Ready to treat yourself to something extraordinary? This Coffee Roll Recipe is my go-to for transforming a lazy weekend morning into a delicious celebration. Fluffy, aromatic coffee-infused dough, swirled with a rich coffee cinnamon filling, and finished with a dreamy coffee cream cheese frosting — every bite offers a beautiful balance of sweetness, spice, and that beloved coffee kick. If you’re searching for a cozy, bakery-style treat with irresistible coffee flavor, this is the one to try!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this Coffee Roll Recipe shine — just a handful of staples with a few flavor boosters. Each element is thoughtfully selected to build a roll with the perfect lift, moisture, depth, and smooth finish.

Warm water: Activates the yeast, helping your dough rise fluffy and tall.
Dry active yeast: The magic ingredient that brings the dough to life and creates those soft layers.
Warm milk: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the filling, helping flavor pop.
Espresso powder or instant coffee granules: Infuses deep, aromatic coffee flavor in every part of the roll.
Salt: Balances all the flavors, making the sweetness and coffee really shine.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out any bitterness from the coffee.
Egg: Gives structure, moisture, and that rich golden color.
All-purpose flour: The essential building block for soft, pillowy rolls.
Unsalted butter: Makes the rolls tender and brings a luscious richness to both the dough and filling.
Light brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the filling.
Ground cinnamon: Brings a sweet, spicy twist to the filling for classic coffee-cinnamon flavor.
Cream cheese: Creamy base for the frosting, balancing sweetness with a tangy finish.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a silky-smooth topping.
Liquid (milk, cream, or coffee) for thinning frosting: Lets you adjust the frosting texture exactly how you like.

How to Make Coffee Roll Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by spraying your baking dish with non-stick spray and setting it aside. In a large bowl, stir the warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Mix gently with a fork or wooden spoon, then let it stand for 10 minutes until it grows frothy and bubbly — that means your yeast is awake and ready!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

To your activated yeast, add the warm milk, sugar, espresso powder (or instant coffee), salt, vanilla, and egg. Whisk it all together until well combined. The coffee already starts to work its magic here, blending with warmth and sweetness.

Step 3: Add Flour and Butter

Add 1 cup of flour first to get your dough started, then add the softened butter in small pieces. Once mostly incorporated, gradually add in the remaining flour (about 1¼ cups), mixing until everything comes together. Your dough should pull away from the sides and look a little shaggy, but not sticky.

Step 4: Knead and Rest

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, adding a dusting of flour if needed. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic ball — think the texture of PlayDoh. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Step 5: Mix the Coffee Cinnamon Filling

In a medium bowl, blend granulated sugar, light brown sugar, espresso powder (or instant coffee), and ground cinnamon. Stir until everything is well mixed — now you’ve got a filling that smells absolutely heavenly and packs a punch of sweet and spicy coffee flavor.

Step 6: Roll Out and Fill

Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 9×12-inch rectangle. Brush the surface with melted butter, leaving a half-inch border so your filling won’t seep out. Sprinkle the entire coffee-cinnamon-sugar mix evenly over the dough.

Step 7: Shape and Slice

Working from a long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Lightly pinch in the ends for even rolls, then use a sharp, serrated knife to cut into 6 equal slices. Arrange them cut side down in your prepared pan, tucking any runaway filling right back in. Flatten gently, then cover and let rise for 1½ hours in a cozy spot.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F while the dough rises. Bake the rolls for around 28 to 32 minutes, watching for that beautiful golden brown top. Cover with foil if they brown too quickly. Once baked, let them cool for 15 minutes while you get the frosting ready.

Step 9: Make the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Lower the mixer speed and add powdered sugar, espresso powder (or instant coffee), and salt. Mix until dreamy and creamy — if you want a thinner frosting, splash in a bit of your chosen liquid. Spread over slightly cooled rolls and enjoy!

How to Serve Coffee Roll Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of cinnamon, a pinch of espresso powder, or a scattering of chocolate shavings on top of each Coffee Roll Recipe can make them look irresistible and add a touch of flair. Even a little zest of orange or a drizzle of caramel can elevate breakfast to “wow” status.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm coffee rolls with a pot of freshly brewed coffee, of course! For balance, try a side of fresh berries, Greek yogurt, or even some crispy bacon for that sweet and savory vibe. They’re also lovely alongside a glass of cold milk for the ultimate morning treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Coffee Roll Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a cozy family brunch, stack on a cake stand for a shower or brunch buffet, or wrap them individually in parchment and twine as heartfelt gifts for friends. Little details truly make a homemade roll feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), pop them into an airtight container. The Coffee Roll Recipe will stay soft and tasty at room temperature for up to three days, or up to five days in the refrigerator. A quick microwave reheat (8-10 seconds) brings them back to life.

Freezing

Baked coffee rolls freeze beautifully for up to two or three months. Cool rolls completely, wrap tightly, and stash them away for a future treat. When desired, thaw overnight in the fridge — a quick heat in the oven or microwave makes them taste freshly baked!

Reheating

To enjoy leftover Coffee Roll Recipe rolls warm and fluffy, microwave each roll for just 8-10 seconds. If reheating a whole pan, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. Too much heat will dry them out, so err on the gentle side.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Absolutely! Instant coffee granules work just as well as espresso powder for this Coffee Roll Recipe. Just be sure to use the same measurements — the flavor will still be wonderfully rich and aromatic.

How do I make sure my dough rises properly?

Yeast loves a cozy environment. Make sure your liquids aren’t hot (just warm to the touch) and give your dough plenty of time to rise somewhere draft-free. A turned-off oven with the light on is a perfect spot!

Can I make the Coffee Roll Recipe the night before?

You sure can! Prepare the rolls right up to the point before the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature and rise for an hour before baking as usual.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No mixer? No problem! This Coffee Roll Recipe can be mixed and kneaded entirely by hand. It might take a bit more effort, but the results are just as fluffy and delicious – and you get a bonus arm workout!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely, just double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan (or use two pans). Keep an eye on baking time — the rolls should be golden and cooked through. It’s a fantastic way to make enough to share (or savor plenty for yourself!).

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like pulling warm, gooey rolls from your oven — especially when they’re packed with bold coffee flavor and topped with luscious frosting! I hope this Coffee Roll Recipe finds its way into your kitchen and brings as much delight to your mornings as it has to mine. Go on and give them a try — there’s a perfect swirl waiting for you!