WakeUp Call Wonders Rich Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Glaze

Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:12 generous rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 105–115°F
• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (for filling)
• Pinch of salt (for filling)
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 1–3 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze, if necessary)

Instructions:

• Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk gently, dissolve the 2 teaspoons of espresso powder in it, and then whisk in the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let stand until foamy (about 5–10 minutes).
• Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the remaining sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Add the activated yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt.
• Knead: Knead with the dough hook for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test.
• First Proof (Bulk Fermentation): Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (approx. 1 to 1.5 hours).
• Prepare Filling: While the dough proofs, thoroughly mix all filling ingredients in a small bowl until creamy and spreadable.
• Shape the Rolls: Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a large rectangle (roughly 12x18 inches).
• Spread & Roll: Spread the butter filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin clear on one long edge. Starting from the long edge opposite the clear margin, roll the dough tightly into a log.
• Cut: Using unflavoured dental floss or a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 even pieces (about 1 ½ inches thick).
• Second Proof (Pan Proof): Arrange the rolls snugly in the greased 9x13 pan. Cover loosely and let rise again until they are puffy and nearly touching (approx. 45 minutes to 1 hour).
• Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating halfway, until golden brown.
• Make the Glaze: While rolls cool slightly, beat the cream cheese, butter, and dissolved espresso mixture until smooth. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar until fluffy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
• Glaze and Serve: Drizzle or generously spread the warm glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately!

Nutrition Facts

Calories	631 kcal
Protein	8.1 g
Fat	25.9 g
Carbs	73.0 g
Fiber	7.0 g
Sodium	3481 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Dessert, Breakfast
Cuisine	American

Elevating Breakfast: The Grown-Up Appeal of Coffee Cinnamon Rolls

There is a distinct magic that happens when the comforting aroma of yeasted dough meets the bold, invigorating scent of roasted coffee beans. It’s a transformation that takes a familiar, beloved treat and elevates it squarely into the realm of sophisticated indulgence. Forget the overly sweet, sticky buns of your childhood; we are diving headfirst into Coffee Cinnamon Rolls , a recipe designed for the palate that appreciates depth and nuance alongside sweetness. This particular bake, "Wake-Up Call Wonders: Rich Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Glaze," is not just breakfast; it’s an event, perfectly suited for languid weekend mornings or whenever you need a substantial caffeine-laced hug.

Why This Recipe Beats Your Standard Weekend Bake

This recipe moves beyond the ordinary by integrating high-quality espresso directly into the foundation of the dough and the luscious filling. It offers a complexity that pairs beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar, resulting in truly unforgettable coffee sweet rolls .

Aromatic Promise: The Scent of Coffee and Spice

The initial stages of making these rolls fill your home with a fragrance that rivals any high-end bakery. The combination of dark brown sugar melting with strong espresso powder and fragrant cinnamon creates a symphony that promises richness before the first bite is even taken.

This deeply aromatic experience sets the stage for what is to come—a nuanced flavour profile rather than a one-note sugar rush.

Simplicity Guaranteed: Baking Success for Novices

While the depth of flavour suggests a high level of skill, I’ve structured this "Wake-Up Call Wonders" coffee cinnamon rolls recipe to be accessible. We utilize the reliable stand mixer for kneading, which significantly simplifies the most labor-intensive part of working with yeasted dough. Patience during the proofing stages is the main requirement here; the mixing and shaping are remarkably straightforward.

What Makes These Coffee Rolls Irresistible?

The core appeal lies in the texture and flavour marriage. The dough is rich and pillowy, akin to a soft brioche, thanks to the eggs and generous butter content. This softness contrasts beautifully with the robust, slightly bitter notes infused by the espresso, which is then perfectly balanced by the tang of the signature coffee cinnamon roll icing . These are the cafe cinnamon rolls you’ve always dreamed of recreating at home.

Sourcing Perfection: Essential Components for Flavor Depth

Achieving that deep, complex coffee flavour requires attention to your ingredients, particularly where the caffeine is introduced. We aren't just sprinkling instant coffee haphazardly; we are strategically infusing it.

For the dough, 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder dissolved directly into the warm milk is sufficient to perfume the entire batch without making the bread bitter. However, for the filling, we ramp it up to 1 tablespoon of espresso powder mixed with the cinnamon and brown sugar. This dual infusion ensures that the coffee note permeates every layer. If you are determined to make these entirely plant-based, seeking out quality vegan butter substitutes is crucial, as they must mimic the richness needed for a soft crumb, making a coffee cinnamon rolls vegan adaptation achievable with careful sourcing.

Tool Checklist: What You Need Before You Begin Mixing

While a well-equipped kitchen certainly helps, a few specific tools are essential for smooth sailing through the mixing, rising, and shaping processes of this 12-serving bake.

The Dough's Backbone: Flour, Yeast, and Liquid Foundation

The structure relies on about 4 to 4 ½ cups of all-purpose flour paired with 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast. The liquid component is key: 1 cup of whole milk must be warmed precisely to between 105° F and 115° F. If you miss this temperature window, your yeast won't activate correctly, leading to flat results. Room temperature eggs are also non-negotiable as they incorporate more smoothly into the dough structure.

Crafting the Coffee-Infused Filling Magic

For the filling, the butter must be genuinely softened—spreadable but not melted—which is critical for even distribution across the rolled-out dough rectangle. Combine this with 1 cup of firmly packed dark brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of espresso powder, and a small pinch of salt.

Mixing these components thoroughly before spreading ensures every swirl has an equal measure of spice and coffee.

