• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Hunger Thirst Play

Delicious Recipes for Every Season

  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • eBooks
  • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • eBooks
  • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • eBooks
    • Work with Me
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Hunger

    Tiramisu Cinnamon Rolls

    By Lauren on April 15, 2019, Updated April 27, 2021 19 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Soft, tender bread layered with creamy mascarpone and sweet Kahlua liquer served under a blanket of Kahlua infused cream cheese frosting. Tiramisu Cinnamon Rolls are the same classic rolls but with creamy coffee twist!

    tiramisu cinnamon rolls freshly frosting in the baking dish

    It's time for dessert fusion! Today we're mashing up two dessert classics into one fluffy, creamy, tender, sweet dessert that can also be served for a sweet breakfast treat if you're so inclined. (I am so inclined).

    If sushi can become a burrito, then tiramisu can definitely become cinnamon rolls, right?

    forkful of tiramisu cinnamon roll

    Why tiramisu cinnamon rolls are aaaaamazing

    Don't ask me why, but if you served up slices of traditional tiramisu for breakfast for brunch you'd probably get some looks. I suppose it depends on the company. However, somehow, if you serve up sweet delicious dessert in bread form it some how becomes brunch acceptable. 

    So, first order of business, tiramisu rolls are your ticket to dessert for breakfast.

    Second reason, the dough for these rolls is one of my absolute favorite yeast doughs. Simple to make, it requires a rise in the bowl and then a second rise after the rolls are cut and placed in the pan. The result is flaky, super soft, dangerously easy to eat rolls that will also be soaked in creamy mascarpone, Kahlua cordial and a smidge of sugar.

    Overhead of tiramisu cinnamon rolls before baking

    Like their traditional ladyfinger soaked counterpart, these rolls come with their own 'Pick Me Up' by infusing the dough with espresso.

    Oh, and let's not forget. When these little beauts come out of the oven we're going to slather them in sweet, tangy, and coffee liquer infused frosting because OF COURSE WE ARE.

    How to make them

    Start with getting that dough all yeasty, foamy, and fluffy. Buttermilk is a delicious start for that, it's tangy and luscious. If you don't have buttermilk - or don't want to buy a whole container to use ½ cup - you can use whole milk. Side note: leftover buttermilk makes a wonderful marinade for chicken.

    The dough comes together easily in a standing mixer - no kneading involved yay! - then a double rise. Once in the bowl and then again once the rolls are cut and placed in the pan.

    Collage of how to make the dough for tiramisu cinnamon rolls

    Left to Right: dough just after mixing, dough after the first rise, dough after tipping out of the bowl onto a floured surface, dough after rolling into 18x12 rectangle

    Once your dough is shaped into roughly an 18x12 rectangle, then the fun stuff happens. By fun I mean the butter, sugar, booze, and cheese. Brush with butter and Kahlua, sprinkle with sugar, top with dollops of mascarpone.

    Tip: let the mascarpone come to room temperature to make breaking it into 'dollops' easier. You can do this with a spoon, but I find by hand to be the fastest, easiest way.

    Roll the dough as tight as you can. I like to save a little butter to brush on the seam of the dough (the outside edge) to help seal it. Cut the dough with a serrated knife or use a piece of fine string/thread to form 1" rounds. You'll want to brush the tops with a little butter before letting them rise.

    Keep your aluminum foil at the ready. Check the rolls a little over halfway through the baking. If the tops of the rolls are browning with a decent amount of time left, cover with foil until the baking is finished.

    While your rolls are baking, whip up the frosting. A simple combination of Kahlua, mascarpone, and confectioners sugar. Pour the frosting over the hot rolls once baking is done. My best recommendation is to cut one out of the pan and enjoy before even thinking about sharing with anyone else....I mean, test it, make sure it's up to par.

    When these hot, sweet, coffee laced rolls are dished up enjoy the quiet while your pals or family sink their teeth into this tiramisu inspired treat!

    forkful of tiramisu cinnamon roll

    If you need more fluffy rolled sweets in your life, try these same rolls with a gingerbread twist!  Another great way to serve up tender dough is savory stuffed with mozzarella.  Check out other recommended recipes at the top of the page.

