Edible Coffee Cup Cinnamon Rolls

Picture yourself sipping coffee from a warm, edible cinnamon roll cup—will you dare to bake this innovative treat?

I’m excited to share my take on edible coffee cup cinnamon rolls, inspired by Swedish kanelbulle traditions that evolved in the US for a cozy, community-building treat. You’ll need key ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon, plus a coffee twist for that unique flavor. Start by mixing dough, adding filling, rolling it into cups, and baking until golden—don’t forget tips like thinning dough if needed. Stick around for more on variations and tools to nail this recipe.

History

Edible Coffee Cup Cinnamon Rolls draw from the classic cinnamon roll, which originated in Sweden as “kanelbulle,” a staple of Scandinavian baking culture that embodies warmth and community during social gatherings.

Regionally, variations have evolved, such as the larger, icing-laden versions in the United States, reflecting cultural adaptations through immigration and symbolizing comfort in diverse culinary traditions.

These treats are traditionally enjoyed during casual coffee breaks like Sweden’s “fika,” holiday brunches, or everyday family meals, adding a touch of sweetness to such occasions.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – oh, you know, the backbone of any good roll, right? Start with about 2 cups of this trusty stuff, because without it, your batter might just flop around like it’s got nowhere to go, and who wants that mess on a lazy baking day?
  • Active dry yeast – let’s call this the magic riser, the little packet that whispers, “Hey, make this dough puff up just right.” You’ll need around 1 packet, or about 2 and 1/4 teaspoons, to give your edible coffee cups that soft, springy feel we all crave when we’re elbow-deep in cinnamon goodness.
  • Granulated sugar – sweeten the deal with 1/4 cup of this, because is there anything sadder than a bland roll? It’s like adding a little sunshine to your batter, making you wonder, why didn’t I think of that sooner?
  • Brown sugar – now, for the filling, grab 1/2 cup of this cozy stuff, all packed and ready to mingle with cinnamon; it’s the one that turns simple dough into something you’d want to sneak a bite of before anyone notices, if you know what I mean.
  • Ground cinnamon – here’s where the fun kicks in, about 2 tablespoons for that warm, spicy hug in every bite; it’s like your batter’s best friend, turning ordinary into “wow, did I just make something this good?” without even trying too hard.
  • Unsalted butter – don’t skimp on 1/2 cup, melted or softened, because life’s too short for dry rolls, and this keeps everything moist and flavorful, even if you’re the type who always forgets to set it out early, like I might.
  • Whole milk – pour in 1/2 cup to keep things creamy and smooth; it’s that quiet helper that makes your batter come together without a fuss, leaving you to ponder, how did something so simple make such a difference?
  • Large eggs – just one or two of these, beaten and ready, add richness and structure; think of them as the glue that holds your edible coffee cups together, because who wants a roll that falls apart at the first coffee sip?
  • Salt – a pinch, maybe 1/2 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness; it’s that overlooked hero that stops everything from tasting flat, making you nod and say, “Okay, that tiny addition was worth it after all.”
  • Instant coffee or espresso powder – for that coffee cup twist, stir in 1 tablespoon to infuse a bold, aromatic kick; it’s like giving your rolls a caffeine boost, so you can imagine them holding your morning brew without me overcomplicating things, right?
  • Powdered sugar – set aside 1 cup for a simple glaze, mixed with a splash of milk; it’s the finishing touch that dresses up your creation, leaving you to think, why not make everything a little prettier with this easy step?
  • Water – keep a bit on hand, say 1/4 cup if needed, to tweak that batter’s thickness after it rests; because, as we’ve heard, if it’s feeling stubborn and thick, a gentle add-in can save the day, though overdo it and things might get soggy – nobody wants a sad, droopy roll, do they?

Cooking Steps

Alright, let’s get into the fun part of turning those simple ingredients into edible coffee cup cinnamon rolls that might just become your new favorite treat. Start by warming up 1/2 cup of whole milk until it’s just right—not too hot, or you’ll zap that active dry yeast (about 1 packet or 2 and 1/4 teaspoons) before it can work its magic. Mix the yeast with the warm milk and a teaspoon of that granulated sugar (from your 1/4 cup total), then let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it gets all foamy, like it’s waking up and ready to party.

Once your yeast is bubbly, grab a large bowl and combine it with 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 beaten large egg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the rest of that 1/4 cup granulated sugar to form a dough. Knead it on a floured surface for around 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—think of it as giving your dough a little workout so it doesn’t end up tough later. If things feel too dry, add a splash more milk, but if it’s too sticky, dust in a bit more flour; after all, who wants to wrestle with a dough that’s more frustration than fun?

Now, roll out your dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick, and spread on a mix of 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder for that coffee twist. Roll it up tightly, slice into pieces, and shape them into cups or rolls in a greased muffin tin.

Let them rise for another 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. If the dough seems too thick after resting, thin it with a splash of water to make it workable, but don’t go overboard or you’ll end up with soggy rolls that no one wants to eat.

Tips and Variations

If your dough feels as stubborn as a cat refusing to budge after resting, don’t panic—just thin it out with a splash of water, maybe a teaspoon at a time, to get that perfect smooth texture without turning your rolls into a soggy mess that disappoints everyone at the table.

For a fun twist on these edible coffee cup cinnamon rolls, experiment with swapping in almond flour for half the all-purpose flour to add a nutty depth, or amp up the coffee vibe by stirring espresso powder into the filling for an extra jolt, all while tossing in some chopped walnuts for crunch; it’s like giving your treats a secret upgrade, because who says cinnamon rolls can’t surprise you with a little personality, right?

Tools

Tool Description
Measuring cups For measuring dry and liquid ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons For precise measurement of smaller quantities like spices or liquids.
Mixing bowls For combining ingredients and preparing the dough.
Whisk or spoon For stirring and mixing the batter or dough.
Rolling pin For rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
Knife or bench scraper For cutting the dough into rolls.
Baking pan or sheet For baking the cinnamon rolls evenly.
Oven For baking the rolls at the required temperature.
Pastry brush For applying egg wash, butter, or glaze if needed.
Cooling rack For cooling the baked rolls without making them soggy.

Hi There! I'm Stephanie Miller: Elementary teacher from Columbus, OH sharing grandma's treasured American recipes! 50 years young, yoga enthusiast & kitchen storyteller. Welcome to my food family! 🍰❤️