Wake up to the smells of freshly-baked homemade overnight cinnamon rolls! They're easy to make and are perfect for any holiday, birthday, or special occasion breakfast.
All you have to do is mix all the ingredients together, form the rolls and let them rise in the fridge overnight. Then the next morning, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.
Bake the rolls as your family wakes up to a special breakfast treat - warm, sweet, cinnamon goodness.
Check out all my other Best Cinnamon Roll Recipes for even more deliciousness!
With just a few simple ingredients, like butter, sugar, cinnamon, and refrigerated dough, this recipe can make any holiday or celebratory morning special.
You'll have soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls that are sure to delight everyone at the breakfast table! This recipe is similar to my Bread Machine Overnight Cinnamon Rolls, only we make the dough using an electric stand mixer.
Looking for more breakfast ideas to serve for the holidays? Try my Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole or my Cinnamon Roll Casserole without Eggs...yum!
Table of Contents
- Overnight Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Proofing Cinnamon Rolls Overnight
- How to give cinnamon rolls as a gift?
- 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Ingredients
- Recipe Notes
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- How to Scald Milk
- Overnight Rising Instructions
- Baking Instructions
- Expert Tip
- Cinnamon Roll Frosting Recipe
- Serving Tips
- Before You Begin!
- Storing Leftover Cinnamon Roll Tips
- Reheating Tips
- Can you leave cinnamon roll dough out overnight?
- More Recipes to Love
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Overnight Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Many years ago I started making homemade overnight cinnamon rolls for breakfast for Christmas morning. It was a recipe I found in a magazine.
Need I say anymore? This was before everyone had the internet in their homes or even personal computers. But more importantly, this was way before my Walking on Sunshine Recipes blog started.
Proofing Cinnamon Rolls Overnight
With an overnight refrigerator cinnamon roll recipe, you can have a hot treat ready in the morning without all the early-morning fussing. Simply shape the dough into rolls and let them rise overnight in the refrigerator.
In the morning, bake and prepare your cinnamon rolls so they're ready to serve. You'll be amazed how relatively simple it is to get a special breakfast on the table without spending all morning in the kitchen!
Check out this collection of 15 Overnight Cinnamon Roll Recipes for more ideas!
How to give cinnamon rolls as a gift?
Follow the instructions to make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls only do not bake them. Instead follow these simple steps to freeze the cinnamon rolls:
- Once you have the cinnamon rolls sliced, place them on a baking sheet that's been lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer to flash freeze the rolls. This should take about an hour.
- Once the rolls are solid, remove them from the baking tray and place in a freezer safe plastic bag. Then place the bag in the freezer until you're ready to give your gift.
- Prepare the frosting according to the directions in the recipe. Place the frosting in a small air-tight container, label and add to the freezer as well.
Check out the full instructions for Freezer-Friendly Cinnamon Rolls and the printable gift labels with baking instructions.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
Pyrex Basics Clear Oblong Glass Baking Dishes -More InformationPyrex Basics 3 Quart Glass Oblong Baking DishMore InformationSpode - Classic Christmas Tree Design Earthenware DinnerMore InformationChristmas Theme Holiday-Inspired Ceramic Dinner Plates 8More InformationWhaline Christmas Cloth Napkins Red Black Buffalo PlaidMore Information
Ingredients
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Recipe Notes
- It's really important that you allow the casserole dish to sit out on the counter for at least 30 to 60 minutes to come to room temperature the next day before baking in the oven.
- This is especially important if you’re using a glass baking dish. You should never put a glass baking dish directly from the refrigerator into the oven.
- You need to allow the contents of the casserole dish to come to room temperature so there’s no chance of the glass casserole dish shattering when it’s suddenly exposed to high heat from an oven.
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for about 15 minutes before spreading your glaze on top. If you spread the glaze too soon, it will melt and not be the proper consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in ½ cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Cover the bowl with a small plate and set it aside for about 5 minutes until the yeast proofs, indicated by the presence of bubbles on top and its growth.
