Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction

Cinnamon rolls are the quintessential comfort food, and Baker Bettie’s overnight cinnamon rolls bring a delightful twist to this classic treat. Perfect for those cozy mornings or festive gatherings, these rolls are prepared the night before, allowing the flavors to develop fully. They are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm spices, making them an irresistible choice for breakfast or dessert.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

All-purpose flour: 4 1/2 cups
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons
Instant yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons
Whole milk: 1 cup
Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
Large egg: 1

For the filling:
Light brown sugar: 3/4 cup
Ground cinnamon: 1 tablespoon
Unsalted butter (softened): 1/4 cup

For the glaze:
Powdered sugar: 1 1/2 cups
Whole milk: 2 to 3 tablespoons
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Prep Time

Preparing these cinnamon rolls requires some patience, but it’s all worth it. Set aside approximately 30 minutes to prepare the dough and filling. Once prepared, the rolls need to rise for at least 1 hour before refrigeration overnight to enhance the flavor.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: The baking process takes around 20 minutes, during which time the rolls transform into golden-brown perfection.
Total Time: From start to finish, including resting in the fridge and baking, the entire process spans about 13 to 14 hours.
Yield: This recipe serves about 12 rolls, making it ideal for a family gathering or a special brunch with friends.

Baking these cinnamon rolls with an overnight preparation ensures a wonderfully satisfying treat the next day. Whether it’s the soft dough, the perfectly spiced filling, or the sweet glaze, every element of the recipe comes together harmoniously for a heavenly indulgence. Happy baking!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the milk slightly until it reaches about 100-110°F. This can be done in a saucepan over low heat or in a microwave.
2. Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
3. Add the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the bowl. Mix to combine fully.
4. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, one cup at a time, stirring until the dough begins to form.
5. Continue to knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook. The dough should be slightly sticky but smooth and elastic.
6. Transfer the dough to a greased mixing bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise at room temperature for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Roll and Fill the Dough

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 18×12 inches.
2. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough.
4. Start from the longer side of the rectangle and roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal the roll.

Step 3: Slice the Rolls

1. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into evenly sized rolls, about 1.5 inches thick. You should get around 12-15 rolls.
2. Place the sliced rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring there is a little space between each roll.

Step 4: Overnight Refrigeration

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the rolls overnight, or up to 24 hours.

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. The next morning, remove the rolls from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30-45 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
3. Once the rolls have slightly puffed, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

1. While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Step 7: Frost the Rolls

1. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the frosting over the top.
2. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Note on Yeast

Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it does not foam after sitting with the warm milk, it may be inactive, and you will need to begin again with new yeast.

Note on Overnight Refrigeration

Refrigerating the rolls overnight allows for a slower rise and enhanced flavor. However, if you are short on time, you can let the rolls rise at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking instead of refrigerating.

Note on Freezing

The unbaked rolls can be frozen after slicing. Place the sliced rolls in a baking dish and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the baking instructions.

Note on Rolling the Dough

Roll the dough evenly into a rectangle for uniform rolls. Use a ruler if necessary to ensure a consistent size.

Note on Frosting

The frosting can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before spreading on the rolls for easy application.

Note on Variations

Experiment with different fillings, such as adding nuts, raisins, or other spices to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Cook Techniques

Preparing the Dough

Mix and knead the dough ingredients until smooth and pliable. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or knead by hand.

Proofing the Dough

Allow the dough to proof in a covered bowl until it doubles in size. This step ensures the cinnamon rolls are soft and fluffy.

Rolling Out the Dough

Roll out the proofed dough on a lightly floured surface to a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness.

Adding the Filling

Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly on the rolled-out dough, covering it fully while leaving a border at the edges.

Shaping the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from one long edge, then use a sharp knife or dental floss to evenly slice the log into individual rolls.

Second Proofing

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish and allow them to rise again until doubled in size. This step ensures a lighter texture.

Overnight Proofing

For overnight preparation, refrigerate the shaped rolls after the second proofing stage, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Baking

Bake the rolls in a preheated oven until golden brown on top. Check regularly to avoid overbaking.

Creating the Glaze

While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, or cream until smooth.

Glazing and Serving

Spread the glaze over warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven to allow it to melt slightly, leaving a glossy and sweet finish.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, after shaping the rolls and arranging them in the baking dish, you can cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

How long does the dough take to rise?

The first proofing typically takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the temperature of your environment.

What is the best way to slice the rolls?

Using unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls is highly effective as it avoids squashing the dough compared to using a knife.

Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked rolls. For unbaked rolls, freeze them after shaping. For baked rolls, freeze them without the glaze and add it after reheating.

How long do cinnamon rolls stay fresh?

Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving for the best texture.

Can I substitute dairy in this recipe?

Yes, plant-based milk and butter substitutes can be used in place of regular milk and butter for a dairy-free version.

What should I do if my rolls aren’t rising properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Also, check that the rising environment is warm enough but not too hot to activate the yeast.

Conclusion

Making overnight cinnamon rolls allows you to prepare a delightful treat in advance, ensuring a hassle-free baking experience the next morning. These rolls are perfect for holidays or special mornings, offering indulgence with their soft, doughy texture and flavorful cinnamon filling. The process is straightforward and the result is truly rewarding, leaving you with a batch of irresistible, bakery-quality cinnamon rolls to share and enjoy.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Homemade Sticky Buns

Try making sticky buns as another indulgent breakfast option. They use a similar dough base to cinnamon rolls but feature a caramel-pecan topping that adds a gooey, nutty twist.

Classic Dinner Rolls

For a savory alternative, turn the same dough into soft and airy dinner rolls. They pair well with soups, salads, or any main dish.

Sweet Pecan Rolls

Transform your cinnamon rolls by incorporating chopped pecans into the filling for an extra crunch, or sprinkle them on top.

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

Replace or combine the cinnamon filling with fresh or frozen raspberries for a fruity and tangy variation of the classic rolls.

Orange Glazed Rolls

Add a citrus twist by glazing your cinnamon rolls with an orange-flavored icing for a refreshing and zesty finish.