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Wake up to the smells of freshly-baked homemade overnight cinnamon rolls! They're easy to make and are perfect for any holiday, birthday, or special occasion breakfast.
All you have to do is mix all the ingredients together, form the rolls and let them rise in the fridge overnight. Then the next morning, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.
Bake the rolls as your family wakes up to a special breakfast treat - warm, sweet, cinnamon goodness.
Check out all my otherBest Cinnamon Roll Recipesfor even more deliciousness!
With just a few simple ingredients, like butter, sugar, cinnamon, and refrigerated dough, this recipe can make any holiday or celebratory morning special.
You'll have soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls that are sure to delight everyone at the breakfast table! This recipe is similar to my Bread Machine Overnight Cinnamon Rolls, only we make the dough using an electric stand mixer.
Looking for morebreakfast ideasto serve for the holidays?Try myFrench Toast Cinnamon Rolls,Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casseroleor myCinnamon Roll Casserole without Eggs...yum!
Table of Contents
- Overnight Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Proofing cinnamon rolls overnight
- How to give cinnamon rolls as a gift?
- 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
- 📋Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- How to Scald Milk
- Overnight Rising Instructions
- 🥣Baking Instructions
- Expert Tip
- Cinnamon Roll Frosting Recipe
- 🥣Serving Tips
- Before You Begin!
- Recipe Notes
- 🍽 Make it a Meal
- 🍶Storage Tips
- ❄️Freezing Tips
- 🔁 Reheating Tips
- Can you leave cinnamon roll dough out overnight?
- More Recipes to Love
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Overnight Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Many years ago I started making homemade overnight cinnamon rolls for breakfast for Christmas morning. It was a recipe I found in a magazine.
Need I say anymore? This was before everyone had the internet in their homes or even personal computers. But more importantly, this was way before my Walking on Sunshine Recipes blog started.
Proofing cinnamon rolls overnight
With an overnight refrigerator cinnamon roll recipe, you can have a hot treat ready in the morning without all the early-morning fussing. Simply shape the dough into rolls and let them rise overnight in the refrigerator.
In the morning, bake and prepare your cinnamon rolls so they're ready to serve. You'll be amazed how relatively simple it is to get a special breakfast on the table without spending all morning in the kitchen!
How to give cinnamon rolls as a gift?
Follow the instructions to make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls only do not bake them. Instead follow these simple steps to freeze the cinnamon rolls:
- Once you have the cinnamon rolls sliced, place them on a baking sheet that's been lined withparchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer to flash freeze the rolls. This should take about an hour.
- Once the rolls are solid, remove them from the baking tray and place in a freezer safe plastic bag. Then place the bag in the freezer until you're ready to give your gift.
- Prepare the frosting according to the directions in the recipe. Place the frosting in asmall air-tight container, label and add to the freezer as well.
Check out the full instructions for Freezer-Friendly Cinnamon Rolls and the printable gift labels with baking instructions.
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📋Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in ½ cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Cover the bowl with a small plate and set it aside for about 5 minutes until the yeast proofs, indicated by the presence of bubbles on top and its growth.
Step 2: In a KitchenAid mixer bowl with the dough hook attachment, blend scalded milk, white sugar, melted butter, salt, and 1 egg. Slowly add 2 cups of flour until combined, then mix in the yeast mixture and remaining flour until dough is non-sticky.
How to Scald Milk
Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously. Remove from heat when bubbles and steam emerge, ensuring it doesn't boil. Let it cool to 110°F before adding it into the yeast mixture, using a digital thermometer to verify temperature accuracy and prevent yeast damage.
Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking
- Super-fast: Instant reading thermometer with backlight features 3.9 inches food grade stainless steel probe gets temp readout within 3-5 seconds with high precision sensor
Step 3: Set the machine to low speed and let it knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes, adding extra flour as necessary.
Step 4: Transfer the dough onto a floured board and knead it by hand until smooth. Then, place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size, which typically takes about an hour.
Step 5: Once doubled, deflate the dough, transfer it to a floured surface, roll it out to 15 x 10 inches, and brush with melted butter.
Step 6: Spread the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the melted butter. Starting from one end, roll the dough into a single long roll, then slice it into 12 pieces or smaller according to your preference.
Overnight Rising Instructions
Step 7: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9 x 13 Pyrex glass baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
🥣Baking Instructions
The following morning, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let the rolls rest on the counter for approximately an hour, allowing them to reach room temperature. Once both rolls and dish are at room temperature, bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 30 minutes.
Expert Tip
Make sure you allow the baking dish to come to room temperature before adding it to the oven. This procedure promotes additional rising of the cinnamon rolls prior to baking and will ensure that the Pyrex dish attains room temperature as well, mitigating the risk of potential bursting in a heated oven.
Cinnamon Roll Frosting Recipe
Step 8: While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting.
🥣Serving Tips
Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for about 15 minutes before topping them with the glaze. Applying the frosting too soon might result in melting and an undesirable consistency.
Before You Begin!
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Recipe Notes
- It's really important that you allow the casserole dish to sit out on the counter for at least 30 to 60 minutes to come to room temperature the next day before baking in the oven.
- This is especially important if you’re using a glass baking dish. You should never put a glass baking dish directly from the refrigerator into the oven.
- You need to allow the contents of the casserole dish to come to room temperature so there’s no chance of the glass casserole dish shattering when it’s suddenly exposed to high heat from an oven.
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for about 15 minutes before spreading your glaze on top. If you spread the glaze too soon, it will melt and not be the proper consistency.
