Description
These Easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls deliver bakery-quality softness with none of the early-morning stress. The enriched yeast dough is prepared the night before, allowing deep flavor to develop while you sleep. In the morning, all that’s left is baking and finishing with a tangy cream cheese frosting that melts beautifully into every swirl. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or slow weekends, this make-ahead recipe guarantees fluffy, gooey rolls with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Dough
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1 1/4 cups warm milk (105-110°F)
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1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
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8 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
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1 large egg, room temperature
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1 tsp kosher salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
Cinnamon Filling
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3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
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6 tbsp salted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting
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6 tbsp salted butter, softened
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3 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Milk or heavy cream, as needed
Instructions
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Activate the Yeast
Stir warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar together. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. -
Make the Dough
Whisk egg, remaining sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and yeast mixture. Stir in 2 cups flour, then gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms. -
Knead
Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. -
First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled. -
Fill
Roll dough into a 15×20-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over butter. -
Roll & Cut
Roll tightly and cut into 12 large or 16 medium rolls. -
Overnight Proof
Arrange rolls on a lined baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate 8–16 hours. -
Bake
Remove from fridge and let rise 1–2 hours. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until lightly golden. -
Frost & Serve
Beat frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- Dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not sticky.
- Cold fermentation improves flavor and texture.
- Rolls can be frozen after baking (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.
- Best served warm for maximum gooeyness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
