Description
Discover the secret to soft, fluffy Easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls that impress with minimal morning effort. Prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerate for a slow rise, and bake fresh in the morning to enjoy warm, tender cinnamon rolls topped with luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfasts, celebrations, and customizable to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg, room temperature (or flax egg for vegan version)
- 1 tsp salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins and Garnishes
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (for nutty delight)
- Raisins, dried cranberries, or fresh apple chunks (for fruit infusion)
- Pinch of cardamom or nutmeg (for spiced up flavor)
- Chopped nuts, cinnamon powder, or caramel sauce for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk and dissolve the yeast with a bit of sugar to activate it. In a large bowl, mix together flour, melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise Overnight: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This slow rise develops flavor and creates an irresistibly fluffy texture.
- Roll and Fill the Dough: The next morning, roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread melted butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture (plus any optional add-ins) evenly across, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Slice and Arrange: Roll up the dough tightly from one edge to the other. Slice into equal-sized rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rise a second time for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread generously over the warm rolls right after baking.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother dough formation.
- Don’t skip the overnight rise—it’s essential for flavor and fluffiness.
- Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- For clean slices, use a serrated knife or dental floss.
- Cover rolls loosely with a damp towel or plastic wrap during the second rise to prevent drying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: overnight cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastries, make-ahead breakfast, cream cheese glaze, fluffy rolls, gluten-free cinnamon rolls