Overnight Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These Overnight Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate make-ahead breakfast treat. Soft, fluffy, and layered with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl, they rise overnight in the fridge and bake to perfection in the morning. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, they’re perfect for holidays, brunches, or any morning you want something extra special—without the early prep.
Ingredients List
Dough:
– ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
– 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
Filling:
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze:
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
– 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled.
Step 4: Roll out dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over it, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Step 5: Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 6: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Step 7: In the morning, let rolls come to room temperature (about 45–60 minutes).
Step 8: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 9: While rolls bake, prepare glaze by beating all ingredients until smooth.
Step 10: Spread glaze over warm rolls and serve.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 8–12 hours (overnight)
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: Approx. 9–13 hours (mostly passive)
Servings
Makes 12 rolls
Nutritional Information (approx. per roll)
Calories: 320
Carbs: 42g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave for best texture. Can be frozen (unglazed) for up to 2 months.
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with fresh fruit, coffee, or a breakfast casserole for a full brunch spread.
Top with chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel for a twist.
Seasonal Relevance
Ideal for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or any weekend when you want to impress with minimal morning effort.
Conclusion
Overnight Homemade Cinnamon Rolls offer bakery-style flavor with make-ahead ease. With their gooey cinnamon filling and creamy glaze, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—worth every bite and every minute of prep the night before.
Overnight Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Course: Uncategorized4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalThese overnight homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a rich cinnamon filling. Preparing the dough the night before lets the flavors develop and makes morning baking effortless and rewarding.
Ingredients
Dough:
¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
2¼ tsp active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled.
- Roll out dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over it, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, let rolls come to room temperature (about 45–60 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While rolls bake, prepare glaze by beating all ingredients until smooth.
- Spread glaze over warm rolls and serve.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use fresh yeast or active dry yeast for best rise.
Chill the dough overnight for better flavor and texture.
Bake the rolls fresh in the morning for the best taste and softness.
FAQs
Q1: Can I skip the overnight rise?
Yes, let the rolls rise for 1 hour at room temperature and bake the same day if preferred.
Q2: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, you can skip the proofing step and mix directly into the dough.
Q3: How do I keep the rolls soft?
Avoid overbaking and be sure to store them covered to retain moisture.
