These Triple Coffee Sweet Rolls are the perfect blend of rich espresso and sweet cinnamon, swirled into a soft, buttery dough. Each bite combines the robust flavor of coffee with a hint of spice, topped off by a luscious espresso glaze that enhances the sweet roll experience. It’s the ultimate indulgence for coffee lovers looking for a unique treat to start their day.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home, these rolls are a showstopper. The triple-layered coffee infusion, combined with the delicate sweetness, makes this dish not only delicious but visually irresistible. A true delight for anyone who enjoys baked goods with a twist!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground espresso
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- Espresso Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the remaining flour and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, espresso powder, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 even rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and cover with a clean towel. Let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the espresso glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Kcal: 310 kcal per roll | Servings: 12 rolls
Triple Coffee Sweet Rolls Overview:
This recipe is all about combining the rich, bold flavors of coffee with a classic sweet roll. It uses espresso powder in the filling to intensify the coffee flavor, and the espresso glaze adds an extra punch. The cinnamon complements the coffee well, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice.
Key Ingredients:
- Espresso Powder: Provides a strong coffee flavor without adding too much liquid to the dough or filling.
- Cinnamon: A spice that pairs beautifully with coffee, adding warmth to the flavor profile.
- Sweet Dough: A classic soft dough made with milk, butter, and eggs for a rich, tender roll.
Preparation Details:
- Dough: You’ll need to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, allowing it to rise properly, which results in fluffy rolls. This is an enriched dough (containing butter, milk, and eggs), giving the rolls a soft texture.
- Filling: Ground espresso and cinnamon are mixed with butter and sugar, then spread across the dough before rolling it up, which creates the iconic swirls inside.
- Baking: The rolls are baked until golden brown, and the kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of coffee and cinnamon.
- Espresso Glaze: Once the rolls are baked, they are drizzled with a smooth espresso glaze. This glaze is made with brewed coffee, which enhances the coffee notes without overwhelming the sweetness.
Customizing the Recipe:
- You can adjust the strength of the coffee flavor by adding more or less espresso powder to the filling or glaze.
- This recipe can be made dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk.
- For an even richer flavor, you could experiment by adding chocolate chips or a mocha glaze.
Serving Suggestions:
These rolls are perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee for an extra caffeine boost, or enjoy them alongside a glass of cold brew.
Flavor Profile:
- Coffee: The espresso brings a deep, bold flavor that’s slightly bitter but is balanced out by the sweetness of the dough and glaze.
- Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth, depth, and a comforting aroma that blends harmoniously with the coffee.
- Butter: Adds richness to the dough and the filling, giving the rolls their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Dough Insights:
This dough is an enriched dough, meaning it contains fat (butter), milk, and eggs. These ingredients create a rich and tender structure, giving the rolls their signature soft texture. Kneading the dough ensures the gluten develops properly, allowing the rolls to rise and become fluffy.
Rolling Technique:
Once the dough is rolled out into a rectangle and the filling is spread, rolling the dough tightly from the long edge is essential for creating those iconic spirals you see in cinnamon or sweet rolls. After rolling, you slice the log into individual rolls, which are placed in a baking dish to rise again before baking.
Baking Tips:
- Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Baking Time: The rolls take about 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll want to remove them when they’re golden brown on top, but still soft inside. Overbaking can make the rolls dry.
- Serving: The rolls are best served warm, right after the glaze is drizzled on top, allowing the glaze to slightly melt and soak into the rolls.
The Perfect Espresso Glaze:
The glaze is simple but adds a luxurious finish to the rolls. By using brewed coffee in the glaze, you reinforce the coffee flavor without overwhelming the sweetness. The powdered sugar thickens the glaze, and the vanilla adds a subtle flavor that complements both the coffee and cinnamon.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Reheating: Warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds before serving to bring back their soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Dietary Adaptations:
- Dairy-Free: You can substitute the milk and butter with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter, and the result will still be delicious.
- Vegan: To make the recipe fully vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use non-dairy milk and butter.
Presentation Ideas:
- For a more dramatic presentation, you can garnish the rolls with finely chopped coffee beans or even chocolate shavings.
- The contrast between the dark espresso glaze and the golden rolls can be enhanced with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving.
Advanced Tips:
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the rolls the night before, allowing them to do their second rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bring them to room temperature and bake as instructed.
- Extra Flavors: If you want to add a twist to the recipe, you could incorporate chocolate chips or nuts into the filling for extra texture and flavor.