Step 2: In a KitchenAid mixer bowl with the dough hook attachment, blend scalded milk, white sugar, melted butter, salt, and 1 egg. Slowly add 2 cups of flour until combined, then mix in the yeast mixture and remaining flour until dough is non-sticky.
How to Scald Milk
Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously. Remove from heat when bubbles and steam emerge, ensuring it doesn't boil. Let it cool to 110°F before adding it into the yeast mixture, using a digital thermometer to verify temperature accuracy and prevent yeast damage.
- Super-fast: Instant reading thermometer with backlight features 3.9 inches food grade stainless steel probe gets temp readout within 3-5 seconds with high precision sensor
Step 3: Set the machine to low speed and let it knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes, adding extra flour as necessary.
Step 4: Transfer the dough onto a floured board and knead it by hand until smooth. Then, place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size, which typically takes about an hour.
Step 5: Once doubled, deflate the dough, transfer it to a floured surface, roll it out to 15 x 10 inches, and brush with melted butter.
Step 6: Spread the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the melted butter. Starting from one end, roll the dough into a single long roll, then slice it into 12 pieces or smaller according to your preference.
Overnight Rising Instructions
Step 7: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9 x 13 Pyrex glass baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
Baking Instructions
The following morning, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let the rolls rest on the counter for approximately an hour, allowing them to reach room temperature. Once both rolls and dish are at room temperature, bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 30 minutes.
Expert Tip
Make sure you allow the baking dish to come to room temperature before adding it to the oven. This procedure promotes additional rising of the cinnamon rolls prior to baking and will ensure that the Pyrex dish attains room temperature as well, mitigating the risk of potential bursting in a heated oven.
Cinnamon Roll Frosting Recipe
Step 8: While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting.
Serving Tips
Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for a few minutes before topping them with the cream cheese frosting. Applying the frosting too soon might result in melting and an undesirable consistency.
Before You Begin!
If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.
Storing Leftover Cinnamon Roll Tips
Refrigerator: Freshly baked cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days...if they last that long!
Freezer: You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure they are well wrapped to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any unwanted odors.
Thawing Tips: Allow them to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Tips
- Microwave: Place a single cinnamon roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. If reheating multiple rolls, increase the time accordingly but be careful not to overheat them, as it can make them tough.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a slightly crispier exterior, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking.
- Toaster Oven: Place the cinnamon rolls in a toaster oven and heat them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Air Fryer Method: Heat the cinnamon rolls in a preheated 320°F air fryer for about 3-5 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the rolls. Check them periodically to prevent overcooking.
Can you leave cinnamon roll dough out overnight?
Generally, it is not recommended to leave cinnamon roll dough out overnight. Cinnamon roll dough should be kept in the refrigerator and allowed to proof slowly overnight for best results. If you need your cinnamon rolls in a hurry, you can let them rise at room temperature, but this will result in a less flavorful product. For maximum fluffiness and flavor, always allow your cinnamon roll dough to proof in the refrigerator overnight.
More Recipes to Love
- For a holiday brunch, you can also serve my Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Sausage with the Overnight Cinnamon Rolls.
- Check out this recipe for making Instant Pot Cinnamon Rolls.
📖 Recipe Card
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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Dough
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ cup water 105°F - 110°F degrees
- ½ cup milk scaled; see note below.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Ingredients for the Filling
- ½ cup butter melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Ingredients for the Icing
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in ½ cup warm water. Add 1 teaspoon sugar. Cover the bowl with a small plate and set aside for the yeast to proof.
- In the bowl of a KitchenAid mixer with the dough hook attachment, combine the ½ cup scalded milk (see note below), ¼ cup white sugar, ⅓ cup melted butter, salt and 1 egg.
- Add in 2 cups of flour and on low speed mix until combined.
- Add the yeast mixture and then the remaining flour until dough does not stick to bottom or sides of bowl.
- Turn the machine to low speed and allow the mixer to knead the dough for you for about 5 minutes adding a little additional flour as needed. You'll know you need to add more flour if the dough starts to stick again to the sides of the bowl.
