Cinnamon Rolls (overnight recipe): Easy Breakfast Treat Ready in Minutes

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Overnight cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat that lets you wake up to fresh, warm pastries without the early morning work. You can prep these rolls the night before and bake them in the morning for a stress-free breakfast. The dough rises slowly in the fridge, developing a richer flavor.

To make overnight cinnamon rolls, you’ll create a yeasted dough, fill it with cinnamon and sugar, then slice and refrigerate. In the morning, you’ll let them warm up and rise before baking. The result is soft, gooey rolls with a sweet cinnamon flavor and creamy frosting on top.

Exact Ingredients (Overnight Recipe)

Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious overnight cinnamon rolls. These ingredients create a perfect balance of soft dough, sweet filling, and creamy icing.

Possible Substitutes

For the dough, you’ll need:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling, mix:

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

For the icing, combine:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

You can swap whole milk for 2% or plant-based milk. Try dark brown sugar instead of light for a richer flavor. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and cream cheese.

Instructions

Mix the dough ingredients in a stand mixer. Knead until smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour.

Roll the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge. Cut into 1.5-inch slices using dental floss or a sharp knife.

Place the rolls in a buttered baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, take the rolls out and let them warm up for about 2 hours. They’ll puff up nicely during this time.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

While they’re baking, whip up a quick icing. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Spread the icing over the warm rolls. Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, when mixing with yeast. This helps the dough rise properly.

Use dental floss to cut the rolls. It gives cleaner slices than a knife.

Let the dough come to room temperature before baking. This ensures even cooking.

Don’t overbake! Take the rolls out when they’re golden brown on top.

For extra gooey rolls, add a splash of heavy cream before baking.

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

To freeze, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheat frozen rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

For a quick breakfast, prep the rolls the night before and bake in the morning.

Try adding nuts, raisins, or orange zest to the filling for different flavors.

Don’t rush the rising process. Patience leads to fluffy, delicious rolls!