Introduction
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls without the early morning hustle. Overnight cinnamon rolls are the answer! This guide will walk you through a simple and delicious recipe, tips, and tricks to ensure perfectly baked, melt-in-your-mouth treats ready to grace your breakfast table with minimal effort.
Say goodbye to pre-packaged options and hello to homemade goodness. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or even special occasions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these effortless, delectable cinnamon rolls!
Making the Dough: Your Overnight Adventure Begins
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Step-by-Step Dough Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: The Heart of the Roll
Filling Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Assembling the Rolls
- Punch down the risen dough to release the air.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Using a serrated knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
Overnight Proofing: Preparing for Deliciousness
Arranging and Refrigerating
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the cinnamon roll slices in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for up to 24 hours).
Baking to Golden Perfection
Baking Instructions
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let the cinnamon rolls sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The Crowning Glory
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream, to adjust consistency
Making and Applying the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are slightly cooled, generously frost them with the cream cheese frosting.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
- **Yeast Activation:** Ensure your milk is warm (110-115°F) to properly activate the yeast. Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold and it won’t activate.
- **Proofing Location:** For optimal rising, place the dough in a warm, draft-free location during the initial rise.
- **Cutting the Rolls:** Dental floss provides a clean cut without squashing the rolls.
- **Doneness Check:** Use a toothpick to check for doneness. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- **Frosting Consistency:** Adjust the amount of milk or cream in the frosting to achieve your desired thickness.
- **Storage:** Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
With this recipe, delicious, homemade cinnamon rolls are just a night’s rest away! The ease of preparation and the incredible flavor make these overnight cinnamon rolls a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the sweet success of a stress-free morning and the delightful taste of freshly baked goodness. Happy baking!
