Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that feels cozy and indulgent but also wakes you up gently in the morning, this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine tender, gooey cinnamon rolls with a surprising punch of freshly ground coffee woven right into the filling, then topped with a luscious, sweet maple cream cheese frosting that melts over every swirl. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that makes breakfast or brunch a memorable celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday pantry essentials and a few special touch ingredients, crafting these irresistible rolls is straightforward and rewarding. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of soft dough, fragrant filling, and luscious icing.

• Whole milk (2 cups): Provides richness and moisture that makes the dough tender and soft.
• Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the rolls moist and adds a subtle smoothness to the dough.
• Sugar (½ cup for dough, 1 cup for filling): Sweetens the dough and caramelizes with the cinnamon for that classic roll flavor.
• Active dry yeast (¼ ounce): The magic agent that makes the dough rise light and fluffy.
• All-purpose flour (4 ½ cups): The foundation of your dough, providing structure and chew.
• Baking powder and baking soda (½ teaspoon each): Give the rolls a nice rise and contribute to their tender texture.
• Sea salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness beautifully.
• Salted butter (1 cup softened for filling, 3 tablespoons melted for frosting): Adds richness, moisture, and a buttery note to the filling and frosting.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The signature spicy warmth that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible.
• Fresh coffee grounds (2 tablespoons): Infuses a bold, aromatic kick into the cinnamon filling, perfect for coffee lovers.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): Creates a creamy, tangy base for the decadent maple frosting.
• Powdered sugar (2 ½ cups): Provides the sweet, smooth texture to the icing.
• Maple extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Imparts a deep, authentic maple flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese.
• Whole milk (¼ cup for frosting): Lightens the frosting, making it perfectly spreadable and fluffy.

How to Make Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Proof the Dough

Start by gently warming whole milk, vegetable oil, and sugar until the mixture reaches a cozy 110°F—warm enough to encourage yeast activity but never boiling. Sprinkle the yeast on top and watch it come to life in about two minutes, foaming as it works its magic. Transfer this mix to your stand mixer bowl and add four cups of flour, blending until just combined. Cover and let the dough rest somewhere warm for about an hour until it’s bubbly and risen, signaling it’s ready for the next step.

Step 2: Add Leavening and Salt, Then Mix Again

Next, it’s time to build the final dough’s structure. Incorporate the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and remaining half cup of flour. This combination keeps your rolls light and adds tenderness. Mix gently to combine, then either proceed with shaping or refrigerate the dough for up to three days. If it overexpands at any point, simply punch it down to deflate and keep everything under control.

Step 3: Roll Out and Create the Filling Layer

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a generous 30 by 10-inch rectangle. Spread softened salted butter evenly across, leaving a small border for sealing. Then sprinkle a heavenly mix of cinnamon, sugar, and freshly ground coffee evenly over the butter, allowing those warm and intense flavors to shine through every bite.

Step 4: Roll Up and Slice the Cinnamon Rolls

Starting from the long edge closest to you, carefully roll the dough away while keeping it fairly tight, creating a beautiful cinnamon roll log. Pinch the seam shut so your filling doesn’t escape during baking, then use a sharp knife to cut the log into about 20 rolls, each approximately 1½ inches wide—perfect bite-sized spirals ready to wow.

Step 5: Final Proof and Bake

Arrange your rolls cut-side up in a well-greased 9 x 13 inch pan and a 9-inch pie dish, spacing an inch apart to allow expansion. Cover with a thin towel and let them rise again until doubled, usually 20 to 30 minutes. When your oven hits 375°F, pop the cinnamon rolls in and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn delightfully golden brown and perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Mix Up the Maple Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, blend cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, sea salt, and maple extract in your stand mixer until the frost is silky and fluffy—about four minutes. Taste and adjust maple to suit your sweet tooth; this icing will add that signature finish that sets this recipe apart.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once your cinnamon rolls are just cool enough to handle, slather them generously with your maple cream cheese icing. Serve warm to experience the ultimate meld of melty cream cheese, sweet maple, robust coffee, and cinnamon spice all in one fabulous bite.

How to Serve Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Garnishes

Soon as your rolls are frosted, you can add some extra flair. A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of crushed pecans adds texture and a rustic charm. For coffee lovers, a hint of espresso powder lightly dusted on top can intensify that delightful coffee note.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls are perfect fresh and fragrant all on their own, but pairing them with a cup of dark roast coffee or a creamy latte really elevates the experience. For something fruity, a simple bowl of mixed berries or a fresh orange juice complements the warm spices and maple sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these rolls on a large wooden board for a family-style brunch or plate individually with a drizzle of extra maple syrup and a sprig of fresh thyme for a charming touch. You can also gently warm leftover rolls and sandwich them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover coffee cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without losing their softness. If you plan to enjoy them beyond this, refrigeration will keep them fresh for about a week, though they may need gentle reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to three months, ready whenever you want a comforting treat.

Reheating

To revive your coffee cinnamon rolls, remove the wrapping and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave individually for about 20 seconds until steaming and soft. Freshly spread a bit more maple cream cheese icing to restore that perfect melt-in-your-mouth magic.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If you’re using instant yeast, mix it directly with the flour rather than dissolving it in the milk mixture. This can slightly speed up the rising process, but the texture and flavor will remain wonderfully consistent.

What if I don’t have maple extract? Can I substitute another flavor?

If you don’t have maple extract, vanilla extract works as a good alternative, although it won’t be quite the same flavor profile. For a touch of extra warmth, a dash of almond extract also pairs nicely with cream cheese frosting.

Why are fresh coffee grounds better than instant coffee here?

Fresh coffee grounds give a deeper, more aromatic flavor to the filling, enhancing that signature coffee note with complexity. Instant coffee can sometimes taste metallic or bitter when baked, so freshly ground beans deliver the best experience.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make these cinnamon rolls vegan, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use a neutral oil or vegan butter alternative, replace the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, and use a maple or vegan powdered sugar mix. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!

How long will these rolls keep after baking?

Best enjoyed within two days at room temperature to fully appreciate their freshness and fluffiness. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is recommended to maintain quality and prevent drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite ways to treat myself and loved ones to a breakfast that feels both indulgent and comforting. The mix of coffee and cinnamon is a match made in heaven, and that maple cream cheese frosting takes the whole thing over the top. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your new go-to morning delight or weekend showstopper that everyone asks for again and again!

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