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Fluffy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These fluffy overnight cinnamon rolls are easy to make ahead and bake fresh in the morning. Soft, gooey, and loaded with cinnamon-sugar swirls, they’re topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting for the ultimate comfort food breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • ¼ cup water, warmed
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • Pinch of salt (for filling)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1–2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: ½ cup golden raisins

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and eggs.
  3. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on medium speed for 5 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until creamy for the filling.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 14×18-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
  7. Spread filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Roll up tightly from the long side and pinch the seam to seal.
  8. Slice into 12 equal pieces and arrange cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
  9. Cover pan tightly and refrigerate overnight (8–14 hours).
  10. In the morning, let rolls sit at room temperature for 45–60 minutes while oven preheats to 350°F.
  11. Bake for 25–28 minutes, until tops are golden brown and centers are cooked through.
  12. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and fluffy for the frosting.
  13. Spread frosting generously over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use warm (not hot) liquids to activate yeast. Knead dough until smooth and elastic for fluffiness. Overnight refrigeration develops flavor and texture. Cut rolls with dental floss for clean slices. Frost while warm for extra gooeyness. Rolls can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, overnight cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, make ahead breakfast, brunch, easy cinnamon rolls, fluffy cinnamon rolls, holiday baking, comfort food

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/fluffy-overnight-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-easy-make-ahead-with-cream-cheese-frosting/