Meet your new brunch obsession: Coffee Rolls. These pillowy-soft spirals are infused with the warm complexity of cinnamon, a double shot of coffee, and finished with a sumptuous cream cheese coffee frosting. Every bite is the perfect balance of sweet, gently bitter, and irresistibly rich—the kind of recipe that whispers, “brew a fresh pot, invite your favorite people, and savor something truly special.” Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting your hands floury, Coffee Rolls manage to taste as impressive as they look, making them worthy of weekend celebrations and cozy weekday treats alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Coffee Rolls may look classic, but each one plays a vital role in making these swirls extra tender and flavorful. Simple pantry staples like flour and sugar build structure, while cream cheese and instant coffee bring excitement and depth no store-bought sweet roll can match.

All-purpose flour (¼ cup + 3 ½ cups): This versatile flour is used to make the signature soft dough and the tangzhong starter for perfect texture.
Water (¾ cup): Whisked with flour to form the tangzhong paste, which keeps the rolls fluffy and moist.
Granulated sugar (⅓ cup): Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast for a gentle rise.
Instant yeast (2 tsp): Speeds up the dough’s growth, delivering a lighter crumb in less time.
Fine sea salt (¾ tsp): Balances all the sweetness and enhances the roll’s flavor profile.
Whole milk (½ cup, slightly warmed): Provides richness, while its warmth helps dissolve coffee and activate yeast.
Instant coffee granules (1 tsp + 1 ½ tsp + ¾ tsp): Adds unmistakable coffee flavor to both dough, filling, and glaze.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Gives the buns structure and a beautiful golden color.
Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Lends a subtle, comforting aroma.
Tangzhong (from above): A cooked flour-water paste that brings extra tenderness—don’t skip it!
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp + 5 tbsp + 4 tbsp, room temperature): Ensures the bread is rich, the filling is gooey, and the frosting is luxurious.
Dark or light brown sugar (⅔ cup): Caramel notes deepen the filling’s flavor.
Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): Warms up the flavor and pairs beautifully with coffee.
Cream cheese (2 oz, softened): The secret to a luscious, tangy frosting.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Makes the icing sweet and smooth for perfect drizzles.
Heavy cream (4 tbsp): Gives the glaze its velvety finish and helps it melt into the rolls.

How to Make Coffee Rolls

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong Paste

Start your Coffee Rolls on the path to pillowy perfection by whisking together ¼ cup flour and ¾ cup water in a small saucepan. Gently cook this mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens into a smooth, paste-like slurry—about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let it cool; this little step guarantees rolls that stay soft and fresh longer than you ever thought possible.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl, combine 3 ½ cups flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp instant yeast, and ¾ tsp sea salt. This foundation is everything for our dough—the sugar sweetens, the yeast lifts, the salt sharpens flavors, and the flour does all the heavy lifting.

Step 3: Coffee-Infused Milk

Warm ½ cup milk gently (don’t let it get hot!), then stir in 1 tsp instant coffee granules until fully dissolved. This trick punches up the Coffee Rolls with even more robust flavor right from the start.

Step 4: Form the Dough

With your dry ingredients ready, add the dissolved coffee milk, 1 large egg, ½ tsp vanilla, and the tangzhong paste to the bowl. Fit your stand mixer with the dough hook and knead on low for about 2 minutes, just until everything starts coming together in a shaggy mass.

Step 5: Add Butter for Richness

While kneading continues on low speed, add 4 tbsp of room temperature unsalted butter one tablespoon at a time. This slow-and-steady approach helps the butter fully incorporate for rolls that are silky and decadent, without any greasy patches.

Step 6: Knead Until Silky Smooth

Keep kneading the dough for another 8-10 minutes, or until it’s glossy and elastic but still just a bit sticky on the bottom. If it’s overly wet and sticks to the sides, add more flour one tablespoon at a time. Too dry? A splash of milk restores balance. The dough will look like it wants to be made into Coffee Rolls right now!

Step 7: Let the Dough Rise

With buttered hands, shape the dough into a smooth ball, tucking the edges underneath to create surface tension. Place it seam-side down in a buttered bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set it in a warm, draft-free place. Wait 45 to 60 minutes as your dough doubles in size—it’s getting ready for greatness.

