Description
These Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Light Brown Coffee Frosting are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, infusing a rich coffee flavor into both the dough and the creamy frosting. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, these rolls are an ideal breakfast treat or afternoon indulgence for coffee lovers looking to elevate their baked goods.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
Frosting Ingredients
- 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, indicating the yeast is active. Then add the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix until well combined and a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten for a tender texture.
- Let It Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for a light and fluffy roll.
- Prepare the Filling: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle approximately 16×21 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface, then sprinkle the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly on top.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly starting from the long edge to form a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss. Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spacing them slightly apart. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes to ensure a soft interior.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Prepare the Coffee Frosting: While the rolls are baking, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, cooled strong brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Beat these ingredients together until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Frost the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then generously spread the light brown coffee frosting over the warm rolls so it melts slightly and seeps into the swirls.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For stronger coffee flavor, use freshly brewed espresso instead of regular brewed coffee in the frosting.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight to save time in the morning.
- Use dental floss to slice the rolled dough for cleaner, smoother cuts.
- Serve the rolls warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
