Soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning
Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Prep Time
40 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
1 hr 5 min
Servings
12
12 rolls
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
These make-ahead cinnamon rolls feature a soft, enriched dough swirled with cinnamon-brown sugar butter and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. Prep the night before for fresh rolls in the morning.
Cuisine: American
Category: Breakfast
Difficulty: Medium
Cost: $
Dietary: Vegetarian
Quick Summary
65 min total time|12 servings|Medium difficulty
These make-ahead cinnamon rolls feature a soft, enriched dough swirled with cinnamon-brown sugar butter and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. Prep the night before for fresh rolls in the morning.
AmericanVegetarian
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
There is no breakfast more indulgent than warm cinnamon rolls straight from the oven, their sweet, spicy fragrance filling the entire house. The problem is, traditional cinnamon rolls require several hours of rising — not exactly compatible with a lazy morning.
This overnight version solves that problem by doing the work the night before. You mix, knead, fill, and roll the cinnamon rolls, then let them rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, you simply pull them out, let them warm up for 30 minutes, and bake. The cold overnight rise actually improves the flavor by allowing the dough to develop more complexity.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- 1
Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 3
Roll the dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
- 4
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
- 5
Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for up to 18 hours.
- 6
In the morning, remove the rolls from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F.
- 7
Bake for 22 to 28 minutes until golden brown and cooked through in the center.
- 8
While the rolls bake, make the frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over the warm rolls immediately after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage
Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty start
Substitutions
Cream cheese frostingVanilla glaze
Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
All-purpose flourBread flour
Creates a slightly chewier, more structured roll.
Brown sugar fillingCardamom sugar filling
Add 1 teaspoon ground cardamom for a Scandinavian twist.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use a thermometer to check milk temperature — too hot kills the yeast, too cool will not activate it.
Dental floss is the cleanest way to cut rolls without squishing them.
For gooier rolls, slightly underbake by 2 minutes.
Frost the rolls while hot so the frosting melts into the crevices.
Storage
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or cover the pan with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 roll) · 12 servings
Calories340
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein6g
Carbohydrates50g
Fat14g
Fiber1g
Sugar24g
Sodium260mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake these the same day without overnight rising?
- Yes, after placing in the pan, cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled, then bake as directed.
- Can I freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls?
- Yes, freeze the cut rolls on a sheet pan, then transfer to a bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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