Step 8: Prepare the Coffee Filling

While the dough rises, stir together 5 tbsp unsalted butter (softened), ⅔ cup brown sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, and 1½ tsp instant coffee granules until you have a rich, creamy spread. This is where that unmistakable coffee-cinnamon aroma starts to waft through the kitchen!

Step 9: Shape the Rolls

On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a large 14×18 inch rectangle. Smear the prepared coffee-cinnamon filling generously over the surface, all the way to the edges except for the top quarter inch. This gives your Coffee Rolls their irresistible layers and gooey centers.

Step 10: Roll and Slice

Cut the sheet of dough into twelve 1 ½-inch strips. Carefully roll each strip away from you, then pinch the seam so it seals. Place each roll into a prepared baking pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 45-60 minutes until doubled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325 F (163 C).

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the Coffee Rolls on the center rack for 20-23 minutes until they’re beautifully golden. Remove from the oven and let the pan cool on a wire rack to keep the bottoms from getting soggy.

Step 12: Make the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting

Whip together 2 oz cream cheese and 4 tbsp soft butter until fluffy, then gradually blend in 1 cup powdered sugar. Finish off with 4 tbsp heavy cream and ¾ tsp instant coffee, whisking until dreamy and smooth. This is the finishing touch that makes your Coffee Rolls truly unforgettable!

Step 13: Frost and Enjoy!

Once your rolls have cooled slightly, lavish them with the creamy frosting. Let it settle into every swirl and crevice, grab a fork—or just your fingers—and dig in while they’re still a little warm.

How to Serve Coffee Rolls

Garnishes

For a classic finish, dust your Coffee Rolls with a little extra powdered sugar right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of finely ground coffee or chocolate shavings adds a little sparkle and an extra bite. Even a scatter of roughly chopped toasted nuts can add crunch and deepen the flavor.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a steaming mug of black coffee to double down on coffee bliss, or pair your Coffee Rolls with a cappuccino and some fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread. Soft scrambled eggs, a tangy fruit salad, or a dollop of Greek yogurt balance out the rich sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Coffee Rolls straight from the baking pan for a cozy look, or arrange them on a pretty cake stand with a swirl of icing on top. For a special touch, slice and stack them like a cinnamon roll “cake,” drizzling extra frosting between layers. If you’ve got leftovers, try splitting and griddling them in butter for a decadent coffee bread pudding breakfast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Coffee Rolls soft and fresh, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For even longer freshness, pop them in the fridge—just be sure they’re well sealed to avoid drying out.

Freezing

Coffee Rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap unfrosted rolls individually in plastic and stash them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the entire pan, tightly covered. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze before serving for best results.

Reheating

To restore that just-baked warmth, microwave individual Coffee Rolls for 15-20 seconds or warm a trayful (tent with foil) in a 300 F oven for 10-15 minutes. If you’ve frozen them, let the rolls come to room temperature before reheating to avoid drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant granules?

While brewed coffee can be used in a pinch, instant granules pack a stronger punch of flavor without adding extra liquid to your dough and frosting. For the deepest coffee flavor, stick with the instant type as listed in this Coffee Rolls recipe.

How do I know when the dough has kneaded enough?

You’ll know your dough is ready when it turns glossy, smooth, and springs back slowly when poked. It should stick slightly to the bottom of the bowl but pull away from the sides. Under-kneaded dough will be shaggy and uneven, so take your time!

Can I make Coffee Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the rolls through the point of slicing and arranging in the baking pan, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking fresh for breakfast or brunch.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

Mixing and kneading by hand works just as well; it just takes a little more muscle. Use a sturdy spoon and then knead on a clean counter until the dough passes the “windowpane” test (a bit stretched thin without tearing).

Are Coffee Rolls very sweet?

They’re sweet, but not cloyingly so. The combination of coffee and cream cheese tempers the sugar, while the light bitterness of the coffee and depth from brown sugar make every bite interesting, not overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a weekend baking project that feels both comforting and just a little bit fancy, Coffee Rolls are your answer. Brew up your favorite coffee, invite someone who deserves a treat, and enjoy how warm, homey, and just the right amount of decadent these swirled delights can be. Happy baking—you’re going to love them!