Dreamy Tiramisu Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Sweet Italian Twist

Soft, pillowy dough meets the decadent charm of tiramisu cinnamon rolls in this irresistible fusion dessert.

Coffee-soaked layers meld with rich mascarpone filling, creating a pastry that dances between Italian elegance and comforting American tradition.

Each roll promises a delightful balance of espresso-infused sweetness and warm cinnamon notes.

The delicate swirls promise a luxurious breakfast or afternoon treat that transforms ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Delicate mascarpone cream weaves through tender layers, offering a sophisticated twist on classic cinnamon rolls.

These rolls bring a touch of gourmet magic to your kitchen, beckoning you to savor every delectable bite.

Prepare to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that blends two beloved desserts into one unforgettable experience.

Tiramisu Cinnamon Rolls: Dessert Highlights

• Brew Exotic Flavors: Combine the rich, aromatic essence of coffee with classic cinnamon rolls for a unique taste adventure that transforms your typical breakfast pastry.
• Master Sophisticated Technique: Learn advanced baking methods like tangzhong and windowpane test, elevating your culinary skills while creating a gourmet dessert that impresses family and friends.
• Indulge Coffee Lover's Dream: Infuse every layer with deep coffee notes through ground coffee in milk, filling, and frosting, delivering an intense caffeine-inspired treat perfect for morning or afternoon indulgence.
• Craft Bakery-Quality Dessert: Create restaurant-worthy cinnamon rolls with mascarpone frosting and cocoa powder dusting, turning a simple recipe into an extraordinary culinary experience that feels professionally made.

Ingredients for Tiramisu Cinnamon Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the soft and tender rolls.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control yeast activity.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice to the filling and complements the coffee flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides a rich, chocolatey finish for dusting on top.

• Milk: The base for infusing coffee and creating a soft, rich dough.
• Coffee Grounds: Infuses the milk and filling with deep, robust coffee flavor.
• Eggs: Adds richness, moisture, and helps bind the dough ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a subtle, sweet aromatic flavor to the rolls.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Create a sweet, rich base for the roll filling.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Provides a creamy, luxurious texture for the frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the mascarpone frosting.

Steps for Fluffy Tiramisu Rolls

Step 1: Infuse Creamy Coffee Milk

Grab fresh coffee grounds and milk.

Combine them in a container and let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

This slow infusion process will create a deep, rich coffee flavor throughout the rolls.

Step 2: Create Magical Tangzhong Base

Whip up the tangzhong technique by microwaving a flour and milk mixture.

Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until the mixture transforms into a thick, pudding-like slurry.

This secret technique ensures incredibly soft and tender rolls.

Step 3: Prepare Warm Coffee Milk

Strain the coffee-infused milk through a fine-mesh sieve.

Gently warm the liquid to exactly 100 degrees Fahrenheit – this perfect temperature will activate the yeast without killing it.

Step 4: Craft the Pillowy Dough

Gather all dough ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Knead the dough for 15-20 minutes, watching for the classic windowpane test – when a small piece can stretch thin enough to see light through without breaking.

This develops the gluten for a light, airy texture.

Step 5: First Rising Adventure

Place the dough in a warm spot and let it rise until it doubles in size, typically around 1 hour.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep moisture locked in.

Step 6: Whip Up Decadent Filling

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Finely ground coffee
• Ground cinnamon

Mix until the ingredients create a smooth, aromatic filling that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 7: Roll and Shape Deliciousness

Roll the dough into a perfect 12×16 inch rectangle.

Generously spread the prepared filling across the surface.

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into 8-9 beautiful spiral rolls.

Step 8: Final Rise and Baking Magic

Let the rolls rise for 30 minutes.

Brush the tops with cream for a golden finish.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-22 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 9: Mascarpone Frosting Finale

Whip up a luxurious mascarpone frosting and spread it over the warm rolls.

Dust the top with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu touch.

Serve immediately and watch everyone swoon!

Tips for Rich, Coffee-Infused Cinnamon Rolls

• Let coffee grounds steep in milk for at least 2 hours or overnight to develop deep, rich coffee notes.
• Microwave flour and milk mixture carefully, stirring between 30-second intervals to create a smooth, thick slurry without burning.
• Knead dough thoroughly until it passes the windowpane test, indicating perfect gluten development for soft, tender rolls.
• Roll dough to precise 12×16 inch rectangle and cut rolls evenly to ensure uniform baking and consistent texture.
• Spread mascarpone frosting while rolls are still warm for optimal absorption and a luxurious, creamy topping that melts beautifully.

