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Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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Overnight cinnamon rolls revolutionize breakfast entertaining by allowing you to prepare everything the night before, then simply bake fresh rolls in the morning. This make-ahead method delivers warm, gooey cinnamon rolls without early morning stress while actually improving texture through slow cold fermentation. The result is tender, fluffy rolls with enhanced flavor that rivals any bakery offering, making special occasions or weekend mornings effortlessly delicious.

Ingredients and How to Make Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

how to make overnight cinnamon rolls

Essential Ingredients

For Dough (Makes 12 large rolls):

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Cinnamon Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk for consistency

Preparation and Overnight Process Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

step overnight cinnamon rolls

Dough making (20 minutes active time):

  1. Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in large mixing bowl
  2. Whisk together warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla
  3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients
  4. Mix until shaggy dough forms, then knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic
  5. Dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky
  6. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled

Rolling and filling:

  1. Punch down risen dough and turn out onto lightly floured surface
  2. Roll into 16×12 inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick
  3. Spread softened butter evenly over dough leaving 1/2 inch border
  4. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then sprinkle over butter
  5. Starting from long side, roll dough tightly into log
  6. Cut into 12 equal pieces using sharp knife or dental floss

Overnight refrigeration:

  1. Arrange rolls in greased 9×13 inch baking pan with small gaps between
  2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap directly touching roll tops
  3. Refrigerate overnight (8-16 hours) for slow rise and flavor development
  4. Cold temperature slows yeast activity while developing complex taste

Morning baking (30-40 minutes):

  1. Remove rolls from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature 30-45 minutes
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time
  3. Remove plastic wrap and bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown
  4. Internal temperature should reach 190°F
  5. Cool 10 minutes before frosting

Cinnamon Filling Techniques

Butter spreading: Softened butter spreads more easily than melted, creating even layer that doesn’t soak into dough preventing soggy centers.

Sugar distribution: Mix brown sugar thoroughly with cinnamon ensuring even sweetness and spice throughout every roll bite.

Rolling tightness: Roll log firmly but not too tight which can compress dough and create dense rather than fluffy centers.

Cutting method: Use sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squashing. Floss creates perfectly round rolls with minimal compression.

Cream Cheese Frosting Mastery

Ingredient temperature: Room temperature cream cheese and butter blend smoothly preventing lumps that form with cold ingredients.

Consistency control: Start with less milk, adding gradually until reaching spreadable but not runny consistency that coats rolls without sliding off.

Application timing: Frost rolls while still warm so frosting melts slightly, creating irresistible gooey coating that soaks into crevices.

Flavor variations: Add maple extract, orange zest, or extra vanilla for customized frosting that complements cinnamon filling perfectly.

Conclusion

Overnight cinnamon rolls combine bakery-quality results with make-ahead convenience that transforms morning baking from stressful to effortless.

The slow cold fermentation improves both flavor and texture while allowing flexible timing that accommodates busy schedules.

Whether serving special occasions or creating new weekend traditions, these rolls deliver impressive results that justify minimal extra planning.

Master this technique to enjoy fresh-baked cinnamon rolls that fill your home with irresistible aroma while providing maximum flavor with minimum morning effort.

Jennifer Glover
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