Name: Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Pecans and Maple Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 57 g unsalted butter (¼ cup / 2 oz); 1 cup cold milk (250 ml); 455 g plain flour (all-purpose flour) (3 ½ cups / 1 lb); 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast (1 sachet / 7 g); ⅓ cup white granulated sugar (66 g / ~2¼ oz); ½ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; ½ cup packed brown sugar (100 g / 3 ½ oz); 3 teaspoons cinnamon; 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder; ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped (60 g / ~2 oz); 57 g unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup / 2 oz); 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon water; 2 teaspoons maple syrup; Remaining pecans (a couple tablespoons, roughly chopped); ¼ cup thickened cream (heavy cream) (60 ml); 6 teaspoons finely ground instant coffee; 2 ½ cups icing sugar (powdered sugar) (325 g / ~11 ½ oz)

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If you adore the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee intertwined with the warm, spicy embrace of cinnamon and the rich crunch of pecans, then you’re in for a real treat with this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Pecans and Maple Icing Recipe. These rolls deliver a perfect harmony of flavors, with soft, pillowy dough swirled with a coffee-spiked cinnamon filling, topped with luscious maple icing that melts right into every bite. It’s a breakfast or brunch dream come true, guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible scents and your heart with cozy joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of eleven raw cinnamon rolls placed in a baking tray, arranged in three rows with some rolls touching each other. Each roll is made up of a light golden dough spiral with a thin, dark brown cinnamon filling visible in the swirls. Small pieces of chopped pecans scattered on top of each roll add a rough, crunchy texture with a dark brown color. The dough looks soft and slightly shiny, likely brushed with a light glaze, and the baking tray has a rustic, metallic look. The background is a white marbled surface with some flour dusted lightly around the tray photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Pecans and Maple Icing Recipe, each chosen to enhance the final texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Nothing complicated here, just essentials that pack a punch in taste and comfort.

Unsalted butter (¼ cup / 2oz): Provides richness and helps create a tender dough, plus perfectly melted for the filling and finishing touch.
Cold milk (1 cup / 250ml): Adds moisture and balances the dough to keep it soft without heaviness.
Plain flour (3 ½ cups / 1lb): The base of the dough, giving structure and strength for that fluffy rise.
Instant dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise light and airy.
White granulated sugar (⅓ cup / 66g): Sweetens the dough gently to kick off the caramelizing effect during baking.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances out sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Large egg (1): Adds richness and helps the dough bind while giving it a wonderful golden glow.
Brown sugar (½ cup, packed / 100g): The heart of the filling, providing deep molasses sweetness and that iconic cinnamon roll caramel vibe.
Cinnamon (3 teaspoons): The essential warm spice that makes these rolls unforgettable.
Instant coffee powder (2 teaspoons): Infuses a subtle coffee kick both in the filling and icing, creating a unique, irresistible twist.
Pecans (½ cup / 60g, roughly chopped): Adds delightful crunch and nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the coffee and cinnamon.
Egg yolk (1) & water (1 teaspoon): For brushing the rolls to achieve a gorgeous shiny crust.
Maple syrup (2 teaspoons): Drizzled on the pecans before baking to add sticky sweetness and a rich, caramelized top.
Thickened cream (¼ cup / 60ml): Blended with coffee to create a silky, luscious maple icing.
Finely ground instant coffee (6 teaspoons): Intensifies the coffee flavor in the icing, balancing sweetness with a touch of boldness.
Icing sugar (2 ½ cups / 325g): Gives the perfect sweet, smooth consistency to the maple icing.

How to Make Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Pecans and Maple Icing Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Begin by melting the butter together with a third of the milk in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring carefully to avoid overheating. Once melted, add the remaining cold milk to cool the mixture slightly—this creates the perfect temperature for activating the yeast. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, then pour in the warm milk mixture. Add the egg last, then mix everything with a dough hook for about 6-7 minutes until your dough is smooth, elastic, and springy to the touch.

Step 2: First Rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl and place your dough inside, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This rising time allows the dough to develop flavor and texture, setting the stage for soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.

Step 3: Rolling and Filling

Once risen, roll your dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 5 to 6 millimeters thick. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 375°F, and grease a 9×13 inch baking tray. In a small bowl, blend together brown sugar, cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of instant coffee powder, and most of the pecans, keeping a few aside for decorating later. Brush melted butter generously over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon coffee pecan filling evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Shaping the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls spaced out on your greased pan, cut side up. Let them rest and rise again for 15 minutes to puff up before baking.

Step 5: Topping and Baking

Mix the egg yolk with water and brush all over the exposed dough to create a shiny crust. Combine the remaining pecans with maple syrup and dot them generously over the tops of your rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, turning the tray halfway to ensure even golden coloring. Allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding the icing.

Step 6: Maple Coffee Icing

Warm the cream and coffee powder in a microwave-safe bowl for 20-30 seconds before stirring until the coffee dissolves completely. Sift in the icing sugar and stir until smooth and glossy. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar to thicken or more cream to thin it. Spoon or pipe this luscious maple icing over your rolls and prepare for heavenly indulgence.

How to Serve Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Pecans and Maple Icing Recipe

The image shows a cinnamon roll on a white plate with scalloped edges, placed on a white textured cloth over a white marbled surface. The cinnamon roll has two visible layers: the base is a soft, fluffy, light golden brown dough swirled with a cinnamon filling inside, and the top is covered with a smooth, shiny caramel-colored frosting. A single pecan sits on top of the frosting. In the background, there are more cinnamon rolls blurred on a white tray. Coffee beans are scattered around on the surface, and a fork lies next to the plate. The lighting is warm and highlights the soft texture of the roll and the glossy frosting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top of the icing for added crunch and visual appeal. A light dusting of cinnamon or a small drizzle of warm maple syrup refreshes the rolls beautifully during serving, turning them into a genuine centerpiece at your table.

Side Dishes

Serve these decadent rolls alongside a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or a latte to complement the coffee notes in the rolls themselves. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait pairs wonderfully, cutting through the sweet richness and refreshing your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or special occasions, arrange your Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Pecans and Maple Icing Recipe on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper, garnished with cinnamon sticks and whole pecans. You can also serve individual rolls in pretty ramekins or small cake stands for a charming presentation that invites everyone to dig in immediately.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon rolls are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and the icing from drying out, making each next-day bite almost as fresh as the first.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual rolls tightly in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or stored cinnamon rolls by warming them in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or popping them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This revives the gooey, melty goodness and fresh-baked warmth that makes these rolls irresistible every time.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee powder?

Instant coffee powder is ideal here because it dissolves fully, integrating flavor seamlessly without adding extra liquid. However, a very strong brewed coffee can work if you reduce the liquid elsewhere in the recipe. Just be careful not to make the dough too wet!

Are the pecans essential in this recipe?

While pecans add delightful crunch and complement the coffee-cinnamon flavor, you can substitute with walnuts or omit nuts entirely if you prefer or have allergies. The rolls will still be delicious and tender, just with a slightly different texture.

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10-12 minutes. Just make sure to knead until smooth and elastic, which is key for those soft, fluffy rolls.

How do I adjust the icing sweetness?

If you prefer a less sweet icing, reduce the amount of icing sugar or increase the cream slightly to balance. Adjusting these proportions to your taste makes the rolls perfect for breakfast or dessert.

What’s the best way to ensure my rolls rise properly?

Warm, draft-free environments help yeast work best. If your kitchen is cool, setting the dough near a slightly warm oven or covering it with a damp kitchen towel can encourage a good rise. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk mixture isn’t too hot or cold.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the combination of coffee, cinnamon, pecans, and maple icing tucked inside these homemade rolls, and I can’t wait for you to experience that magic yourself. This Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Pecans and Maple Icing Recipe brings together comfort and a little twist of sophistication that’s perfect for weekend mornings or special gatherings. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!

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