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Coffee Cinnamon Rolls

Coffee Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee, warm (110°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 to 3 tsp instant espresso powder
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, very soft
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tsp instant espresso powder
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Proof yeast in warm coffee with 1 tsp sugar for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. Whisk 2 3/4 cups flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg; stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead 8 to 10 minutes, adding remaining flour as needed. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  2. Punch down dough and roll into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread 3 tbsp soft butter over the surface, leaving a border at the top edge. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and 2 to 3 tsp espresso powder; sprinkle over butter and press lightly. Roll tightly from the long side, pinch seam to seal.
  3. Cut log into 12 even slices and place cut side up in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Cover and let rise until puffy, 45 to 60 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) toward the end of the rise.
  4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and the center roll springs back. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, 2 tsp espresso powder, vanilla, and salt; beat until light and spreadable.
  6. Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve right from the pan.

Notes

Let the baked rolls rest 10 minutes before frosting so the topping doesn’t slide right off. The frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge; bring it to room temperature and re-whip before spreading.