Overnight Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
There is something undeniably comforting about the smell of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven. It’s the kind of smell that wraps around you like a warm blanket, especially on a lazy weekend morning or during the holidays. Cinnamon rolls have been a beloved treat for generations and for good reason. They are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with that irresistible cinnamon swirl running through every bite. Topped with creamy icing, they are indulgent in the best possible way.
The only challenge with traditional cinnamon rolls is that they take a while to make, which can be tough if you’re not an early riser. That’s where overnight cinnamon rolls come in. This recipe lets you do all the hard work the night before. By the time you wake up, all you need to do is pop them in the oven and enjoy the magic.
Whether you are baking for your family, hosting brunch with friends, or treating yourself on a quiet Sunday morning, these overnight homemade cinnamon rolls will not disappoint. With simple ingredients and clear steps, this guide will help you bake bakery-quality cinnamon rolls from the comfort of your home. You don’t need to be an experienced baker. Just follow along and you will have soft, buttery, and cinnamon-swirled rolls ready to impress.
Ingredients Needed
To make these delicious cinnamon rolls, you will need everyday baking ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Below is a detailed list of ingredients, including their quantities and estimated calorie content. This will help you plan your baking session and also keep track of the nutritional value.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk | 1 cup | 150 |
| Granulated sugar (for dough) | 1/4 cup | 200 |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 1/4 cup | 400 |
| Active dry yeast | 2 1/4 tsp | 0 |
| Large eggs | 2 | 140 |
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups | 1820 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Brown sugar (for filling) | 3/4 cup | 550 |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tbsp | 45 |
| Unsalted butter (softened, filling) | 1/3 cup | 420 |
| Powdered sugar (for icing) | 1 cup | 480 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Cream cheese (optional) | 2 oz | 200 |
| Milk or cream (for icing) | 2 to 3 tbsp | 30 |
Total estimated calories per batch: 4447
Estimated calories per roll (1 of 12): Around 370
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by warming the milk until it is just lukewarm. You do not want it hot, just warm enough to activate the yeast. Stir in the granulated sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready.
Next, whisk in the melted butter and eggs until everything is well combined. In a large bowl or stand mixer, add the flour and salt. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough begins to form. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand.
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Put it in the refrigerator to rise slowly overnight. This slow rise gives the dough time to develop flavor and makes the next morning easy.
In the morning, start by taking the dough out of the fridge and letting it rest for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. While the dough is resting, prepare your filling. Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together in a bowl. Keep the butter at room temperature so it is easy to spread.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. It should be about 16 inches long and 12 inches wide. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the top. Make sure it is evenly distributed so every bite is sweet and flavorful.
Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Once it is rolled, cut it into 12 equal slices. You can use a sharp knife, but unflavored dental floss works great for a clean cut without squishing the rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Leave space between them so they can rise and expand. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour. They should look puffy and almost double in size.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake. The center should be soft but cooked through.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. Mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until smooth. For a creamier texture, add softened cream cheese. Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread the icing generously over the warm rolls.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
You can make these cinnamon rolls your own with a few simple twists. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. You can also sprinkle raisins or dried cranberries with the filling for a chewy texture and a touch of tartness.
For a festive twist, try adding orange zest to the icing or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling. If you prefer a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter in the filling.
This recipe can also be made vegan by using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce. The taste is just as delicious and the rolls remain soft and fluffy.
Nutritional Information Per Roll
Here is a rough nutritional breakdown for each cinnamon roll if you make 12 rolls from the batch.
| Nutrient | Amount per Roll |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 |
| Total Fat | 15 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 9 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 52 grams |
| Sugar | 28 grams |
| Protein | 6 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 160 milligrams |
Keep in mind that these numbers can vary slightly depending on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cinnamon rolls warm straight from the oven for the best experience. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, consider serving them with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a savory breakfast casserole to balance the sweetness.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days. Warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. You can also freeze the baked rolls and reheat them whenever you crave a sweet treat.
Conclusion
These overnight homemade cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to enjoy a fresh, warm breakfast without waking up at the crack of dawn. The make-ahead dough saves time in the morning, and the end result is soft, gooey, and filled with cinnamon goodness. With simple ingredients, clear steps, and lots of room for customization, this recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve to guests.
Try it once and it might just become your new favorite weekend tradition. Bake them for holidays, birthdays, or just because you deserve something sweet. You really can’t go wrong with cinnamon rolls.