Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

This overnight cinnamon rolls recipe is the ultimate solution for a delicious and stress-free breakfast or brunch! With soft, pillowy dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a creamy cream cheese icing, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion. You can prepare the dough the night before and wake up to freshly baked cinnamon rolls without the hassle of early morning prep. The step-by-step instructions ensure that you get the perfect texture and flavor, making them the perfect choice for special holidays, family gatherings, or weekend treats. Overnight cinnamon rolls are a crowd-pleasing favorite that will leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Rolls:

• 1 cup warm milk (not hot)
• ½ tablespoon active dry yeast
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (divided, plus 2 to 4 tablespoons)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, divided)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Roll Filling:

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, divided)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)

Instructions

Making the Dough:

1. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, add 1 cup of warm milk and sprinkle with ½ tablespoon of yeast. Let the mixture sit uncovered for 7 minutes at room temperature.
2. Add ½ cup of flour and 2 tablespoons of sugar, whisking until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 35-45 minutes, or in a 100°F oven for about 25 minutes. It should look puffy.
3. Whisk in 1 egg, the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
4. Using the dough hook attachment on speed 2, gradually add the remaining 2 ½ cups of flour (½ cup at a time), mixing until the dough starts to come together. Add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or in a 100°F oven for 1 hour. The dough should double in size.

Shaping the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. On a clean, floured surface, turn out the dough and sprinkle lightly with flour. Roll it into a 17″x10″ rectangle.
2. Spread 6 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the dough using a spatula.
3. In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
4. Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. After rolling, tuck in the ends to make the roll more uniform, and slice it into 12 equal pieces.
5. Grease a 9×13 baking pan with 1 tablespoon of butter, and place the cinnamon rolls inside, cut-side down. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (up to 18 hours).

Baking the Rolls:

1. The next day, remove the cinnamon rolls from the refrigerator and let them rise at room temperature for 1 to 1 ½ hours (or in a 100°F oven for about 35 minutes) until they become puffy.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the tops of the rolls with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, then bake for 22-24 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Let the rolls cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then frost them with the cream cheese icing.

Making the Cream Cheese Icing:

1. In an electric mixer, cream together 4 tablespoons of softened butter and 4 ounces of cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add ½ tablespoon of vanilla extract and beat until combined.
3. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy (about 3-4 minutes), scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Overnight Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of soft, pillowy dough, rich cinnamon filling, and decadent cream cheese icing. The overnight method allows you to prepare the dough the day before, making your morning routine stress-free without sacrificing flavor. The cinnamon rolls are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that makes every bite irresistible. This recipe is ideal for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or any special occasion!

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Overnight Rising: If you don’t have time to wait for the rolls to rise overnight, you can let them rise for 2-3 hours at room temperature, though they won’t be as soft.
• Dough Consistency: If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour a tablespoon at a time until it becomes easier to handle.
• Add-ins: You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling for a fun twist.
• Frosting Substitution: For a lighter frosting, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of the cream cheese icing.
• Dough-Freezing: To make these rolls ahead of time, freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls after they’ve been sliced and placed in the pan. The night before you want to bake them, place them in the refrigerator to thaw and rise, then bake as usual.

FAQs

Can I make these cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can mix the dough by hand using a large bowl and a wooden spoon, though it will take a bit more effort. You can knead the dough on a floured surface.

Can I use milk instead of half and half?
Yes, you can substitute milk for the half and half if you prefer, but the texture may be slightly different.

How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top, and when you insert a toothpick into the center of the rolls, it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat for any occasion. For added flavor, you can drizzle extra icing over the rolls or top with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.

Enjoy these cinnamon rolls as a delicious, comforting dessert or breakfast treat that’s sure to impress your family and guests!