Imagine waking up to the aroma of sweet cinnamon wafting through your home, with pillowy-soft rolls fresh from the oven just waiting to be devoured. That’s exactly what you get with Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls — a make-ahead brunch dream-come-true! Each bite is filled with gooey swirls of cinnamon sugar and slathered in tangy cream cheese frosting, all thanks to a simple process that lets you do most of the work the night before. Whether you’re surprising your family or treating yourself, this recipe is pure cozy delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls is surprisingly easy, and each ingredient earns its spot for flavor, texture, or that signature golden sheen. Here’s what you need and why every part matters:

All-purpose flour: The foundation for that tender yet sturdy dough—you want the rolls chewy but not dense!
Active dry yeast: The magic that makes your rolls puff up beautifully and gives you that bakery-style texture.
Warm milk (110°F): Provides richness and helps activate the yeast, ensuring your dough rises just right.
Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough and helps feed the yeast for a gorgeous rise.
Unsalted butter, melted and softened: Gives your dough (and filling) moisture, flavor, and that melt-in-your-mouth essence cinnamon rolls are famous for.
Salt: Absolutely essential for balancing the sweetness and deepening all the flavors.
Large eggs: Bring richness and structure, making the dough impossibly fluffy.
Brown sugar (for filling): Guarantees gooey swirls with the perfect molasses depth in every bite.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the show—spicy, comforting, and totally necessary for a classic roll.
Cream cheese: For a tangy, dreamy frosting that takes your Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls over the top.
Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the frosting for zero grit and maximum lusciousness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm aroma and a touch of magic to the frosting.
Milk: Used twice—once to hydrate the dough and again to get that perfect spreadable frosting texture.

How to Make Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine your warm milk and active dry yeast. Let this sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes nice and foamy. That bubbly top is the yeast proving it’s alive and ready to give your cinnamon rolls that bakery lift!

Step 2: Make the Dough

Grab a large bowl and mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with your melted butter and the frothy yeast mixture. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit shaggy—that’s normal!

Step 3: Knead and First Rise

Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, adding a sprinkle of flour if needed, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This is where patience pays off!

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter all over—go right to the edges! Mix together your brown sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle generously over the butter. Starting at the long side, roll the dough up into a tight log and slice into 12 even rolls. They’ll look like beautiful pinwheels!

Step 5: Chill Overnight

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge overnight. This slow rest lets the flavors meld and means no early-morning prep—just a quick bake in the morning!

Step 6: Morning Rise and Bake

Remove the rolls from the fridge and give them a final rise at room temperature for 45–60 minutes, until they look delightfully puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 25–28 minutes, or until they’re golden and your house smells irresistible.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cinnamon rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and fluffy. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to make a smooth, spreadable frosting. Smother it over the warm rolls for the ultimate finishing touch!

How to Serve Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Give your Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls some flair! A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds crunch, while a dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes decadence to a whole new level. For a fruity twist, scatter fresh berries alongside for a pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon rolls with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a bowl of fresh fruit salad for a hearty brunch spread. Coffee and a glass of cold milk are classic beverage companions, balancing out all that sweet, sticky goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls family-style in the baking dish for that cozy, homemade look, or plate each roll individually with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries. For special occasions, stack them in a “cinnamon roll tower” layered with extra frosting for a show-stopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls left over (a rare event!), store them covered at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them extra moist, consider wrapping them individually in plastic or sealing in an airtight container.

Freezing

You can easily freeze baked, unfrosted cinnamon rolls. Once cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then stash them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months, making future cravings easy to satisfy.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked magic, microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you’re starting from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm as usual and slather with fresh frosting.

FAQs

Can I make these cinnamon rolls without letting them rise overnight?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, shape the rolls and let them rise at room temperature for 45–60 minutes, then bake. They’ll still be soft and delicious, though the overnight rest does create a slightly fluffier texture.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

Not a problem! You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a touch of vanilla, or substitute mascarpone or even thick Greek yogurt for a creamy alternative.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins add a delightful texture and flavor. Sprinkle them over the cinnamon sugar layer before rolling up the dough for a fun variation on classic Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls.

How can I tell when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch, with the centers no longer doughy. If you’re unsure, gently lift a roll near the center to check for gooey-ness at the base—they should be cooked through.

Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frosting a day in advance. Store it tightly covered in the fridge and let it soften a bit at room temperature before spreading on your Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re impressing guests or simply making breakfast more special, Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate cozy treat. There’s nothing like the anticipation of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls ready to go in the morning—so give this recipe a try, and get ready to make some sweet memories!

Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (plus overnight rise)
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the soft, gooey goodness of these Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, these rolls are filled with a sweet cinnamon mixture and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs

Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk and yeast. Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk eggs, butter, and yeast mixture. Knead into a dough, let rise.
Fill and Shape: Roll out dough, spread with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Roll up, slice into rolls.
Chill Overnight: Place rolls in a dish, refrigerate.
Bake: Let rolls rise, then bake until golden brown.
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over warm rolls.

Notes

For quicker prep, skip the overnight step and let the shaped rolls rise at room temperature for 45–60 minutes before baking.
Add chopped pecans or raisins to the filling if desired.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American