Wake up to the irresistible aroma and warm, gooey perfection of these ultimate overnight cinnamon rolls. This recipe simplifies your morning with a slow, cold fermentation process for incredibly soft, flavorful rolls that rise beautifully in the refrigerator overnight. Enjoy unparalleled convenience and a delightful breakfast treat.
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup granulated sugar, for the dough
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, for the dough, plus more for greasing
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar, for the filling
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, for the filling
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, for the filling
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–4 tablespoons milk
For the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The dough will be sticky.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
Place the dough in a large, lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours.
For the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
For the Rolls:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Turn the chilled dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border on one long edge.
Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough.
Trim off any uneven ends and cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
Place the rolls cut-side up in the prepared baking pan.
Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until the rolls are puffy.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
For the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter in a medium bowl until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls.
Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising.
Do not overheat the milk, as it can kill the yeast.
The dough will be sticky before chilling; this is normal.
For best results, allow the rolls to proof at room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking to ensure they are puffy.
Store any leftover frosted rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.