Coffee rolls are a delicious treat that is perfect for coffee lovers like me. The combination of the rich, bold flavor of coffee with the sweet, soft dough creates a heavenly treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. In this article, I will share with you my favorite recipe for making coffee rolls at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy these delectable treats in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Gathering the Ingredients
To make coffee rolls, you will need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Yeast: You will need about 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast to help the dough rise and create a light texture.
2. Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. You will need about 4 cups of flour, plus extra for dusting.
3. Sugar: About 1/4 cup of granulated sugar will add a touch of sweetness to the dough.
4. Butter: You’ll need 1/4 cup of softened butter to give the dough a rich flavor.
5. Milk: About 1 cup of warm milk will help activate the yeast and create a soft, pillowy dough.
6. Salt: A pinch of salt will enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness of the rolls.
7. Coffee: You will need about 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules or brewed coffee to infuse the dough with coffee flavor.
8. Filling: For the filling, you can use a combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. You can also add chopped nuts or raisins if desired.
Making the Dough
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Add a pinch of sugar to feed the yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to be used.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant coffee granules. Mix them together until well combined.
Step 3: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add the softened butter as well. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the wet and dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
Step 4: Kneading the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the rolls dense.
Step 5: Letting the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size. This process is crucial as it allows the yeast to work its magic and create a light and airy texture.
Assembling and Baking the Coffee Rolls
Step 6: Rolling Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular shape. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Step 7: Adding the Filling
Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the butter. You can also add any additional fillings like chopped nuts or raisins at this stage.
Step 8: Rolling and Cutting the Dough
Starting from one of the longer sides of the dough, tightly roll it up into a log. Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, cut the log into individual rolls. Aim for a thickness of about 1 inch per roll.
Step 9: Letting the Rolls Rise Again
Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a small gap between each roll. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes. This second rise will give the rolls a light and fluffy texture.
Step 10: Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Enjoying Your Coffee Rolls
Once your coffee rolls have cooled slightly, it’s time to dig in and enjoy them! These rolls are best served warm with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The combination of the warm, soft dough and the sweet, gooey filling is pure perfection.
You can also drizzle a simple glaze over the rolls if desired. To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar with a splash of milk or brewed coffee until a pourable consistency is achieved. Drizzle the glaze over the warm coffee rolls and let it set before serving.
In conclusion, making coffee rolls at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a batch of these delectable treats that will impress your friends and family. So go ahead, put on your apron, and get baking!