Easy Coffee Cinnamon Rolls (Glazed!)

As the leaves begin to change colour and the air becomes crisp, there's nothing quite like the feeling of cosying up with a warm, freshly baked treat. This autumn, why not try your hand at making homemade Coffee Cinnamon Rolls? These delightful pastries are the perfect combination of comforting flavours and seasonal spices, making them an ideal treat for those chilly autumn days.

The fusion of coffee and cinnamon into a delightful pastry was born out of a desire to capture the essence of autumn in a single bite. This unique pairing draws its inspiration from the classic comfort provided by a hot cup of coffee paired with the spicy warmth of cinnamon. The blend of these ingredients in a roll is not just about combining flavours; it's about evoking the comforting and cosy atmosphere that autumn brings. Cinnamon, with its rich, spicy notes, naturally evokes the feeling of warmth and nostalgia associated with the season. When coupled with the depth and complexity of coffee, it enhances the sensory experience, making each bite a perfect harmony of taste. This innovative combination aims to offer a new twist on the traditional cinnamon roll, inviting baking enthusiasts to explore the depths of flavour that can be achieved when coffee is woven into the fabric of a beloved classic. It's an invitation to slow down and savour the moments of joy that simple pleasures can bring during the cooler months.

Before embarking on your baking journey to create these mouth-watering coffee cinnamon rolls, it’s essential to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients at your disposal. Here's what to gather from your larder or local supermarket:

Ingredients

• Plain flour, 500g plus extra of dusting, serves as the foundation of your dough, ensuring your rolls are delightfully soft and fluffy.
• Sugar, 75g of granulated sugar, is required to sweeten your dough to just the right level, complementing the rich flavours to come.
• A single 7g packet of instant yeast is critical for your dough to rise, creating the perfect texture for your rolls.
• Milk 240ml, and butter, 75g, will be warmed and combined to enrich the dough, adding a tender crumb and rich flavour.
• 1 large egg, to bind your ingredients together and add structure to your dough.

Or if you're in a rush you can buy ready made cinnamon roll dough in all large supermarkets.

The filling calls for a cosy amalgamation of...

• Instant coffee granules or powder, 1.5 teaspoon, is the star ingredient that infuses the rolls with its deep, aromatic essence.
• Brown sugar 220g, and cinnamon, 2 teaspoons, are mixed for the filling, creating that signature spice swirl.
• Additional butter, another 75g, is needed for the filling to spread over your dough before adding the cinnamon sugar, ensuring every bite is moist and flavourful.

For the lashings of toppings

• 150g icing sugar is required for the glaze, ready to be drizzled over your baked rolls for a sweet finishing touch
• 55g butter
• 55g cream cheese
• 40ml double cream
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules or powder

Each of these components plays a pivotal role in crafting the rolls, from the soft, elastic dough to the sweet, glossy topping that crowns the finished pastry. Ensure you have these ingredients measured and ready, as this will streamline the baking process, allowing you more time to enjoy the delightful scents and warmth that will fill your kitchen. to capture the essence of autumn in every bite.

Prepare your kitchen counter with a mixing bowl, rolling pin, and baking tray, and you're all set to bring these autumnal delights to life.

Method

1. Begin by taking a small mixing bowl and blending together the brown sugar with the cinnamon to create the heart warming spice mix that defines our rolls. Next, flour your work surface generously to prevent sticking and lay out the risen dough, pressing it into a rectangular shape with a rolling pin. This step is crucial for ensuring an even layer of filling throughout the rolls.
2. Once your dough is appropriately shaped, evenly spread the softened butter over its entire surface. The butter not only adds moisture and flavour but also helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere to the dough, creating pockets of sweetness and spice in every bite. After buttering, liberally sprinkle the brown sugar, coffee and cinnamon mixture over the buttered dough, covering it completely to maximise the flavour in every swirl.

3. The next step involves carefully rolling the dough from one long edge to the other, forming a tight log. Ensure the roll is uniform to prevent uneven baking and to make sure each roll has a beautiful spiral pattern once baked. This process transforms our dough and filling into the precursor of the delectable rolls soon to grace your autumn table.

4. Begin by taking your tightly rolled dough and using a sharp knife, slice it into approximately 2-inch thick portions. These slices will form your individual rolls. Arrange the slices on a baking tray that has been lightly greased or lined with baking paper, ensuring there is a small gap between each roll to accommodate their expansion as they bake. This spacing is crucial for achieving evenly baked rolls with a perfect shape.
5. Next, cover the tray loosely with a clean tea towel. This step is essential to prevent the surface of the dough from drying out and to create a gentle, warm environment that encourages the rolls to rise a second time. Allow them to rest and rise for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up nicely, which will ensure that your rolls are light and fluffy.
6. Preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) during this rising time is an efficient use of time and ensures that the oven is ready for baking as soon as the rolls have finished rising. Once preheated, place the tray in the oven and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time; they should achieve a golden-brown colour on the surface, indicating they are perfectly baked.

7. Removing the rolls from the oven at the right time is critical to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dryness. As soon as they display that beautiful golden hue and the aroma fills your kitchen, it's time to take them out and prepare for the final steps of glazing.
8. Once your delightful coffee cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, it's time to add that final flourish with a sweet glaze. For the glaze, whisk together icing sugar, double cream, coffee and cream cheese to form a smooth, spreadable consistency. Carefully spread lashings over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into the spirals and add a glossy finish. To elevate the experience further, pair these rolls with a rich cup of coffee or a luxurious hot chocolate, enhancing the cosy vibe of your autumnal treat.

Presenting them on a rustic platter or a warm wooden board can also add to the homely, inviting atmosphere, making your freshly baked rolls not just a delight for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. Enjoying these in the soft glow of the morning light or as a comforting dessert can create moments of pure bliss during the autumn season.

Should you be fortunate enough to have any of these enticing coffee cinnamon rolls left after serving, they can be kept fresh in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, where they'll remain delectable for up to two days. For those wishing to savour these treats beyond this timeframe, freezing offers an excellent solution. Place the rolls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with greaseproof paper to prevent sticking. When the desire for a warm, comforting snack strikes again, simply thaw the rolls at room temperature or reheat them gently in the oven. This method ensures that the delightful flavours and soft texture of your autumnal creation are preserved, ready to be enjoyed on demand.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*