Easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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by Liora

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Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. With this overnight cinnamon rolls recipe, you can transform that dream into reality without the hassle of morning prep. This simple yet delicious recipe allows you to enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a rich glaze right from the oven. The best part is that you prepare everything the night before, letting the dough rise in the fridge while you sleep. By morning, all that’s left is a quick bake, ensuring that you have a delightful breakfast ready in no time. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging on a lazy Sunday morning, these overnight cinnamon rolls are sure to please everyone at the table. With a combination of fluffy dough and sweet cinnamon filling topped off with creamy icing, they’re an irresistible treat you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

  • Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
  • Fresh Every Morning: Prepare the dough ahead of time so you can bake fresh cinnamon rolls whenever you want
  • Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to create your unique version of these delicious treats

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-purpose Flour: This is the base of your dough; use high-quality flour for the best texture.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Ensure it’s fresh so that your dough rises well; this is crucial for fluffy rolls.
  • Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness in the dough enhances flavor and activates yeast.
  • Salt: Essential for balancing flavors; don’t skip it!
  • Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast effectively; avoid boiling it.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for richness in both dough and filling.
  • Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness; adjust according to taste preference.
  • Brown Sugar: This creates a deeper flavor in your filling and adds moisture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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How to Make Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until frothy. Then add melted butter, salt, and flour gradually until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about ten minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.

Step 3: First Rise

Allow the dough to rise in a warm area for about one hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape Your Rolls

Roll out the dough into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Spread softened butter over it, then sprinkle brown sugar mixed with cinnamon evenly across.

Step 5: Roll Up & Slice

Starting from one edge of the rectangle, roll tightly into a log. Slice into equal pieces (about twelve) and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Second Rise & Refrigerate

Cover again with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or let rise at room temperature for about an hour if baking immediately.

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about twenty-five minutes until golden brown. Transfer to plates and drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

  • Kneading Technique: Knead until smooth; this develops gluten for fluffier rolls.
  • Topping Variations: Consider adding cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce on top after baking.
  • Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature; reheat briefly before serving.

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How to Serve Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

This Overnight Cinnamon Rolls is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

  • Cream Cheese Frosting: This sweet and tangy topping enhances the rich flavors of the rolls, making each bite a delightful experience.
  • Fresh Berries: Juicy berries provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, adding both color and flavor.
  • Maple Syrup: Drizzling maple syrup over the top adds a sweet finish that complements the cinnamon notes perfectly.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Tips and tricks

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Make Ahead and Storage

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough for Overnight Cinnamon Rolls up to 24 hours in advance. After mixing, let it rise for about an hour, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before baking.
  • Storing: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.
  • Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds.

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Suggestions for Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Don’t Skip the Dough Rising Time

One common mistake when making overnight cinnamon rolls is to rush the dough rising process. Properly risen dough is crucial for achieving fluffy and soft rolls. Make sure to allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, which typically takes about 1 to 2 hours at room temperature or can be done overnight in the fridge. Skipping this step can lead to dense rolls that lack the lightness and texture you desire. Remember, patience pays off when it comes to baking. Your effort will be rewarded with delectable, airy cinnamon rolls that everyone will love.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Another significant mistake is using stale or expired ingredients. Fresh yeast, flour, and spices are essential for the best flavor and texture. Old yeast may not activate properly, resulting in flat and unappetizing rolls. Always check expiration dates on your ingredients before starting your recipe. Additionally, using high-quality cinnamon ensures that your filling has a rich and aromatic flavor. Investing in fresh ingredients will elevate your overnight cinnamon rolls from average to extraordinary.

Don’t Overfill with Filling

When adding the cinnamon-sugar filling, avoid the temptation to overfill your dough. While more filling might sound appealing, too much can cause the rolls to burst open during baking, leading to a messy presentation and uneven cooking. Spread a thin layer of filling evenly across the dough instead of piling it on thickly. This will help maintain both structure and flavor while ensuring every bite is delicious without overwhelming sweetness.

Monitor Oven Temperature

Oven temperature plays a critical role in baking overnight cinnamon rolls correctly. An oven that is too hot can quickly burn the tops while leaving the insides undercooked. Conversely, an oven that is not hot enough may lead to prolonged baking times and dense rolls. Always preheat your oven thoroughly before placing the rolls inside, and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy. This small step can make a significant difference in achieving perfectly baked cinnamon rolls.

FAQs

FAQs

What is the best way to store overnight cinnamon rolls?

To keep your overnight cinnamon rolls fresh after baking, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week or freezing them for up to three months. When freezing, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat frozen rolls, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This method ensures they remain soft and flavorful.

Can I use whole wheat flour for overnight cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour when making overnight cinnamon rolls; however, keep in mind that this will alter the texture slightly. Whole wheat flour contains more fiber and protein than all-purpose flour, resulting in denser rolls with a nuttier flavor profile. For best results, consider using a blend of both flours—half whole wheat and half all-purpose—to achieve a balance between health benefits and desired softness.

How do I make my overnight cinnamon rolls extra gooey?

If you prefer extra gooey overnight cinnamon rolls, consider adding additional butter or brown sugar to your filling mixture. You can also create a gooey glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk or cream cheese frosting drizzled over warm rolls after baking. Another option is to place a layer of caramel sauce at the bottom of your baking dish before arranging your rolled dough on top; this creates a delicious caramelized effect as they bake.

Can I prepare overnight cinnamon rolls without yeast?

Absolutely! You can make quick overnight cinnamon rolls using baking powder instead of yeast for a faster alternative. While traditional yeast-based recipes provide a chewy texture and depth of flavor through fermentation, baking powder gives you lighter but still delightful results within just an hour of preparation time without rising periods required by yeast doughs.

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Conclusion for Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

In conclusion, mastering overnight cinnamon rolls involves avoiding common pitfalls such as rushing dough rising time or using stale ingredients. By ensuring proper ingredient freshness and monitoring oven temperature carefully, you’ll produce beautifully fluffy buns that are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Remember also not to overfill with sweet fillings so each roll stays intact while maintaining its delightful sweetness balance! With these tips in mind along with proper storage methods after baking—your homemade treats will always taste fresh long after they’re made! Enjoy creating memorable mornings filled with delicious aromas wafting from freshly baked overnight cinnamon rolls!

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Overnight Cinnamon Rolls


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  • Author: Liora
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings

Description

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to elevate your breakfast experience, offering a delightful blend of warm cinnamon and sweet glaze enveloped in soft, fluffy dough.


Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Active dry yeast
  • Granulated sugar
  • Salt
  • Milk
  • Unsalted butter
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl; let froth for 5 minutes.
  2. Gradually mix in melted butter, salt, and flour until fully incorporated.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes; place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
  4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, and sprinkle with brown sugar mixed with cinnamon.
  5. Roll tightly into a log; slice into 12 pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
  6. Cover and refrigerate overnight or let rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown; drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for best results.

Experiment with fillings like nuts or dried fruit for variety.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll - approx. 85g
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 225mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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