Description
These Easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls deliver bakery-style, soft and gooey spirals without waking up at dawn. The enriched dough rises slowly in the fridge overnight for better flavor and a fluffier texture, then bakes up golden and tender in the morning. Finished with a tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every swirl, this make-ahead breakfast is perfect for holidays, brunch, and slow weekends.
Ingredients
Dough
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1 1/4 cups warm milk (105-110°F / 40-43°C)
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2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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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
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 (not melted)
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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Bloom the yeast: Stir warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Rest 5 minutes until foamy.
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Mix dough: Whisk egg, remaining sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and yeast mixture. Stir in 2 cups flour, then add remaining flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
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Knead: Knead 5 minutes until smooth and tacky (not sticky). Add 1–2 tbsp flour only if needed.
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First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and rise until doubled (1–2 hours).
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Fill: Roll dough into a 15×20-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter. Mix brown sugar + cinnamon and sprinkle evenly.
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Roll & cut: Roll tightly into a log. Slice into 12 large (or 16 medium) rolls.
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Overnight proof: Place in a parchment-lined pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate 8–16 hours.
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Morning rise & bake: Bring to room temp and rise 1–2 hours. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
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Frost: Beat frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls after 10 minutes cooling.
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Notes
- Dough should feel tacky like a Post-it note; too much flour makes dense rolls.
- For clean slices, use unflavored dental floss.
- Store covered 2–3 days; rewarm briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 380
- 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: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
