🍩 Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Sweet, and Effortlessly Delicious

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There’s truly nothing quite like waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. Imagine the cozy warmth, the anticipation building with every delicious scent – that’s the magic these Overnight Cinnamon Rolls bring to your mornings! Each one is a little cloud of soft, pillowy dough, generously swirled with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar filling, and crowned with a luscious, creamy frosting that melts into every nook and cranny. Perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or simply when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a moment of pure, sweet joy without the morning rush. They’re a hug in pastry form, promising a delightful start to any day.

Recipe Card will be inserted here

Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes active + 8-12 hours chill
🍽️ Servings: 12
💥 Vibe: Sweet, Pillowy, Comforting

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion

What You’ll Need

Gather your pantry staples and prepare for pure magic! This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular. Make sure your butter is softened for the dough and filling, and your milk is warm to activate the yeast perfectly.

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ – 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (as needed for consistency)

How to Make Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Creating these dreamy cinnamon rolls is a journey of warmth and anticipation. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with the most tender, flavorful rolls imaginable.

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This shows your yeast is alive and ready to work!
2. Make the Dough: Add the egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well. Gradually add 3 cups of flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky, until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare for Rolling: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 18×12 inches.
5. Spread the Filling: In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling until well combined. Spread this buttery mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small ½-inch border along one long edge.
6. Roll ’em Up: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam gently to seal.
7. Slice and Arrange: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 even slices, about 1 ½ inches thick. Arrange the slices cut-side up in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. The Overnight Chill: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for 8-12 hours, or overnight. This slow rise develops incredible flavor and texture!
9. Morning Bake Prep: In the morning, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes while your oven preheats to 375°F (190°C). This allows the rolls to warm up slightly for an even bake.
10. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. The scent will be divine!
11. Whip Up the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk/cream until light and fluffy.
12. Frost and Serve: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt slightly, creating a glorious glaze. Serve immediately and savor every bite!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These cinnamon rolls are wonderful on their own, but a little creativity can elevate them even further!

• Nutty Cinnamon Swirls: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
• Orange Zest Brightness: Stir 1-2 teaspoons of fresh orange zest into the cream cheese frosting for a vibrant, citrusy lift that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• Maple Glaze: Swap out some of the powdered sugar in the frosting for maple syrup, or add a touch of maple extract for a cozy, autumnal twist.
• Espresso Boost: For coffee lovers, add ½ teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cream cheese frosting to deepen its flavor and provide a subtle coffee kick.
• Seasonal Fruit Companion: Serve these warm rolls alongside a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of berries for a balanced and beautiful breakfast spread.

Reviews

These Overnight Cinnamon Rolls have stolen hearts and filled homes with incredible aromas! Here’s what our wonderful community has to say:

• Sarah M. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “I made these for Christmas morning, and my family absolutely devoured them! The dough was so soft, and the frosting was out of this world. This is my new go-to recipe!”
• Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “Finally, an overnight recipe that actually makes my morning easier! The prep the night before was a breeze, and waking up to fresh-baked cinnamon rolls without all the work was pure bliss. Highly recommend!”
• Chef Anna P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “As a baker, I appreciate a well-crafted recipe, and this one hits all the marks. The long proof develops incredible flavor, and the texture is pure bakery quality. My customers rave about them!”

FAQ

We know you might have a few questions as you embark on your cinnamon roll journey. Here are some common queries answered:

Q: Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
A: Yes! You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, arrange them in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let them rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking. To freeze baked rolls, let them cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Q: How long do the baked cinnamon rolls last?
A: Freshly baked and frosted cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore some of their softness.

Q: What if my dough isn’t rising?
A: A few factors could be at play. Ensure your milk was at the correct temperature (105-115°F is crucial for activating active dry yeast – too hot will kill it, too cold won’t activate it). Also, check the expiration date on your yeast. If your kitchen is particularly cold, try finding a warmer spot, like near a sunny window or in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven.

Q: Can I make these without an overnight rise?
A: While the overnight rise significantly develops flavor and convenience, you can do a shorter second rise. After slicing the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover them and let them rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes, or until noticeably puffy, then bake as directed.

Conclusion

There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from baking, and these Overnight Cinnamon Rolls embody it perfectly. They’re more than just a pastry; they’re a promise of a delightful morning, a gesture of love, and a testament to the joy of simple pleasures. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and let the magic of yeast and cinnamon transform your kitchen into a haven of warmth. You deserve this moment of sweet indulgence. Happy baking, friends!

Recipe Note

For the most tender rolls, be careful not to overbake them. They should be golden brown on top, but still soft to the touch. A little underbaked is better than overbaked when it comes to cinnamon rolls!

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• FOR THE DOUGH:
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 105-115°F (40-46°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 standard packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ – 4 cups (420-480g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• FOR THE FILLING:
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ – 2 cups (180-240g) powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, as needed

Instructions

1. **Prepare the Dough (Evening):** In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add 3 ½ cups of flour, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding up to ½ cup more flour if the dough is too sticky, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should still be slightly tacky to the touch. Form the dough into a ball.
   2. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours, or up to 24 hours).
   3. **Prepare the Filling (Evening or Morning):** In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside at room temperature if preparing in the morning, or cover and refrigerate if preparing the evening before (remember to bring to room temperature before spreading).
   4. **Roll and Fill (Morning):** Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle, approximately 18×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border on one of the long edges.
   5. Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from the long edge opposite the ½ inch border. Pinch the seam closed. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces, approximately 1 ½ inches thick, using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking pan, leaving some space between them.
   6. **Second Rise (Morning):** Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size and puffy. If the rolls are very cold from the fridge, this rise may take a bit longer.
   7. **Bake:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can lightly tent them with aluminum foil.
   8. **Prepare the Frosting:** While the rolls are baking, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream, beating until smooth and creamy. Add more milk/cream a teaspoon at a time if you desire a thinner consistency.
   9. **Serve:** Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before spreading generously with the cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy!

Chef’s Notes: For best results, ensure your yeast is active. The overnight chilling develops flavor and makes the morning baking much easier. You can make these a day ahead and bake them fresh for breakfast or brunch. If the rolls are very cold, they might need an extra 10-15 minutes to rise in the morning before baking.