If you have a soft spot for sweet, comforting breakfasts with a kick of boldness, this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine pillowy, tender cinnamon rolls swirled with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar, then topped with a luscious, light brown coffee frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and the rich complexity of coffee. This recipe brings together the comforting familiarity of classic cinnamon rolls and the delightful surprise of coffee-infused frosting, making every bite an irresistible morning indulgence or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key for these wonderful rolls. Each component plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and aroma — from the warm milk activating the yeast to the brown sugar and cinnamon filling the rolls with sweetness and spice.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast to make your dough rise beautifully and adds moisture.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic behind fluffy, airy dough that practically melts in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Add structure and a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, creating chewiness and structure.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel notes that pair perfectly with cinnamon.
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives cinnamon rolls their iconic flavor.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened: Used to spread inside the rolls for a moist and rich filling.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: For the frosting, to make it creamy and smooth.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Provides the sweet base for the frosting’s velvety texture.
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled: Infuses the frosting with a subtle coffee flavor that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the frosting.
- A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the coffee notes in the frosting.
How to Make Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Mix the Dough
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk. This warm embrace wakes up the yeast, ensuring your dough rises beautifully. Once it’s frothy, add sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Mix these together until you have a soft dough that’s ready for kneading.
Step 2: Knead Your Way to Perfect Dough
Work the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is smooth, elastic dough that springs back when you gently poke it. Kneading develops gluten, making your rolls tender yet sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling.
Step 3: First Rise for Fluffy Rolls
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm place. Give it about an hour to double in size. Watching your dough rise is one of the most satisfying parts of making bread, and it means your rolls will be light and airy.
Step 4: Roll Out and Add the Filling
Roll your dough into a large rectangle, approximately 16 by 21 inches. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle generously with brown sugar and cinnamon. This filling melts into the dough during baking, giving you those sweet, gooey cinnamon swirls that everyone loves.
Step 5: Shape Your Rolls and Let Them Rise Again
Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge to create a beautiful spiral. Cut into 12 equal slices and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, giving each roll a little breathing room. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes, so they puff up just right before baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and warm dough — pure bliss!
Step 7: Whip Up the Light Brown Coffee Frosting
While the rolls bake, mix softened butter with powdered sugar, cooled coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and full of that aromatic coffee flavor. This frosting is what takes these cinnamon rolls to the next level.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool just slightly — about five minutes — so they don’t melt the frosting instantly. Then spread your luscious coffee frosting generously over the warm rolls. Every bite combines the sweetness of cinnamon, the richness of butter, and the gentle bitterness of coffee in a perfect balance.
How to Serve Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls. For an extra touch of elegance, dust a little ground cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the frosting before serving.
Side Dishes
These coffee-infused cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of black coffee or creamy latte to enhance their coffee notes. For a balanced breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to add freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the rolls and serve them warm on a rustic wooden board for a cozy brunch vibe. Or place each cinnamon roll in a pretty cupcake wrapper for an elegant coffee break treat. You can even drizzle a little extra coffee frosting zigzag-style on top for a gourmet look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will keep them soft and moist. If the frosting gets a bit firm, warming the rolls slightly before serving will bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Freezing
These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds until soft and cozy. Add a little extra frosting or butter after reheating to freshen up their moist texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If you use instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour, skipping the warm milk activation step. Just be sure to adjust rising times as instant yeast works faster.
Is it necessary to use strong brewed coffee in the frosting?
Strong brewed coffee gives the frosting that wonderful, rich flavor, but if you prefer, you can use espresso or even a coffee concentrate. Avoid weak coffee, as it may dilute the frosting’s taste.
How do I make the rolls dairy-free?
You can substitute cow’s milk with almond, oat, or soy milk warmed to the same temperature. Use dairy-free butter alternatives for both the dough and the frosting without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow rise enhances flavor, and you can roll, fill, and bake fresh the next morning.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the baking pan with butter or non-stick spray works well. For extra insurance, line the pan with parchment paper before placing the rolls in it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warm aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, elevated with the subtle complexity of coffee in both the rolls and frosting. This Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting Recipe is perfect whether you want to impress friends or treat yourself on a slow weekend morning. Once you make these, they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire, promising comfort and joy in every bite. So, grab your apron and get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible smells and happiness!
Print
Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting offer a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls by incorporating a rich coffee flavor both in the dough and the creamy frosting. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a sweet cinnamon and brown sugar mixture are baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth coffee-infused buttercream, making them an irresistible breakfast or brunch 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
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
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk (about 110°F). Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Make Dough: Add granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined and a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for proper texture.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling and Roll: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 16×21 inches. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
- Shape Rolls: Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Cut into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving some space between each roll.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Make Frosting: Beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, cooled brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Frost Rolls: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly for about 5 minutes after baking, then generously spread the coffee frosting over the warm rolls to enjoy the melting effect.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast.
- Kneading the dough well is essential for fluffy rolls.
- For stronger coffee flavor, use freshly brewed strong coffee for the frosting.
- Letting the rolls cool slightly before frosting prevents the frosting from melting completely.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
