Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Soft, fluffy, and packed with warm, spiced sweetness, homemade cinnamon rolls are the perfect breakfast treat. What if we told you that you can prepare them the night before?

This recipe will guide you step-by-step on how to make overnight cinnamon rolls that are as delicious as they are simple to bake. By following this method, you’ll save time in the morning while still enjoying warm, gooey rolls with minimal effort.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just venturing into the world of homemade pastries, this guide is designed to help you create a perfect batch every time. You’ll also pick up some expert tips on dough-making, rolling, and achieving that golden, crowd-pleasing finish.

Why Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Are Worth the Effort

Overnight cinnamon rolls are the ultimate time-saver. Instead of waking up at the crack of dawn to proof dough and bake from scratch, you simply prepare everything the night before. By allowing the dough to rise slowly overnight in the refrigerator, you’ll enhance the flavor and achieve better texture.

They’re ideal for:

• Holiday mornings or brunch with friends and family.
• Weekend treats when no one wants to wait hours for breakfast to be ready.
• Impressing guests with bakery-worthy rolls from the comfort of your home.

Not only are they convenient, but they’ll also fill your kitchen with a comforting scent that screams home and warmth.

Ingredients for Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s the ingredient list for a batch of approximately 12 rolls:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (whole or plant-based)
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 1/2 cups (540 g) all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp milk (adjust consistency as needed)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (around 105°F or 40°C) with granulated sugar and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5 minutes on medium speed. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, make the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a small bowl. The result should be a spreadable paste.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll it tightly from one long edge to the other to form a log. Cut the log into 12 even slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Step 6: Arrange and Chill

Place the slices into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spaced slightly apart. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Step 7: Bake in the Morning

The next morning, take the rolls out of the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy the gooey, flavorful perfection!

Pro Tips for Success

1. Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk isn’t too hot or cold when activating the yeast. Too hot and you’ll kill it; too cold and it won’t activate.
2. Use Dental Floss: For clean-cut rolls, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife. Slide it under the log, cross the ends, and pull tight to slice.
3. Reheat Like a Pro: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back that gooey texture.
4. Experiment with Fillings: Feeling adventurous? Add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling for a twist.

Why Baking Lovers Adore This Recipe

With this recipe, you’ll feel like a professional baker without the early morning hassle. Each bite of these cinnamon rolls is perfectly soft, buttery, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Plus, knowing you prepared it all yourself makes every bite that much sweeter.

If you love experimenting in the kitchen or simply want to make mornings easier, these overnight cinnamon rolls are your answer. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether it’s for brunch with your girlfriends or a cozy family breakfast.

Your Turn to Bake!

Now that you know how easy it is to create bakery-quality cinnamon rolls at home, it’s time to grab your apron and give it a try. Follow the recipe, fill your kitchen with the warmth of cinnamon and sugar, and savor the homemade goodness.

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