- Turn the dough out on to a floured board and knead a few times by hand to make it smooth. Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in size; about one hour.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and remove from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a rectangle about 15 inches by 10 inches.
- Brush the melted butter over the entire surface of the dough using a pastry brush.
- Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Then spread evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
- Beginning at one end, start rolling the dough up.
- Slice the dough into 12 to 14 pieces, or smaller if you prefer.
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a buttered 9 X 13 baking dish.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or see notes below to FREEZE THE CINNAMON ROLLS to use at a later date.
- In the morning, remove the cinnamon rolls from the refrigerator and let come to room temperature, about another hour. They will rise again.
- Bake in a 350°F preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until slightly brown.
How to Make the Icing
- While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare your icing by combining together all the ingredients in the bowl of a KitchenAid mixer.
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for a few minutes before adding the cream cheese frosting.
How to Freeze the Cinnamon Rolls
- Once you have the cinnamon rolls sliced, place them on a baking sheet that's been lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer to flash freeze the rolls. This should take about an hour or two.
- Once the rolls are solid, remove and place then in a single layer in freezer safe plastic bags.
- Return to freezer for up to two to three months.
How to Bake Frozen Cinnamon Rolls
- When you're ready to enjoy the cinnamon rolls, remove the desired amount from the freezer and place them in a greased baking dish making sure to leave room for the cinnamon rolls to expand as they defrost.
- Allow them to double in size and come to room temperature.
- Bake and add icing as directed above.
Notes
How to Scald Milk:
- Place the milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly.
- When bubbles and steam start to appear remove from heat. You don't want the milk to boil, so watch it closely.
- Allow to cool to 110 degrees before adding to yeast mixture. Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature. If you add the milk when it's too hot, it will destroy the yeast.
Very Important Note:
- You need to allow the casserole dish to sit out on the counter for at least 60 minutes to come to room temperature the next day before baking in the oven.
- This is especially important if you’re using a glass baking dish. You should never put a glass baking dish directly from the refrigerator into the oven.
- You need to allow the contents of the casserole dish to come to room temperature so there’s no chance of the glass casserole dish shattering when it’s suddenly exposed to high heat from an oven.
Give Homemade Cinnamon Rolls as a Gift:
- Free printable labels and gift tags HERE for you to use and give something yummy to friends and family.
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2014 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Tara says
These are easy and delicious, but the amount of ads is insane and why can’t the temp and time be in the recipe so I don’t have to scroll though all the ads
Lois says
The ads help me continue to provide FREE recipes. The temperature and baking time are both listed in the printable recipe card. I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Kerryanne says
Cinnamon Rolls are one of my favourite indulgences when I visit the US Lois, so I look forward to trying your recipe.
Thank you for sharing this recipe at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I'm delighted to be featuring your Cinnamon Rolls recipe at this week's party and pinning too.
Happy New Year,
Kerryanne
Lois says
Thank you for the feature! And thank you for hosting your party every week.
Nicolle says
Lois these look delicious! Thank you so much for linking up your recipe at my weekly link party! I'm happy to be featuring you this week!
Happy New Year!
Lois says
Thank you for visiting and hosting your party every week.
Sami L. says
I got mine all ready in the refrigerator right now!! I can't wait for tomorrow to bake these! They look so good and they're not even cooked yet. Thank you for the recipe. 😁
Lois says
Thank you for the great comment! I hope your family enjoys the cinnamon rolls! Please come back and let me know!
Mike Sr. says
Great recipe! Before I dive into it I would like to know if the filling ingredients can be mixed together to form sort of a paste and spread out on the rolled out dough rather than brushing the butter on first then adding the cinnamon sugar?
Lois says
I've never tried that. Let me know if you do and how it turns out! Thank you for visiting.
Seher says
My cinnamon rolls turned out quite hard and not at all soft and fluffy out of the ice . Followed your recipe to the T, could there be a reason for their texture ?
Lois says
I'm not really sure why they turned out hard. Did you allow them to come to room temperature? That can take some time.
Marisa Naro says
Do you use the entire 1/2 cup of melted butter or just use what you need to generously cover the surface and discard the rest?
