Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Steps to Morning Bliss

Name: Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Steps to Morning Bliss
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1/3 cup butter; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup raisins (optional); 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing); 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)

December 1, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s something magical about waking up to the warm, sweet aroma of fresh, homemade overnight cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. Trust me, it’s like a cozy hug for your senses! The best part? You can prepare them the night before, which means less stress in the morning and more time to enjoy that first cup of coffee. Just imagine pulling a tray of golden, gooey rolls from the oven, ready to be drizzled with icing! These overnight cinnamon rolls are not just a breakfast treat; they’re an experience that brings everyone to the table with smiles and happy hearts.

Ingredients List

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup raisins (optional, for added sweetness)
1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
2 tablespoons milk (for icing)

How to Prepare Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Making these overnight cinnamon rolls is a delightful journey that starts with a simple mixture and ends with a heavenly breakfast treat. Let’s dive in!

Preparing the Dough

First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Give it a good stir! Now, gently heat the milk and melted butter until it’s warm but not too hot (about 110°F or 43°C is perfect). Add this warm mixture to your dry ingredients along with the eggs. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. This is where the magic begins!

Now comes the fun part—kneading! Turn that dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for building structure, so don’t rush it! Once it’s ready, place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. You’ll know it’s ready when you poke it and it springs back gently!

Assembling the Rolls

Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out! Lightly flour your surface again and use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Now, spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar evenly on top, then toss on those raisins if you’re using them. Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Oh, the anticipation!

Now, cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or a string (like magic!). Place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover them with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.

Refrigeration Process

Here’s the secret to making these rolls so delicious: pop the baking dish into the refrigerator overnight! This slow rise develops the flavors and gives you that soft, gooey texture we all crave. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Baking Instructions

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the rolls out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature while the oven heats up, about 30 minutes. This helps them puff up a bit more. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like cinnamon heaven! You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully golden and have risen to fluffy perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They’re incredibly easy to prepare the night before, making your morning stress-free!
Each roll is soft, gooey, and bursting with cinnamon flavor—pure breakfast bliss.
Perfect for special occasions like holidays, brunches, or cozy weekend mornings.
They fill your home with the most heavenly aroma while baking—trust me, it’s irresistible!
Customizable with your favorite add-ins, like raisins or nuts, to make them your own.
They’re great for sharing, so everyone can enjoy the joy of homemade goodness.
Leftovers, if there are any, are just as delicious the next day (if they last that long!).

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to tackle these amazing overnight cinnamon rolls, here are some of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

Use fresh yeast: Check the expiration date on your yeast packet. Fresh yeast is key for that perfect rise! If you’re not sure, do a quick test by adding a teaspoon of sugar to warm water with the yeast—if it bubbles up, you’re good to go!
Don’t skip the kneading: Kneading is your best friend in this recipe. It develops the gluten, giving your rolls that fluffy texture. If you’re unsure, knead until the dough is smooth and elastic—about 5-7 minutes should do it!
Let it rise in a warm spot: If your kitchen is chilly, find a cozy corner or turn on your oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside. It’ll love the warm environment!
Be gentle when cutting: When cutting the rolls, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (yes, really!). This helps keep the swirl intact and prevents squishing the dough.
Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your rolls a few minutes before the recommended baking time. You want them golden but not overdone—trust me, the smell will be hard to resist!
Adjust icing sweetness: Feel free to tweak the powdered sugar in the icing to match your taste. A little more sugar makes it sweeter, while a touch less gives a nice balance to those gooey rolls.
Store leftovers properly: If you have any rolls left (doubtful!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re still delicious the next morning when warmed up!

Following these tips will help you create the most delightful overnight cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress everyone at your breakfast table. Enjoy the process and the delicious rewards!

Nutritional Information

For those of you who like to keep an eye on the nutritional side of things, here’s an estimated breakdown for each of these delightful overnight cinnamon rolls. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this will give you a good idea:

Calories: 250
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 4g

This nutritional info is based on typical ingredients and serves as a general guide. So, whether you’re indulging for a special occasion or just treating yourself, you can enjoy these rolls knowing what’s in them. Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these dreamy overnight cinnamon rolls? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out:

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and add it directly to your dry ingredients. Just be sure to use the same amount!

How do I store leftover rolls?
If you have any rolls left (which is a big if!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also pop them in the fridge for up to a week, but they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Can I freeze unbaked rolls?
Yes! This is one of my favorite tricks. After cutting the rolls, place them in the baking dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed the next morning!

What can I substitute for milk?
If you’re out of milk or want a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk can work just fine! Just make sure to warm it up before adding it to the dough.

Can I add other fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even apple pie filling can be fantastic additions. Just keep in mind that it might change the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on those rolls!

What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to old yeast or a cool environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and try placing the bowl in a warm spot. If all else fails, don’t worry! You can still bake it as is, and it’ll still taste yummy, just a bit denser.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake it the next day?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the dough, let it rise, roll it out, and then cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, simply take it out, let it sit at room temperature for a bit, and bake! You’ll still get that delicious flavor and texture.

I hope these answers help you on your journey to creating the most scrumptious overnight cinnamon rolls! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you find yourself with any leftover overnight cinnamon rolls (which can be a challenge, trust me!), storing them properly is key to keeping them delicious. First, let the rolls cool completely at room temperature. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days, but if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh!

Now, if you want to reheat those scrumptious rolls, here’s how to do it without sacrificing any of that gooey goodness: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Warm them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through. Oh, and if you’re in a hurry, you can also pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds—just be careful not to overdo it, or they can get tough!

For the ultimate experience, drizzle a little extra icing over the top after reheating. It’ll feel like you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven all over again! Enjoy every bite!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got those delightful overnight cinnamon rolls all ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them for the ultimate breakfast experience! Trust me, the right accompaniments can elevate your morning meal to a whole new level.

Fresh Fruit: A vibrant fruit salad or slices of juicy oranges or strawberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweet, gooey rolls. The bright flavors will wake up your taste buds!
Scrambled Eggs: For a savory touch, serve fluffy scrambled eggs on the side. They balance the sweetness perfectly and add protein to your breakfast spread.
Bacon or Sausage: If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, crispy bacon or savory sausage links make for a satisfying combo with the cinnamon rolls. The salty goodness pairs wonderfully with the sweet rolls!
Coffee or Tea: Don’t forget the drinks! A rich cup of coffee or a warm mug of chai tea enhances the cozy vibe. The warmth of the beverage complements the rolls beautifully.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer some creamy yogurt with granola and berries for a delightful yogurt parfait. It adds a nice crunch and a bit of tang to your breakfast table.
Maple Syrup: For an extra indulgent touch, serve a small pitcher of warm maple syrup on the side. Drizzling a little over your rolls can take them to new heights of sweetness!

Mix and match these suggestions based on what you love or what you have on hand. The key is to create a breakfast spread that feels special and delicious. Enjoy every moment with friends and family as you dig into those amazing overnight cinnamon rolls together!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.