Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Morning Treat

Introduction

There's nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. While making cinnamon rolls from scratch might seem like a time-consuming task, overnight cinnamon rolls are the perfect solution for a stress-free morning treat. By preparing the dough the night before, you can enjoy soft, gooey, and delicious cinnamon rolls with minimal effort the next day. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making overnight cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

.1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)

.2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

.¼ cup granulated sugar

.2 large eggs, room temperature

.¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

.1 teaspoon salt

.4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

.¾ cup brown sugar, packed

.2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

.¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

.4 oz cream cheese, softened

.¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

.1 ½ cups powdered sugar

.½ teaspoon vanilla extract

.1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning the frosting)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.

.In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. 

.Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

.Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

.Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Make the Filling:

.In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.

.Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 16x12 inches.

.Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.

3. Roll and Cut the Dough:

.Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.

.Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

.Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

4. Overnight Rising: 

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight.

5. Bake the Rolls:

.The next morning, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour.

.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

.While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

.Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. 

.If the frosting is too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired consistency.

7. Frost and Serve:

.Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5-10 minutes.

.Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve.

Conclusion

Overnight cinnamon rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy a fresh, homemade breakfast without the early morning hassle. By preparing the dough the night before, you can have warm, gooey rolls ready to go in the oven as soon as you wake up. Whether for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy!