Heavenly Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the Ultimate Breakfast Treat with These Irresistible Cinnamon Rolls

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These homemade overnight cinnamon rolls are not only mouthwateringly delicious but also a perfect way to make breakfast preparation a breeze. Prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and bake in the morning for a warm and comforting breakfast that will leave your family craving more.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

2. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, flour, and salt.
2. Mix until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and knead for about 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead on a floured surface for the same amount of time.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you have a smooth mixture.

4. Roll Out the Dough:

1. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 16×21-inch (40×53 cm) rectangle.

5. Fill and Roll the Dough:

1. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
2. Starting with one long edge, roll up the dough tightly to form a log. Slice off any uneven ends.
3. Cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.

6. Place in a Baking Dish:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and arrange the rolls in it, leaving a little space between each.
2. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

7. Bake:

1. In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a creamy frosting.

9. Frost and Enjoy:

1. Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
2. Serve your homemade overnight cinnamon rolls warm and savor the soft, gooey centers and sweet cinnamon flavor.

Tips:

• If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the filling.
• To ensure even-sized rolls, you can use a piece of unflavored dental floss to slice the dough. Slide the floss under the dough, cross it over the top, and pull to cut.
• If you don’t have time to refrigerate the rolls overnight, you can let them rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Variations:

Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling for extra texture and flavor.

Cook’s Note:

These homemade overnight cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm again.