Espresso-Infused San Antonio Cinnamon Sweet Rolls
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls enriched with espresso for a subtle coffee aroma, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup whole milk (warm, 110°F)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp instant espresso powder
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp whole milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast.
- Step 2: Warm 1 cup whole milk to 110°F, then stir in 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 2 tsp instant espresso powder until dissolved.
- Step 3: Combine wet ingredients with dry and knead for 8-10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms; cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, and 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter to form the filling.
- Step 5: Roll the dough on a floured surface into a 15x10-inch rectangle; spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Step 6: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal rolls; place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 8: Meanwhile, beat together 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp whole milk until smooth and creamy.
- Step 9: Drizzle cream cheese glaze over warm rolls before serving for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Espresso-Infused San Antonio Cinnamon Sweet Rolls take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (45 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Espresso-Infused San Antonio Cinnamon Sweet Rolls?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Espresso-Infused San Antonio Cinnamon Sweet Rolls?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Espresso-Infused San Antonio Cinnamon Sweet Rolls for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Espresso-Infused San Antonio Cinnamon Sweet Rolls?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
