Imagine waking up to the most incredible aroma of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that practically melt in your mouth! These overnight cinnabuns are not just a breakfast – they're a morning miracle that will transform your entire day. With minimal morning effort and maximum deliciousness, these rolls are perfect for lazy weekends, special occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Get ready to become the breakfast hero in your household with this foolproof, make-ahead recipe that promises pure morning bliss!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk together the dry ingredients until well mixed.
- Warm the milk to lukewarm temperature (around 110°F). Add melted butter and egg to the milk, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12x9 inches. Spread the melted butter evenly across the surface.
- In a separate small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to rise.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Spread cream cheese frosting generously over warm rolls before serving.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is lukewarm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast perfectly without killing it.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process. A smooth, elastic dough is key to soft, fluffy rolls.
- Overnight Magic: Refrigerating the rolls overnight not only saves morning prep time but also allows flavors to develop more deeply.
- Room Temperature Rise: Always let cold rolls sit at room temperature before baking to ensure even rising and perfect texture.
- Cutting Hack: Use unflavored dental floss to cut rolls cleanly and evenly – it prevents squishing the delicate dough.
- Frosting Pro Tip: Apply cream cheese frosting while rolls are still warm for the most decadent, melty topping.
- Storage Tip: These rolls can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days and gently reheated in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 65mg
