Ingredients
Dough
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup water
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring below)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon instant yeast
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup whole milk (slightly warmed)
- 1 tsp instant coffee granules
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- Tangzhong (from recipe above)
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature)
Filling
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ tsp instant coffee granules
Frosting
- 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp heavy cream
- ¾ tsp instant coffee granules
Instructions
- Make Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and all-purpose 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 until needed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixing bowl, combine the 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Prepare Coffee Milk: Slightly warm the milk and stir in the instant coffee granules until fully dissolved.
- Form Dough: Add the egg, coffee milk, vanilla bean paste, and tangzhong to the dry ingredients. Knead with a dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes until a shaggy dough forms.
- Incorporate Butter: With the mixer on low, add the 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each to incorporate fully into the dough.
- Knead Dough: Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky on the bottom of the bowl. Adjust consistency by adding flour or milk as needed.
- First Rise: Shape dough into a smooth ball and place seam side down in a buttered bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine 5 tablespoons softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and instant coffee granules until smooth.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 14×18 inch rectangle with the long side facing you. Spread the coffee cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/4 inch border at the top edge.
- Shape Rolls: Cut the dough into twelve 1 ½-inch strips. Roll each strip away from you, pinching the edge to seal. Place rolls in a prepared baking pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled, about 45-60 minutes. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) during this time.
- Bake: Bake rolls for 20-23 minutes until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack while making frosting.
- Make Frosting: Combine softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar. Whisk in heavy cream and instant coffee granules until creamy and well blended.
- Serve: Spread frosting generously over cooled coffee rolls and enjoy this rich and aromatic treat.
Notes
- For Tangzhong, the mixture must thicken and become paste-like for proper dough moisture and texture.
- When measuring flour, spoon into the cup and level off with a knife, do not scoop directly with the measuring cup to avoid dense dough.
- Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature to integrate smoothly.
- Proof dough in a warm, draft-free place for optimal rising.
- Roll thickness and size can be adjusted for larger or smaller rolls, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American