Coffee Rolls Recipe

If you’re craving a morning treat that combines fluffy dough and robust coffee flavor, Coffee Rolls might just become your new obsession. These pillowy-soft sweet rolls are swirled with a buttery coffee filling and then finished with a silky glaze made from real coffee, making every bite a delicate balance of cozy comfort and pure indulgence. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday brunch or simply want to upgrade your everyday breakfast, Coffee Rolls are guaranteed to impress—and, trust me, the smell as they bake is absolute heaven!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to create truly decadent Coffee Rolls. Each ingredient plays an important part, from building a fluffy base to packing those unmistakable coffee notes into every swirl and drizzle.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the dough, contributing to that soft, chewy structure you crave in every roll.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the coffee’s boldness.
• Active dry yeast (1 packet): The secret to a lofty, tender roll that rises beautifully in your oven.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making both the dough and filling pop.
• Warm milk: Makes the dough extra tender—ensure it’s just warm to the touch, not hot.
• Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Used twice for maximum richness, both in the dough and the filling.
• Large egg: Adds richness and gives the rolls their pillowy texture.
• Light brown sugar: Creates that gooey, caramel-like swirl in the filling.
• Instant coffee granules or espresso powder: This is where Coffee Rolls shine with real, robust coffee flavor.
• Ground cinnamon (optional): Offers a subtle warmth that partners perfectly with coffee.
• Powdered sugar: The star of that decadent glaze—smooth and sweet.
• Brewed strong coffee: Whisks a layer of deep flavor into the glaze, echoing the coffee in every bite.
• Pure vanilla extract: Brings an aromatic finish to the glaze, tying all the flavors together.

How to Make Coffee Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

Let’s start by waking up that yeast with a cozy bath of warm milk, sugar, and a touch of flour. Once you mix in the melted butter and egg, you’ll have a rich base coming together. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms—it should just start pulling away from the bowl. A quick 5–7 minute knead on a floured surface will tease out that magical elasticity, guaranteeing ultra-soft rolls. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm corner of your kitchen until doubled in size, about an hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Filling

While the dough takes its first nap, mix up the hero of this recipe: a dreamy combination of softened butter, brown sugar, instant coffee, and cinnamon. As you blend everything until fluffy and smooth, don’t be afraid to add an extra pinch of cinnamon for some extra cozy vibes!

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Once your dough has puffed, punch it down gently (so satisfying, right?) and roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread that coffee filling edge-to-edge using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log, then slice it into twelve even rounds. For the cleanest swirls, unwind some dental floss around the log and pull it through each section.

Step 4: Second Rise

Arrange your Coffee Rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a big round pan, giving them a little space to expand. Cover them up and let them rise again until they look satisfyingly puffy—another 30 to 40 minutes should do the trick. This second rise is the secret to that irresistible fluffy texture.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop the risen rolls into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a kitchen that smells like a charming coffee house. Don’t be afraid to check early, as you want them soft, not dry.

Step 6: Make the Coffee Glaze

While the rolls cool just a little, whisk together powdered sugar, cooled coffee, and vanilla extract until you have a silky, pourable glaze. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of coffee; too thin, sprinkle in a bit more sugar.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the warm Coffee Rolls generously with your fresh glaze. Watch as the glaze seeps into the swirls, creating sticky sweetness and beautiful shine. Serve them warm for the ultimate treat alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea!

How to Serve Coffee Rolls

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with Coffee Rolls. I love to dust the tops with extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of finely ground coffee, or even a handful of toasted nuts for a bit of crunch. For a festive touch, try a few chocolate shavings or a drizzle of white chocolate for contrast.

Side Dishes

While Coffee Rolls can absolutely steal the show on their own, they’re also lovely alongside a bowl of fresh fruit, a creamy yogurt parfait, or soft scrambled eggs. If you’re hosting brunch, pair them with a fresh fruit salad and a carafe of piping hot coffee for a meal everyone will remember.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special presentation, arrange your Coffee Rolls in a beautiful spiral on a cake stand or rustic platter and drizzle the glaze at the table for a bit of drama. You could serve individual rolls in cupcake wrappers for a portable, party-friendly version, or stack mini rolls in a “coffee roll tower” for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Coffee Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep them longer, transfer them to the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Be sure to let the rolls cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess from condensation.

Freezing

Coffee Rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. For ultimate freshness, freeze the glaze separately and drizzle after reheating if possible.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm Coffee Rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds per roll, or pop them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. A quick glaze refresh after warming makes them taste bakery-new!

FAQs

Can I make Coffee Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking. This makes them perfect for effortless brunches or holiday mornings.

Do I need to use espresso powder or can instant coffee work?

Both work well, but espresso powder will give a deeper, more robust coffee flavor. If using instant coffee granules, just be sure to dissolve them well into the butter to avoid any crunchy bits. Adjust the amounts to suit your coffee strength preferences.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No mixer? No problem! This dough is easily mixed and kneaded by hand—just expect a small arm workout. Make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for that characteristic fluffy Coffee Roll bite.

Can these be made vegan?

Yes, with a few swaps! Use non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for the dough. You’ll need to double-check that your sugar and other ingredients fit your dietary needs, but vegan Coffee Rolls are totally doable.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to roll the dough tightly and pinch the seams well. Placing the cut side up in the baking dish and not overcrowding the rolls helps, too. Even if you lose a bit of filling, most of that flavor seeps into the rolls for extra gooeyness at the bottom!

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that smells as dreamy as it tastes, these Coffee Rolls are an absolute must-bake. I hope you’ll fall in love with their fluffy texture and rich coffee swirl just like I did. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of these unforgettable rolls—you won’t be disappointed!