    Did you make this recipe?  Please leave a comment!  Don't forget to tag @hungerthirstplay on social media or post a picture on Pinterest.

    forkful of tiramisu cinnamon roll

    Tiramisu Cinnamon Rolls

    Soft, tender bread layered with creamy mascarpone and sweet Kahlua liquer served under a blanket of Kahlua infused cream cheese frosting.  Tiramisu Cinnamon Rolls are the same classic rolls but with creamy coffee twist!
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: brunch rolls, sweet breakfast recipes, sweet brunch recipes, tiramisu dessert recipe
    Prep Time: 45 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 50 minutes mins
    Total Time: 4 hours hrs
    Servings: 16 servings
    Calories: 489kcal
    Author: Lauren
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    For the Dough:

    • ½ cup + 1 tablespoon buttermilk
    • ¼ cup espresso (about 1 shot)
    • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (divided)
    • 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 3 ¼ cups all purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
    • ½ cup butter (softened and cut in pieces)

    For the filling:

    • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (divided)
    • 1 tablespoon kahlua or coffee liquer
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 8 ounces mascarpone (room temperature)

    For the frosting:

    • 8 ounces mascarpone (softened)
    • 2 cups confectioners sugar
    • ¼ cup kahlua or coffee liquer

    Instructions

    • Prepare the dough: Heat the buttermilk over medium-low heat to 105°F to no more than 110°F.  In a medium bowl combine the buttermilk, espresso and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar.  Sprinkle with the yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.  Whisk the eggs and vanilla into the yeast mixture until smooth.
    • In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the flour, remaining sugar (⅓ cup minus 1 tablespoon), salt, and espresso powder using the paddle attachment.  With the mixer on the lowest speed, slowly add the milk mixture until combined.  Add the butter 1 piece at a time beating until incorporated before adding the next pieceIncrease the speed to medium-high for 5 minutes.  The dough will be silky, smooth and have pulled away from the sides of the bowl.
    • Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.  Let rise for 1 to 2 hours in a warm spot or until double in size.  While the dough rises, grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter and set aside.  (see notes for faster rise tips)
    • Once the dough has doubled in size, tip the dough out onto a well floured surface.  Roll out into an 18" x 12" large rectangle.
    • For the filling: in a small bowl, combine the melted butter and coffee liquer and brush all over the dough.  Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the dough, leaving a ½" to 1" border.  Top with dollops of mascarpone cheese all over the dough.
    • Tightly roll the dough from one long end to the other.  Using a string or a sharp serrated knife, cut the dough log into 1" rounds.  Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter, cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes in a warm place.
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Bake the buns for 45 to 50 minutes - cover the buns with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking if they've started to brown by the 30 minute mark.
    • Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened mascarpone and powdered sugar.  Add the Kahlua or coffee liquer and slowly increase the speed until the liquid is combined and a smooth frosting is formed.
    • Pour the frosting over the freshly baked buns and serve immediately.  If serving at a later time, reheat the buns in the baking dish then pour the frosting over just before serving.

    Notes

    • To speed up the rise process, preheat the oven to 200°F.  Once preheated, turn the oven off.  Place the covered bowl of dough inside and leave the oven cracked.  The dough should be double in size in 45 minutes to 1 hour.
    • To speed up the second rise of the rolls once cut in placed in the baking dish, store the baking dish on top of the stove while the oven preheats (if your oven is located under your stove top.)  Rotate about 15 to 20 minutes in so one part of the pan isn't hotter than another.
    • Leftover buttermilk is great in other baked goods, pancakes, or use as a marinade for chicken!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 489kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 159mg | Potassium: 186mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 798IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 1mg

     

    « Friday Four
    Whipped Feta with Roasted Garlic Tomatoes »
    6186 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Darcy says

      March 24, 2020 at 2:12 pm

      There is 1/2 c butter for the dough, but the instructions never mention adding it. What am I missing?

      Reply
      • Lauren says

        March 24, 2020 at 11:03 pm

        Hey there! Sorry about that and thanks for catching it! The butter should be incorporated on piece at a time after the milk mixture is added.

        Reply
    2. sara says

      April 22, 2019 at 9:01 pm

      These look like my kind of treat. What a great spin on cinnamon rolls; I have never had anything like these!

      Reply
    3. Deseree says

      April 22, 2019 at 9:07 am

      I love how simple these are to make. I know this would be a hit with my family!

      Reply
    4. Jacquelyn Hastert says

      April 22, 2019 at 9:06 am

      These went down yesterday morning and they were amazing! They are definitely going on our list of make again breakfasts!

