Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Roll Recipe
Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Rolls are soft, sweet, cinnamon-filled pastries with a sticky glaze that melts into every swirl. They are lighter than traditional cinnamon rolls, slightly chewy, and topped with a glossy sugar coating instead of thick frosting. That signature texture and shine are what make Dunkin’s coffee rolls so memorable with a hot cup of coffee.
This copycat recipe recreates the pillowy dough, rich cinnamon swirl, and sticky glaze that define the original bakery favorite.
What Makes Dunkin’ Coffee Rolls Unique
- Softer and lighter than classic cinnamon rolls
- Sticky sugar glaze instead of cream cheese frosting
- Balanced cinnamon sweetness
- Tender, airy dough that pulls apart easily
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (not hot)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
For the Sticky Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 rolls
How to Make Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Roll the dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 7: Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long edge. Slice into 1-inch rolls.
Step 8: Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 9: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes until lightly golden on top.
Step 10: Make the Sticky Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 11: Glaze While Warm
Brush or drizzle the glaze over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls.
- Do not overbake; they should be soft, not browned
- Glaze while rolls are warm for that sticky finish
- Use room-temperature eggs for better dough texture
- Roll tightly to create defined swirls
Why This Recipe Tastes Like Dunkin’
- Light, enriched dough for softness
- Simple cinnamon filling without overpowering spice
- Thin glaze instead of thick frosting
- Proper rising time for fluffy texture
Storage Instructions
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm slightly before serving to bring back softness.
These rolls can be frozen without glaze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these the same as cinnamon rolls?
They are similar but lighter, softer, and topped with glaze instead of frosting.
Can I prepare them overnight?
Yes. After slicing, refrigerate overnight and let come to room temperature before baking.
Why is the glaze thin?
Dunkin’ coffee rolls use a sticky glaze, not a thick icing.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
The original does not include them, but you can if desired.
Best Way to Serve
These coffee rolls are best enjoyed
- Warm with coffee or tea
- As a breakfast pastry
- As a sweet afternoon treat
Final Thoughts
This Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Roll copycat recipe delivers the same soft texture, cinnamon sweetness, and glossy glaze that make the original so popular. Fresh from your oven, these rolls are comforting, bakery-style, and perfect for pairing with your favorite hot drink.
Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Roll
Ingredients
- Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk not hot
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- Sticky Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine warm milk and sugar in a bowl, sprinkle yeast on top, and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Mix and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll dough into a large rectangle about ¼-inch thick and spread softened butter over it.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly across the surface.
- Roll tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch rolls.
- Arrange in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes until lightly golden and soft.
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Drizzle or brush glaze over warm rolls.
