If you are craving a delightful treat that combines the soft, fluffy goodness of rolls with the rich flavors of cinnamon and coffee, then this Easy Cinnamon Coffee Papparotti Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These rolls are irresistibly tender with a swirl of cinnamon sugar inside and topped with a luscious coffee glaze that brings a perfectly balanced sweetness and a subtle hint of caffeine that will have everyone asking for more. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy snack, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees rewarding results every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the flour that forms the dough’s structure to the instant coffee that adds a unique twist to the glaze. Using basic pantry staples means you can whip these rolls up anytime cravings strike, and every element comes together to create a warm, aromatic masterpiece.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing the perfect balance of structure and softness.
- Sugar (¼ cup plus ¼ cup): The first portion sweetens the yeast mixture to activate it, and the second creates the delightful cinnamon swirl.
- Active dry yeast (1 tbsp): Responsible for the dough’s rise, making the rolls light and fluffy.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the other flavors in the dough.
- Warm milk (¾ cup at about 110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender and moist.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp plus 2 tbsp softened): Adds richness to the dough and the filling for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and enriches the dough.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tbsp): The star spice that gives the filling its classic warm flavor.
- Instant coffee or espresso powder (1 tbsp): Adds depth and a coffee kick to the glaze that elevates the rolls.
- Hot water (2 tbsp): Dissolves the coffee for smooth incorporation into the glaze.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates a silky-smooth glaze to finish the rolls with sweetness and shine.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Adds a lovely fragrant undertone to the glaze.
- Milk (1 tbsp or more): Adjusts the glaze to your desired consistency, making it easier to drizzle.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Coffee Papparotti Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast! In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly — that’s a sign the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
To the yeast mixture, add the melted butter, the egg, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir everything together until the ingredients begin to form a dough. Don’t rush; make sure the wet and dry ingredients fully combine before moving on to kneading.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step to save time and effort.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step develops the dough’s airy texture that is critical to that perfect papparotti bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
While waiting for your dough to rise, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple blend will create the sweet, fragrant filling that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
Step 6: Roll and Shape the Dough
Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and roll it out onto a floured surface into a 12-by-8-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture right on top, creating a perfect blanket of flavor.
Step 7: Form the Rolls
From one long edge, roll your dough up tightly into a log. Then, slice this log into 6 to 8 equal pieces. Each piece promises a spiral of cinnamon sugar that’s mouthwateringly beautiful and delicious.
Step 8: Second Rise and Bake
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9-by-9-inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20 to 30 minutes. While the rolls nap, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When ready, bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and irresistible.
Step 9: Make the Coffee Glaze
While your rolls are baking, dissolve instant coffee in hot water, whisk it together with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust the milk quantity to get a smooth glaze that is easy to drizzle but thick enough to coat your rolls perfectly.
Step 10: Glaze and Enjoy
Once your papparotti rolls are golden and baked through, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle that luscious coffee glaze all over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny. Serve immediately and watch these rolls disappear fast!
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Coffee Papparotti Rolls Recipe

Garnishes
For an added touch of charm and flavor, consider sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on top of the glazed rolls. You can also add a few chocolate shavings or crushed nuts for a bit of texture contrast that makes each bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, making them the perfect companion for a laid-back brunch or a quick breakfast. For something heartier, serve alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness and add freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting the rolls in a charming rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin for an inviting look. Or set them on a beautiful platter garnished with edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint. Serving the rolls with small bowls of extra coffee glaze or cinnamon butter on the side allows guests to customize their experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Easy Cinnamon Coffee Papparotti Rolls Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will keep them soft and fresh enough to enjoy as a quick snack later on.
Freezing
You can freeze the papparotti rolls either before the second rise or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When frozen, they’ll keep well for up to one month. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or microwave individually for 20 seconds until warm and soft. Add a drizzle of fresh coffee glaze after reheating for maximum richness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee substitutes in the glaze?
Absolutely! If you don’t have instant coffee on hand, espresso powder or even a very strong brewed coffee concentrate can be used to achieve a similar flavor, though you may need to adjust the liquid quantity accordingly.
Do I have to use warm milk for activating the yeast?
Yes, warm milk is essential because it wakes up the yeast, helping it to activate and make the dough rise. Too hot, and it might kill the yeast; too cold, and the yeast won’t activate properly.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Definitely! Using a stand mixer with a dough hook is a fantastic way to knead your dough efficiently. Just mix on low to medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, saving your hands some workout time.
What if I want the rolls less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar in the filling and glaze if you prefer a milder sweetness. Just keep in mind that the cinnamon sugar mixture plays a key role in balancing flavors, so adjusting it too much can change the characteristic taste of the rolls.
Is it okay to make these rolls vegan?
With a few substitutions, yes. Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a flaxseed egg or other egg substitute. While the texture may vary slightly, the rolls can still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Cinnamon Coffee Papparotti Rolls Recipe enough for anyone looking to brighten their day with warm, homemade goodness. The dreamy combination of cinnamon and coffee in a soft roll is like a comforting hug in food form. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite way to enjoy a classic treat with a delicious twist.
Print
Easy Cinnamon Coffee Papparotti Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Malaysian
Description
Easy Papparotti is a delightful cinnamon roll with a rich coffee glaze that combines soft, fluffy dough with a sweet cinnamon filling, perfect for a cozy breakfast or teatime treat. This recipe guides you through preparing a yeast-based dough, filling it with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, baking golden rolls, and finishing with an irresistible coffee glaze.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Coffee Glaze
- 1 tbsp instant coffee (or espresso powder)
- 2 tbsp hot water
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (or more to reach desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it is active and ready.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Add the melted butter, egg, flour, and salt into the yeast mixture. Stir the ingredients together until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this process.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
- Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×8 inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture on top.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the roll into 6 to 8 equal pieces.
- Arrange Rolls: Place the cut rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 20-30 minutes to puff up.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the papparotti for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Prepare Coffee Glaze: While the rolls bake, dissolve the instant coffee in hot water. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coffee mixture, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, adjusting milk quantity until the glaze reaches desired consistency.
- Glaze the Rolls: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the coffee glaze generously over the warm rolls.
- Serve: Serve the papparotti warm and enjoy this sweet and aromatic treat!
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading well helps create a soft and elastic dough for fluffy rolls.
- Letting the dough rise twice ensures soft texture and good volume in the rolls.
- You can substitute instant coffee in the glaze with espresso powder for a stronger coffee flavor.
- The glaze should be poured over warm rolls so it seeps nicely into the bread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.