      Reply
      • Lauren says

        April 23, 2019 at 7:47 am

        Oh I am so happy to hear they were a hit! Thanks for coming back to leave a review!

        Reply
        • Eyeleaf says

          February 19, 2021 at 8:51 pm

          So where's the cinnamon in this? Its a tiramisu rolls if there's no cinnamon in it.

          Reply
          • Lauren says

            February 20, 2021 at 4:04 pm

            Yes, you are right! Technically, these are tiramisu sweet rolls! Growing up we always referred to any sort of baked goods like this as cinnamon rolls so it just stuck. The method is the same, we're just making these taste like tiramisu. Thank you!

    5. Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life says

      April 21, 2019 at 8:56 pm

      Tiramisu cinnamon rolls sound absolutely divine! Love the boozy filling and frosting! We'll definitely have to make this some weekend.

      Reply
    6. Amanda Mason says

      April 21, 2019 at 6:00 pm

      It's been a long time since I had homemade cinnamon rolls so I need to make these! I love tiramisu so I know I'll love these! Thanks for such an amazing recipe!

      Reply
    7. Chef and Steward says

      April 21, 2019 at 3:20 pm

      You are going to get me in trouble with this recipe! Honestly, salivating thinking of how easily I would eat half this tray in one go! Perfect for a group breakfast!

      Reply
    8. Kallee says

      April 20, 2019 at 9:19 pm

      Cinnamon rolls are so good, but with this added twist of flavor they have to be divine.

      Reply
    9. Jenni LeBaron says

      April 19, 2019 at 3:53 pm

      Cinnamon rolls are my breakfast weakness! These look perfectly fluffy and sweet too. What a great way to spin the classic roll into something creative and delicious!

      Reply
    10. Aleta says

      April 17, 2019 at 11:15 am

      Uh... drooling over here! Cinnamon bun meets coffee? Yes please! My husband is going to lose his mind when I make these for him!

      Reply
    11. Dan from Platter Talk says

      April 16, 2019 at 12:22 pm

      Fusion foods are the best and dessert fusions are at the top of the list for me! Your use of Kalua and mascarpone for a Tiramisu twist on cinnamon rolls is out of this world genius! Thanks for sharing this one!

      Reply
    12. Heather says

      April 16, 2019 at 9:58 am

      You're right serving tiramisu for breakfast might get some strange looks. But not these cinnamon rolls. Holy moly. I wish I could reach into the screen and grab one! Going to have to try for my next brunch!!

      Reply
    13. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

      April 15, 2019 at 11:36 pm

      Oh my gosh, how delicious and decadent!! Tiramisu is so delicious - combining it with cinnamon rolls!? You're a genius! I've got to try this soon!

      Reply
    14. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

      April 15, 2019 at 11:22 pm

      Oh I love the twist you did on classic cinnamon rolls! My husband will absolutely love these! Guess I found what I’m making this weekend!

      Reply
    15. Leslie Kiszka says

      April 15, 2019 at 2:00 pm

      I'm sorry, WHAT NOW?! God dammit, I'm never going to be bikini-ready for the honeymoon if you keep making stuff like this.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Lauren! This is my slice of the internet to share seasonally-inspired recipes. I live in the heart of New England with my two kiddos. Life is busy AND delicious!

    Trending Recipes

    • overhead photo of thai peanut dressing and a salad dressed
      Low-Calorie Spicy Thai Peanut Dressing
    • green kale gnocchi over spicy red tomato sauce
      Trader Joe's Kale Gnocchi with Arrabbiata
    • overhead of pumpkin shaped sourdough bread
      Whole Wheat Sourdough Pumpkin Bread
    • Earthy green tea matcha whisked with sweet floral lavender and creamy milk. #greentea #matcha #matcharecipes #lavender #cookingwithlavender
      Iced Lavender Matcha Latte

    Get my Thanksgiving eCookbook!

    Footer

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Inquiries + Collabs
    • Subscribe for updates!

    Recipes

    • All Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes

    Our Restaurants

    • Bonefish Harrys
    • Portsmouth Feed Company
    • Thirsty Butcher Hospitality
    • Restaurant Photography

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Hunger Thirst Play

    Copyright© 2025 Hunger Thirst Play · Privacy Policy ·

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required