Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: Fluffy & Make-Ahead Breakfast

Recipe by Evelyn Marcella Rivera

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.

  • Total Time45 minutes
  • Yield12 rolls 1x

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 1/4 cups warm milk (105-110°F)

  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)

  • 8 tbsp granulated sugar, divided

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

Cinnamon Filling

  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

  • 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

  • 6 tbsp salted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 tbsp salted butter, softened

  • 3 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Milk or heavy cream, as needed

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast
    Stir warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar together. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.

  2. 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.

  3. Knead
    Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. First Rise
    Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.

  5. Fill
    Roll dough into a 15×20-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over butter.

  6. Roll & Cut
    Roll tightly and cut into 12 large or 16 medium rolls.

  7. Overnight Proof
    Arrange rolls on a lined baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate 8–16 hours.

  8. Bake
    Remove from fridge and let rise 1–2 hours. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

  9. 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

Find it online: https://blesseddish.com/easy-overnight-cinnamon-rolls-fluffy-make-ahead-breakfast/