Cinnamon Roll Variations with Tiramisu Flavor

• Chocolate Espresso Variation: Replace coffee grounds with dark cocoa powder and add espresso extract for intense mocha flavor, creating a rich chocolate-coffee roll experience.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap milk with almond milk, use coconut cream mascarpone, and replace butter with plant-based margarine for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free blend, add xanthan gum for structure, and use gluten-free certified ingredients to maintain soft roll texture.
• Nutty Coffee Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped toasted hazelnuts into filling, sprinkle crushed coffee beans on top, and add hazelnut liqueur to mascarpone frosting for extra depth.

Ways to Serve Tiramisu Rolls

• Serving Suggestions for Tiramisu Cinnamon Rolls
• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a small glass of espresso or amaretto liqueur to enhance the coffee and tiramisu flavors.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning breakfast spread by arranging rolls on a wooden board, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of cocoa powder.
• Gifting Delight: Package individual rolls in parchment paper tied with twine for a beautiful homemade gift that's sure to impress coffee and pastry lovers.
• Breakfast Elevation: Complement the rolls with a light fruit salad featuring fresh berries and a dollop of mascarpone cream to balance the rich, sweet pastry.

Storing Tiramisu Cinnamon Rolls

• Store leftover tiramisu cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze unbaked rolls before second rise by placing them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store frozen rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before final rise and baking.
• Keep mascarpone frosting separate from rolls until ready to serve. Store frosting in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Bring to room temperature and whisk briefly before spreading.

FAQs

• What makes the tangzhong method special in this recipe?

The tangzhong technique helps create an ultra-soft, tender texture by pre-cooking a small portion of flour and milk, which increases the dough’s moisture retention and results in lighter, fluffier rolls.

• How do I know if my dough is properly kneaded?

Perform the windowpane test by stretching a small piece of dough – if it stretches thin enough to see light through without tearing, your dough is perfectly kneaded and developed.

• Can I substitute the coffee grounds in the recipe?

While coffee grounds are integral to the tiramisu flavor profile, you can use finely ground espresso or instant coffee powder as alternatives, adjusting quantity to maintain the desired intensity.

Tiramisu Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 3 hours 22 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent tiramisu cinnamon rolls blend Italian dessert magic with classic breakfast pastry charm. Sweet espresso-soaked dough swirls with mascarpone cream promise a delightful morning escape you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 240g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar
• 226g (1 cup) mascarpone
• 90g (1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon) whole milk
• 100g (1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons) whole milk
• 56g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 42g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon coffee grounds
• 1 tablespoon coffee grounds
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• 1 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Garnish and Dusting:

• Cocoa powder for dusting
• 24g (3 tablespoons) all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Infuse milk with coffee grounds by mixing and refrigerating for 2-3 hours or overnight to develop deep flavor complexity.
2. Create tangzhong by microwaving flour and milk mixture in short intervals, stirring until a thick paste forms, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Strain coffee-infused milk and gently warm to precisely 100°F, ensuring optimal yeast activation temperature.
4. Combine all dough ingredients, kneading vigorously for 15-20 minutes until achieving a smooth, elastic texture that passes the windowpane test.
5. Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 60-75 minutes.
6. Craft filling by thoroughly blending softened butter, granulated sugar, ground coffee, and aromatic cinnamon until uniformly combined.
7. Roll dough into a precise 12×16 inch rectangle, evenly distribute filling, tightly roll from long edge, then slice into 8-9 uniform segments.
8. Permit rolls to undergo second rise for 30 minutes, then delicately brush with cream and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
9. Whip mascarpone frosting ingredients until smooth, generously spread over warm rolls and finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Notes

• Optimize Coffee Infusion Longer steeping time intensifies coffee flavor, so consider infusing milk overnight for a more robust taste.
• Master Tangzhong Technique Microwave carefully and stir frequently to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth, silky dough texture.
• Achieve Perfect Dough Consistency Windowpane test is crucial – stretch a small piece of dough until thin and translucent to confirm proper gluten development.
• Customize Dietary Needs Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version, and use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly rolls.

• Prep Time: 3 hours
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg