Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls are my go-to treat when I want something extra special for breakfast or brunch. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of warm cinnamon sugar swirls, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. What I love most is that I prep them the night before, let them rise slowly in the fridge, and bake them fresh in the morning—it’s the perfect make-ahead comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how these cinnamon rolls let me do all the work ahead of time. The dough turns out pillowy soft, thanks to the slow overnight rise, and the rich cinnamon filling makes the whole kitchen smell like a bakery. I can serve them for holidays, brunches, or just when I feel like indulging. The homemade taste is miles above store-bought, and that first warm bite in the morning is worth every bit of prep.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Salt

• Instant yeast

• Whole milk

• Unsalted butter

• Eggs

For the cinnamon filling:

• Brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Unsalted butter (softened)

For the cream cheese frosting:

• Cream cheese

• Unsalted butter

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. I begin by warming the milk and butter, then mixing in the yeast, sugar, eggs, and flour to form a soft dough.

2. I knead it until smooth and elastic, then let it rise until doubled in size (usually about an hour).

3. I roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the softened butter over it, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly.

4. I roll it tightly from one end, slice into rolls, and place them in a greased baking dish.

5. I cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight.

6. In the morning, I let the rolls come to room temperature and rise for about 45 minutes before baking.

7. I bake them until golden brown, then spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cinnamon rolls. It takes around 30 minutes of active prep the night before, plus rising and baking time. In the morning, I need about 45 minutes for the second rise and 25–30 minutes to bake. Perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions.

Variations

• I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.

• I swap the frosting for a simple vanilla glaze when I want something lighter.

• I use orange zest in the filling and frosting for a citrusy twist.

• I make mini rolls by cutting thinner slices—perfect for serving a crowd.

• I use a maple glaze instead of cream cheese for a cozy, autumn vibe.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 4–5 days. When reheating, I warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. To reheat a whole pan, I cover it with foil and place it in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes. I always add a bit of extra frosting on top before serving again.

FAQs

Can I freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls?

Yes, I freeze them after slicing and placing them in the pan. I cover tightly and freeze for up to a month. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then proceed with the second rise and bake.

Do I have to refrigerate them overnight?

No, I can make them the same day. I just let them rise twice—once after kneading, and again after shaping. But the overnight rest gives them a deeper flavor and is more convenient for mornings.

Why didn’t my dough rise properly in the fridge?

Sometimes the fridge is too cold. I make sure to give the rolls time to rise at room temperature in the morning before baking. If needed, I set the pan near a warm oven to help speed it up.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes, I use plant-based milk and vegan butter, and skip the cream cheese frosting or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I make the rolls extra soft?

I make sure not to over-flour the dough and allow enough rise time. Using whole milk and a touch of butter in the dough helps keep them tender and rich.

Conclusion

Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls are my favorite way to start a cozy morning. The sweet, buttery spirals filled with cinnamon and topped with creamy frosting are pure comfort. With the prep done the night before, I get to enjoy fresh, warm rolls without the early-morning hassle. It’s a recipe I come back to every time I want to impress—or just treat myself.

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