Coffee Cinnamon Buns
A soft, spiced swirl of comfort with bold coffee and Alba warmth
These buns bring together two of the most beloved flavours in the world, coffee and cinnamon. The dough is rich and pillowy, gently spiced with Flavahs Alba cinnamon and filled with soft cream cheese. A swirl of buttery, coffee-infused topping adds depth, while the final dusting of icing sugar gives a delicate finish.
With every bite, you get layers of warmth, sweetness, and a subtle caffeine kick. Perfect for coffee lovers, weekend bakers, or anyone who wants a treat that feels both indulgent and grounding.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
Baking Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Baking Temperature: 175°C (350°F)
Ingredients
For the Buns
- 500 g flour
- 5 g yeast
- 5 g salt
- 30 g brown sugar
- 40 g softened butter
- 4 eggs
- 150 ml warm milk
- 3 teaspoons Flavahs Alba cinnamon powder
For the Topping
- 140 g softened butter
- 110 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 20 g instant coffee (dissolved in a little hot water)
- 140 g flour
- 1 teaspoon Flavahs Alba cinnamon powder
For the Filling
- 250 g softened cream cheese
For Finishing
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, yeast, and brown sugar.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each addition.
Slowly pour in the warm milk while kneading gently.
Stir in the Flavahs Alba cinnamon powder.
Add the softened butter and mix until the dough is smooth but slightly tacky. Do not overwork.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Topping
Dissolve the instant coffee in a small amount of hot water and allow it to cool slightly.
In a bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, and coffee to form a soft paste.
Add flour and eggs, mix again, then transfer to a piping bag. Set aside.
Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly dust with flour.
4. Shape and Pipe the Buns
Divide the dough into 10 to 12 equal portions. Shape into round buns and place them on the prepared tray, leaving space between each one.
Using the piping bag, swirl the coffee topping on each bun, starting from the center and working outward.
Bake
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top. Let them cool completely before filling.
Make the Filling
Soften the cream cheese using a spatula until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and secure the top.
Using a small knife, poke into the side or top of each bun and gently twist to create a cavity. Do not go all the way through.
Pipe the cream cheese into the center until the bun feels slightly full.
Dust and Serve
Finish with a light dusting of icing sugar. These buns are best enjoyed fresh, alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Why Alba Cinnamon Makes These Buns Better
In a recipe where cinnamon is layered through both the dough and the topping, using the right variety matters. Cassia can overpower the delicate balance of sweetness and coffee, often adding harshness or bitterness when baked at high heat.
Alba cinnamon is naturally smoother, sweeter, and more aromatic. In the dough, it weaves gentle warmth through every bite. In the topping, it balances the strength of the coffee with a soft, floral edge. The result is a bun that feels rich and complex, without ever being too heavy or sharp.
This is cinnamon as it should be. the kind that enhances rather than overwhelms.
