Coffee Cinnamon Rolls: The Bold, Cozy Twist Your Morning Deserves

There’s nothing more comforting than the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven… unless they’re coffee cinnamon rolls. These rolls bring together two morning essentials—cinnamon and coffee—into one buttery, fluffy, and soul-soothing treat. The result? A soft swirl of dough soaked with espresso-spiked filling and topped with a silky coffee glaze that gives your favorite pastry a bold, grown-up upgrade.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping a weekend treat, or just need a sweet moment of peace with your coffee, these rolls are exactly what your morning’s been waiting for.

Why You’ll Love These Rolls

These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls. The dough is rich and soft, the filling is spiced and subtly bitter-sweet thanks to the coffee, and the glaze adds a creamy espresso finish that lingers. You still get the warm cinnamon comfort, but with a bold, aromatic edge that feels elevated. And no, they’re not overpoweringly strong—just enough to remind you that coffee belongs in more than just your mug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the dough:

– ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
– 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ tsp salt

For the filling:

– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or finely ground coffee

For the coffee glaze:

– 1½ cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt

Make the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Mix in the egg, yolk, and melted butter. Add flour and salt, and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky. Form into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and espresso powder. Mix until it becomes a smooth, spreadable paste.

Roll and Fill

Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 14×9 inch rectangle. Spread the coffee-cinnamon mixture evenly across the dough, reaching all the way to the edges. Roll tightly from the long edge into a log and cut into 9–12 even rolls.

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 pan or round baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Bake Until Golden

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and the centers are cooked through. Let cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

Make the Coffee Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, espresso, cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm rolls and let it slightly soak into the swirls. For extra drama, dust the tops with a light sprinkle of espresso powder or cocoa before serving.

Variations to Try

– Mocha Cinnamon Rolls: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolatey coffee twist.
– Cardamom Coffee Rolls: Add ¼ tsp ground cardamom to the filling for a warm, spiced kick.
– Cream Cheese Coffee Frosting: Swap the glaze for a coffee cream cheese frosting if you prefer a thicker topping.
– Make It Overnight: Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for stress-free brunch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these rolls with a strong cup of coffee or a cinnamon latte to double down on the cozy vibes. They’re also perfect with cold brew, hot chai, or even a glass of milk if you’re going for dessert mode.

Final Thoughts

Coffee Cinnamon Rolls are the answer to your morning sweet tooth and your caffeine craving all in one. With gooey cinnamon filling, bold coffee notes, and a soft, fluffy base, these rolls taste like something from your favorite bakery—but made with love at home. Warm, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgent, they’re proof that coffee and cinnamon were meant to be more than just breakfast companions.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.