Easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Fluffy, and Delicious
Waking up to the warm, sweet aroma of Easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls is a dream come true for breakfast lovers. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, these cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, thanks to their overnight preparation. By letting the dough rise slowly in the fridge, the rolls develop a rich flavor and tender texture that rivals bakery-quality treats.
Cinnamon rolls have long been a favorite comfort food, evoking memories of cozy mornings, family gatherings, and weekend indulgences. This easy overnight recipe takes the hassle out of traditional cinnamon rolls while maintaining all the warmth, sweetness, and gooey cinnamon filling that make them irresistible. With a creamy glaze drizzled over the top, these rolls are perfect for brunches, special occasions, or simply treating yourself and your loved ones to a homemade delight.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a table of ingredients for Easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls, with approximate calorie counts per roll (without glaze):
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups | 1,600 kcal |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | 200 kcal |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | 420 kcal |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) | 20 kcal |
| Milk | 1 cup, warm | 100 kcal |
| Unsalted butter | ¼ cup (softened) | 200 kcal |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 kcal |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tbsp | 24 kcal |
| Optional: vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Optional glaze: powdered sugar + milk | ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk | 200 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the dough
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth dough forms. - Refrigerate overnight
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) to allow slow fermentation and flavor development. - Prepare the filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside. - Roll out the dough
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. - Form the rolls
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 even slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. - Second rise
Cover with a towel and let the rolls rise at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until slightly puffy. - Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. - Add the glaze
Mix powdered sugar with milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Flavor variations: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture.
- Spice it up: Include nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice with the cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
- Glaze alternatives: Try cream cheese frosting or a simple honey drizzle instead of powdered sugar glaze.
- Mini rolls: Use a smaller pan to make bite-sized rolls for parties or brunch gatherings.
- Vegan option: Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer for a dairy-free version.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast.
- Perfect for brunches, holiday mornings, or weekend family gatherings.
- Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a glass of milk for a complete breakfast spread.
- Add extra glaze or cream cheese frosting for decadent indulgence.
Easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Fluffy, and Delicious
12 rolls
servings20
minutes8
hours300
kcalIngredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp salt
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk
Directions
- Prepare the dough
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth.
- Refrigerate overnight
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and refrigerate 8–12 hours.
- Prepare the filling
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll out the dough
- Roll dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over dough and sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
- Form the rolls
- Roll dough from long edge into a log. Cut into 12 slices and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
- Second rise
- Cover and let rise 30–60 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the glaze
- Mix powdered sugar with milk to make glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Overnight convenience: Refrigerating the dough overnight allows for slow fermentation, resulting in soft, fluffy rolls with enhanced flavor.
Butter and cinnamon filling: Spread butter evenly and sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture generously for gooey, flavorful rolls.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is designed for overnight preparation. The dough can be refrigerated for 8–12 hours to develop flavor and texture, making morning baking easy and convenient.
2. Can I make these rolls without yeast?
Yeast is necessary for the soft, fluffy texture of traditional cinnamon rolls. For a yeast-free alternative, you could try a quick bread-style cinnamon roll recipe, though the texture will differ.
3. How should I store leftover rolls?
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving.
4. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls in the dish, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Baked rolls can also be frozen and reheated later.
5. Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer (like flax or chia egg) for a fully vegan version.
Conclusion
Easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls offer the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and texture. By preparing the dough the night before, you wake up to soft, fluffy rolls filled with sweet, spiced cinnamon goodness and a delightful buttery glaze. Ideal for holidays, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to a homemade breakfast, these cinnamon rolls are a crowd-pleasing favorite that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm, baked comfort.
