Ingredients
Tangzhong
- 2/3 cup (155 g) water
- 1/4 cup (32 g) bread flour
Dough
- 1/3 cup (78 g) whole milk
- 1/3 cup (78 g) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
- 3 2/3 cups (485 g) bread flour
- 1/3 cup (66 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (6 g) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 large egg (50 g), room temperature
- Tangzhong (from above)
- 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
Cinnamon Coffee Filling
- 12 tablespoons (168 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (5 g) ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon (4 g) instant coffee granules
Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, cold
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
Instructions
- Make the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and bread flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a paste-like slurry. Scrape it into a bowl and set aside to cool.
- Warm Milk and Cream with Coffee: Gently warm the milk and heavy cream in a microwave-safe cup until warm but not hot. Stir in the instant coffee granules until completely dissolved. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the egg, cooled tangzhong, and coffee milk/cream mixture. Using a dough hook, knead on low speed for 2 minutes until a rough ball forms.
- Add Butter and Knead: With the mixer running on low, add the unsalted butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to fully incorporate before adding the next. Knead for an additional 12 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Coffee Filling: In a large bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and instant coffee granules until smooth and creamy.
- Shape the Rolls: Line a 9×13 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 21×15-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon coffee filling evenly over the dough.
- Cut and Roll: Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into twelve 1 3/4-inch wide strips. Roll each strip tightly away from you and place each roll upright into the prepared pan.
- Proof the Rolls: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until they have doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C) during the last part of the rise.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and the center roll reaches an internal temperature of 185°F.
- Make the Coffee Frosting: While the rolls bake, gently warm the heavy cream and dissolve the instant coffee granules in it. Let this cool completely. In a stand mixer bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and lump-free. Add powdered sugar and mix on low speed until light and fluffy. Finally, combine with the cooled coffee cream and vanilla paste/extract.
- Finish and Serve: Spread the coffee cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Measure your dry ingredients carefully using the spoon-level method or a kitchen scale to ensure perfect texture and rise.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Warm before serving in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American