Soft, fluffy, and brimming with warm cinnamon flavor, these overnight cinnamon rolls are perfect for lazy mornings or special occasions. Letting the dough rise overnight gives you a head start, so all you have to do in the morning is bake them to golden perfection and drizzle with icing.

Why You’ll Love These Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Time Saver: Prep the night before and wake up to ready-to-bake rolls.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: Perfectly tender rolls every time.
Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a citrus twist to the filling.
Perfect for Gatherings: Great for brunch, holidays, or anytime you want to impress.

How to Make It

Creating overnight cinnamon rolls is easier than you think and incredibly rewarding. It starts with a soft, enriched dough that combines flour, sugar, warm milk, eggs, and yeast.

After mixing everything together, you’ll knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. The kneading helps build structure, ensuring fluffy, tender rolls.

Once your dough is ready, let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this takes about an hour but can vary depending on your kitchen temperature.

Next comes the fun part: shaping the rolls. Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface, keeping the thickness even.

Spread a generous layer of softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly across the surface.

Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal it, and slice it into even portions. Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish, cover them, and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, the rolls just need a little time to come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking. The oven does the rest of the work, turning those spirals of dough into golden, fluffy perfection.

While the rolls are cooling, you can quickly whisk together a simple icing, adjusting the consistency to your liking. Drizzle the icing over the rolls while they’re still warm for a gooey, sweet finish.

Make Ahead Method

Overnight cinnamon rolls are designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule. Here’s how to maximize their make-ahead potential:

Overnight Refrigeration: Prepare the rolls as directed, stopping just before the second rise. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This slows the yeast activity, allowing the dough to rise slowly and develop even more flavor.
Freezer Option: Want to prep further in advance? Freeze the shaped rolls in the pan before the second rise. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. To bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then let them rise at room temperature for about an hour before baking.
Icing Ahead of Time: You can mix the icing a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature and whisk before using.

By prepping the night before or even weeks ahead, you can enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls with minimal morning effort.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Yeast: Use active dry yeast or instant yeast, depending on what you have on hand. If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm milk before adding it to the dough. For instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step.
Warm Liquids Are Key: Ensure the milk is warm (about 100-110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Too hot, and the yeast won’t work properly.
Even Slicing: For uniform rolls, use unflavored dental floss to slice through the dough log cleanly. Simply slide the floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull.
Room Temperature Butter: For the filling, make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect consistency for spreading.
Let Them Rise: After taking the rolls out of the fridge in the morning, allow them to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to rise again before baking. This step is crucial for fluffy rolls.

Adjust the Icing: Add a splash of vanilla, maple syrup, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the icing for a flavor boost. Adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner drizzle.
Check for Doneness: Bake until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry them out.

With these tips and methods, your cinnamon rolls will be irresistibly soft, gooey, and full of that classic cinnamon flavor.

Storage Options

Fridge: Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Freezer: Freeze baked rolls (with or without icing) for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

Tools for This Recipe

Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Makes kneading a breeze.
Rolling Pin: For shaping the dough into a rectangle.
Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: To slice cleanly through the dough log.
9×13 Baking Dish: Perfect for holding and baking the rolls.
Mixing Bowls: For dough prep and icing.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these the same day instead of overnight?
A: Yes! After shaping the rolls, let them rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, then bake as directed.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Whole wheat flour can be used, but it may make the rolls denser. Try substituting half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a balance.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A: Wrap individual rolls in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds for a soft and warm texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Fruit: Sprinkle dried cranberries, raisins, or diced apples into the filling.
Nutty Touch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
Citrus Boost: Mix a little orange or lemon zest into the filling for a bright twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and adjust liquid slightly if needed.

Waking Up to Cinnamon Bliss

Overnight cinnamon rolls make mornings feel like a celebration. With a little prep the night before, you’ll enjoy fresh, warm rolls without the hassle. I’d love to hear how yours turned out—share your tips, twists, or rave reviews in the comments!