Assembling the Espresso Glaze Components

The crowning glory is the coffee cinnamon roll glaze . This requires 8 ounces of full-fat cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened butter for richness, combined with 3 cups of sifted powdered sugar for texture. The essential flavour element is 1 teaspoon of espresso powder dissolved in just 1 tablespoon of hot water—this concentrated shot ensures a strong flavour in the coffee cinnamon roll icing .

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Mastering the Dough: From Activation to First Rise

The process begins with activating the yeast. Gently warm your milk, ensuring it’s no hotter than a pleasant bath, and stir in the 2 teaspoons of espresso powder until dissolved. Then, sprinkle in the yeast and a touch of sugar. Wait about 5 to 10 minutes; you should see a lovely foam cap form on the surface, signaling that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, leading to a truly bouncy base.

Next, in your stand mixer bowl fitted with the dough hook, combine the remaining sugar, melted (but cooled) butter, and eggs. Pour in the activated yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate 4 cups of flour and the salt. Knead on medium-low speed for 8 to 10 minutes. The dough should be supple, smooth, and elastic enough to pass the "windowpane test," meaning you can gently stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without tearing. After kneading, lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, cover it, and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area until it has doubled in size, which usually takes between 1 to 1. 5 hours.

Rolling, Swirling, and Slicing Your Cinnamon Rolls Perfectly

Once the dough has doubled, gently deflate it and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, work the dough into a uniform rectangle, aiming for roughly 12 inches by 18 inches. It is important to have relatively consistent thickness across the entire sheet to ensure even baking later.

While the dough rests briefly, ensure your filling butter is perfectly soft. Spread the entire mixture evenly over the dough surface, leaving a small, clean margin—about half an inch—along one of the long edges. This dry edge is crucial; it helps the log seal properly during rolling.

Starting from the opposite, filling-covered long edge, roll the dough tightly into a compact log. Don’t rush this step; tightness equals those desirable, defined swirls later.

The Final Bake: Achieving Golden-Brown Perfection

The transition from shaped dough to baked delight involves careful proofing and monitoring the oven environment.

Activating the Yeast: Ensuring a Bouncy Base

Before baking, the shaped rolls need their second rise, or pan proof. Arrange the 12 slices snugly but not overly crammed into your prepared 9x13 pan. Cover this loosely with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel and allow them to rest again in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour. They should look visibly puffy and almost touching one another. A well-proofed roll bakes up lighter and softer.

The Art of the Spread: Evenly Distributing the Filling

As mentioned, the key here is ensuring that the softened butter filling coats the dough completely, right up to the edges (save for that one dry sealing strip). This even coating guarantees that when the rolls bake and expand, the brown sugar and coffee mixture melts into a moist, flavourful layer, creating the perfect contrast to the soft bread.

Proofing for Peak Volume Before Oven Entry

This secondary proofing stage is where the texture is finalized. Resist the urge to rush this step. If the rolls haven't puffed up enough, they may shrink slightly in the oven. If they have proofed too long (over-risen), they might collapse. Aim for a texture that feels pillowy and delicate to the touch before they enter the oven.

Drizzling the Sweet Finish: Applying the Glaze Post-Bake

Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes. You are looking for a deep golden-brown hue on the edges and tops. Crucially, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for just 5 to 10 minutes before glazing. The residual heat will slightly melt the thick, rich coffee cinnamon roll glaze , allowing it to seep down into the crevices, maximizing moisture and flavour.

Expert Baker Secrets for Unforgettable Coffee Cinnamon Rolls

To truly master this recipe, consider using slightly less flour during the initial mixing phase than the recipe calls for, adding the last ¼ cup gradually. Dough consistency can vary based on humidity. If your dough feels too sticky but is clearing the sides of the mixer bowl, stop adding flour; it will firm up during the long rise.

Next,, when slicing the log, use unflavoured dental floss pulled taut; this prevents the dough from getting compressed, maintaining those beautiful spirals you worked hard to create.

Shelf Life and Reheating: Keeping Your Treats Fresh

These magnificent coffee cinnamon rolls are undoubtedly best enjoyed warm, shortly after the glaze has set. However, they hold up beautifully for several days.

Troubleshooting Common Dough Dilemmas

If your dough feels heavy after the first rise, your yeast might have been old, or your milk too hot. Don't panic. Knead in an extra teaspoon of sugar and allow it to rest in a slightly warmer spot; sometimes, the yeast just needs an extra push.

If the rolls bake up dense, it’s almost always an issue of under-proofing before the oven, not under-kneading.

Optional Upgrades: Adding Chocolate Chips or Nuts

For an extra layer of decadence worthy of a true feast, consider lightly sprinkling miniature dark chocolate chips or finely chopped pecans over the filling before rolling the log. This introduces a textural crunch and a deeper mocha flavour, turning your standard bake into something truly spectacular.

Optimal Storage Guidelines for Maximum Freshness

Store any leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat individual rolls, microwave them for 15–20 seconds, or wrap them loosely in foil and bake them in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven for about 8 minutes until warmed through. Serving them with an extra dollop of the leftover coffee cinnamon roll icing is highly encouraged.

Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate Values)

While these are an indulgent treat, understanding the estimated impact helps manage expectations. We estimate that one generous serving (one roll, generously glazed) clocks in around 450 to 500 calories, derived mostly from the fats in the butter and cream cheese, and the natural sugars from the brown sugar and powdered sugar components.

They provide a good source of quick energy for a busy morning!