🍽 Make it a Meal
- For a holiday brunch, you can also serve myBreakfast Casserole with Eggs and Sausagewith the Overnight Cinnamon Rolls.
- Check out this recipe for making Instant Pot Cinnamon Rolls.
- Try myBrunch Punch Non-Alcoholic recipeto serve for Christmas morning breakfast.
🍶Storage Tips
- Freshly baked cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days...if they last that long! for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
❄️Freezing Tips
- You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
- When storing in the refrigerator or freezer, ensure they are well wrapped to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any unwanted odors.
- If you freeze them, allow them to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
🔁 Reheating Tips
- Microwave: Place a single cinnamon roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. If reheating multiple rolls, increase the time accordingly but be careful not to overheat them, as it can make them tough.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a slightly crispier exterior, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking.
- Toaster Oven: Place the cinnamon rolls in a toaster oven and heat them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Air Fryer Method: Heat the cinnamon rolls in a preheated 320°F air fryer for about 3-5 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the rolls. Check them periodically to prevent overcooking.
Can you leave cinnamon roll dough out overnight?
Generally, it is not recommended to leave cinnamon roll dough out overnight. Cinnamon roll dough should be kept in the refrigerator and allowed to proof slowly overnight for best results. If you need your cinnamon rolls in a hurry, you can let them rise at room temperature, but this will result in a less flavorful product. For maximum fluffiness and flavor, always allow your cinnamon roll dough to proof in the refrigerator overnight.
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Cinnamon Roll Recipes made with Refrigerator Dough Digital CookbookClick HERE for More Information
📖 Recipe Card
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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Homemade overnight cinnamon rollsare perfect for celebrating holidays, birthdays or anything special in your life. Let me show you how this recipe is prepared the night before and then rises in the refrigerator while you sleep.
4.42 from 131 votes
Print Pin Rate Save
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Overnight Cinnamon rolls
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Rising Time: 8 hours hours
Total Time: 9 hours hours
Servings: 12 - 14 cinnamon rolls
Calories: 708kcal
Author: Lois
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Dough
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- ½ cup warm water
- ½ cup scalded milk
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Ingredients for the Filling
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Ingredients for the Icing
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
How to Make the Dough
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in ½ cup warm water. Add 1 teaspoon sugar. Cover the bowl with a small plate and set aside for the yeast to proof.
In the bowl of a KitchenAid mixer with the dough hook attachment, combine the ½ cup scalded milk (see note below), ¼ cup white sugar, ⅓ cup melted butter, salt and 1 egg.
Add in 2 cups of flour and on low speed mix until combined.
Add the yeast mixture and then the remaining flour until dough does not stick to bottom or sides of bowl.
Turn the machine to low speed and allow the mixer to knead the dough for you for about 5 minutes adding a little additional flour as needed. You'll know you need to add more flour if the dough starts to stick again to the sides of the bowl.
Turn the dough out on to a floured board and knead a few times by hand to make it smooth. Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
Cover and let rise until doubled in size; about one hour.
How to Shape the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and remove from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface.
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a rectangle about 15 inches by 10 inches.
Brush the melted butter over the entire surface of the dough using a pastry brush.
Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Then spread evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
How to Roll the Dough
Beginning at one end, start rolling the dough up.
Slice the dough into 12 to 14 pieces, or smaller if you prefer.
Place the cinnamon rolls in a buttered 9 X 13 baking dish.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or see notes below to FREEZE THE CINNAMON ROLLS to use at a later date.
How to Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
In the morning, remove the cinnamon rolls from the refrigerator and let come to room temperature, about another hour. They will rise again.
Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until slightly brown.
How to Make the IcingWhile the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare your icing by combining together all the ingredients in the bowl of a KitchenAid mixer.
How to Spread the Icing on the Baked Cinnamon Rolls
Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for 15 minutes before pouring the glaze on top.
If you add the glaze too soon, it will melt.
How to Freeze the Cinnamon Rolls
Once you have the cinnamon rolls sliced, place them on a baking sheet that's been lined with parchment paper.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer to flash freeze the rolls. This should take about an hour or two.
Once the rolls are solid, remove and place then in a single layer in freezer safe plastic bags.
Return to freezer for up to two to three months.
How to Bake Frozen Cinnamon Rolls
When you're ready to enjoy the cinnamon rolls, remove the desired amount from the freezer and place them in a greased baking dish making sure to leave room for the cinnamon rolls to expand as they defrost.
Allow them to double in size and come to room temperature.
Bake and add icing as directed above.
Notes
How to Scald Milk:
- Place the milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly.
- When bubbles and steam start to appear remove from heat. You don't want the milk to boil, so watch it closely.
- Allow to cool to 110 degrees before adding to yeast mixture. Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature. If you add the milk when it's too hot, it will destroy the yeast.
Very Important Note:
- You need to allow the casserole dish to sit out on the counter for at least 60 minutes to come to room temperature the next day before baking in the oven.
- This is especially important if you’re using a glass baking dish. You should never put a glass baking dish directly from the refrigerator into the oven.
- You need to allow the contents of the casserole dish to come to room temperature so there’s no chance of the glass casserole dish shattering when it’s suddenly exposed to high heat from an oven.
Give Homemade Cinnamon Rolls as a Gift:
- Free printable labels and gift tags HERE for you to use and give something yummy to friends and family.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 708kcal | Carbohydrates: 122g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 292mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 25g
Nutritional estimates are provided using an online calculator and is an estimate per serving. Calorie accuracy isn't guaranteed.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and star rating!
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2014 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
