If you’re looking for a cozy treat that combines the irresistible aroma of freshly brewed coffee with the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls, you’re going to adore this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting Recipe. These rolls are soft, tender, and generously swirled with a luscious cinnamon filling, then crowned with a uniquely flavorful frosting that adds just the right touch of rich coffee essence. Whether you’re serving breakfast for guests or indulging in a weekend brunch, this recipe brings a magical blend of sweet and bold flavors that will quickly become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, everyday ingredients come together to bake these spectacular coffee cinnamon rolls. Each item plays a crucial role: from the warm milk that activates the yeast, creating fluffy dough, to the brown sugar and cinnamon that pack the filling with sweetness and spice, all the way to the coffee-infused frosting that seals the deal with a delightful twist.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Essential for activating the yeast and making the dough soft and light.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic leavening agent that makes your rolls rise beautifully.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to complement the cinnamon filling.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the dough and contribute to its tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor throughout.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure provider, making your rolls sturdy yet fluffy.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: The star of the cinnamon filling, creating that deep, caramelized taste.
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that pairs perfectly with coffee.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened: For spreading across the dough before the sugar and cinnamon.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Goes into the frosting for creamy texture.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled: Gives the frosting that signature light brown coffee flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the coffee’s richness and balances the sweetness.
- A pinch of salt: Just enough to enhance all the frosting’s flavors.
How to Make Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk to awaken it—about 110°F is perfect for getting those bubbles going. Let it sit until it’s frothy, then add the sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Mix everything until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough that’s ready for kneading.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps develop the gluten, so your rolls will have that dreamy chewy texture rather than being dense or tough.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about an hour. This rise is crucial because it makes the rolls airy and soft.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Roll the dough into a large rectangle, roughly 16 by 21 inches. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then generously sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top. This layer is what transforms ordinary rolls into something spectacular.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough up tightly starting from the long edge to keep all the filling inside. Cut into 12 even slices and place them spaced apart in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking pan. Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes until they puff up beautifully.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. The scent filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 7: Prepare the Coffee Frosting
Beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cooled coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is silky, smooth, and fluffy. This frosting is what really sets this recipe apart with its delicate coffee flavor and creamy texture.
Step 8: Frost the Rolls
Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly for about 5 minutes, then spread the light brown coffee frosting generously over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt slightly and seep into every delicious crevice, making every bite heavenly.
How to Serve Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, dust the frosted rolls lightly with some ground cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans. These little garnishes add a bit of texture and visual appeal that make these rolls even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a simple fruit salad or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or latte. The light fruitiness balances the sweet richness while the coffee side complements the frosting perfectly for coffee lovers.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls on a rustic wooden board with a sprinkling of cinnamon sticks and coffee beans for a charming, coffeehouse vibe. You can also slice them for individual servings on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of extra frosting or warm caramel sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coffee cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and moist without drying out the rolls or frosting.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted rolls after the first rise or even after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Add a quick brush of melted butter before warming to retain softness and then top with frosting to refresh that indulgent flavor.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but use about 25% less since it’s more concentrated. Also, you can mix it directly with the flour without proofing in warm milk first.
What if I don’t want to use coffee in the frosting?
You can swap the brewed coffee for an equal amount of milk or cream, which will still make delicious frosting but without the coffee flavor.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
While this recipe relies on all-purpose flour for the perfect texture, you can try a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but the texture may vary. Make sure your yeast and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How do I get my cinnamon rolls extra gooey?
To amp up gooeyness, increase the brown sugar and butter in the filling slightly, or pour a drizzle of caramel sauce over the baked rolls right before frosting.
Is there a way to make these rolls vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative, replace the butter with vegan margarine, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed plus 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs.
Final Thoughts
These Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting Recipe are truly a labor of love that rewards you with every warm, fragrant bite. The combination of rich cinnamon filling and the subtle coffee frosting will have everyone asking for seconds and grabbing another cup of coffee. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for cozy mornings, special gatherings, or whenever you need a little treat to brighten your day.
Print
Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these warm, aromatic Coffee Cinnamon Rolls topped with a luscious Light Brown Coffee Frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these rolls combine the classic cinnamon-spiced filling with a subtle coffee-infused frosting, adding a unique twist to a beloved treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
Light Brown Coffee Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk (about 110°F). Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, indicating proper gluten development.
- Let It Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: Roll the risen dough out into a large rectangle approximately 16 by 21 inches. Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough surface, then sprinkle the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly over the buttered dough.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving space between each roll to allow for expansion. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Prepare the Coffee Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, cooled brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt together until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and well combined.
- Frost the Rolls: After baking, allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then generously spread the light brown coffee frosting over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- For best results, use freshly brewed strong coffee that has been cooled to room temperature for the frosting.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it; just allow extra time for rising at room temperature.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolls to preserve their shape.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving to regain softness.
