The BEST Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Gooey, and Perfect for Breakfast
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. These overnight cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a creamy glaze that melts into every nook and cranny. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What makes these cinnamon rolls the best? The secret lies in the overnight rise, which allows the dough to develop incredible flavor and texture. Plus, the make-ahead nature of this recipe means you can prep everything the night before and simply bake them in the morning. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or treating your family to a special weekend breakfast, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, warm, and comforting with a perfect balance of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery richness.
- Texture: Soft and pillowy dough with a gooey, caramelized filling and a smooth glaze.
- Aroma: The irresistible scent of cinnamon, butter, and freshly baked bread will fill your kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-brown swirls topped with a glossy glaze make these rolls as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Skill Level Needed: Intermediate bakers will find this recipe approachable, with clear instructions for success.
- Special Equipment: A stand mixer with a dough hook makes the process easier, but you can knead by hand if needed.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is perfect for bakers with some experience. The overnight rise requires patience, but the results are worth it.
- Category: Breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Cuisine: Inspired by classic American cinnamon rolls with a touch of Scandinavian baking techniques.
- Cost: Affordable, with most ingredients being pantry staples.
- Season: Perfect for cozy mornings in fall and winter, but delicious year-round.
- Occasion: Ideal for holidays, special occasions, or weekend treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These overnight cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food. The dough is soft and tender, while the filling is rich and gooey, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The overnight rise not only enhances the taste but also makes this recipe incredibly convenient. You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise slowly in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning.
From a nutritional standpoint, these rolls are a treat, but you can easily adapt them to suit your dietary needs. The recipe is versatile, allowing for substitutions like whole wheat flour or plant-based butter. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven is guaranteed to make your home feel warm and inviting.
These cinnamon rolls are also a fantastic option for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or a casual get-together, they’re sure to impress your guests. And with their affordable ingredients, you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank.
Finally, the recipe is beginner-friendly, with step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find success with these overnight cinnamon rolls.
The Recipe
Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Serves: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins (plus overnight rise)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Directions
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, warm milk, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix on low speed until a dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in the fridge overnight (8-12 hours).
- In the morning, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Cut into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls and serve.
Recipe Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or add a splash of heavy cream to the dough.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
