ensure proper kneading of the dough and allow it ample time to rise until it doubles in size.

Can I use instant coffee in coffee rolls?

Yes! Instant coffee granules work perfectly in this recipe, providing that rich flavor without needing brewed coffee.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticking excessively, gradually add more flour by the tablespoon until it reaches a manageable consistency while still being soft.

How do I store leftover coffee rolls?

Store any leftover coffee rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I customize my coffee roll filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the filling mixture for added flavor and texture variations.

What is the best way to serve coffee rolls?

Serve warm with a generous spread of cream cheese frosting or enjoy plain with a cup of coffee or tea!

Final Thoughts

These coffee rolls are not just delicious but also versatile. Their rich flavor makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite fillings or toppings. Enjoy experimenting with this delightful recipe!