Lois says
Yes, use the entire 1/2 cup. If you find it's too much, you can always cut it back and not use it all. Thank you for visiting!
Sue says
I made these today and froze them as directed. Do you think if I take them out of the freezer the night before I want to bake them, they will have time to thaw and rise in the refrigerator overnight?
Lois says
Hi Sue, Take the frozen cinnamon rolls out of the freezer and place in the refrigerator the day before you want to bake them. Then in the morning, let them sit on the counter or in a warm area in your kitchen for about an hour and then bake. You're going to love this recipe!
Sue says
Thank you! They are in the freezer. Can’t wait to bake them!
Lois says
Hope you have a Merry Christmas!!! Thank you for visiting.
Tarah says
My family simply cannot get enough of this recipe… I’ve made these cinnamon rolls 4 times in the last two months! I follow the instructions exactly as written, and they turn out perfect every single time….the only “deviation” is that I make a double batch of the icing, because it is THAT good. Thank you so much for such a delicious recipe! This is now a staple in our household.
Lois says
What a wonderful comment! Thank you so much!
Olivia Rose says
So delicious!! Yummy yummy wanna try this soon. My munchkins will love it. Thanks for the recipe.
Lois says
Thank you!!!
Marilyn Lesniak says
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Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn
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Erin says
Could I turn these into caramel rolls instead? If so, how? 😁
Lois says
I'm not really sure how you would turn this recipe into a caramel rolls recipe. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy it!
Joanne says
I can totally relate to your story! We made some overnight cinnamon rolls several years ago now for Christmas morning and we just loved them... then I lost my recipe. We have tried a few here and there and while they are good they just haven't been AS good as we remembered that first recipe to be. I'll have to give yours a try!
Lois says
I hope this recipe comes close to what you remember!!! It is so good! Thanks for visiting and sharing.
Lo says
I used a bread maker to prep the dough. After rolling it out there barely 9 of them. Oops? Has anyone tried to use a bread maker?
Lois says
I think it depends on how big you slice them. Next time make slice them smaller? You can see from the photos above I use a ruler and tried to get mine to all be close to two inches wide. Thank you for visiting!
Past says
Very Effective Tips. Thanks for sharing
Barbara says
My husband and I love this recipe and it looks just as beautiful as the magazine photo. Perfectly yummy! Will be using it again this evening for a small birthday dinner group.
Lois says
Thanks for the great comment! Glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Sarah @ The DIY Mommy says
These look too good not to try! Yum!!!
Lois says
Thank you for visiting. I hope your family enjoys them!
Lisa notes says
Thanks for sharing your recipe. I used to be intimated to make cinnamon rolls from scratch but it's not as hard as I thought! 🙂 And they're so delicious.
Lois says
I hope the recipe turns out great for you! Thank you for visiting.
Lisa says
Do they have to be refrigerated overnight?
Lois says
Yes, you need to refrigerate them overnight. They will rise in the refrigerator. Thanks for visiting.
Donitta says
Love this recipe so much! Made for Christmas morning! Perfect cause made night before .
Lois says
Thank you for letting me know! Merry Christmas!
Jan says
Do you use light or dark brown sugar? Can’t wait to make them. Thank you!
Lois says
I always use light brown sugar. Would love to know how the recipe turns out for you. Thanks for visiting.
Cassie says
The name on this recipe is a little misleading. I started them at 9pm and now I'm going to bed. I didn't read these instructions all the way through...
These look so yummy though!
Lois says
How did they turn out???
RonWill7 says
How long can these be store in the fridge? Trying to plan all my preparing, cooking, and baking for tonight and I wonder if I can make these earlier rather than later.
Thanks!
Cindy Lapp says
Can you make them ahead, freeze before allowing to rise?
Andrea Lesovsky says
Mix all the glaze ingredients together and then use a spoon or pastry brush and drizzle/brush over the cinnamon rolls. That’s it. Very easy 🙂
Farm girl says
Would you please add the instructions on how to prepare the glaze? Thank you
Andrea Lesovsky says
I just made these...WOW! What a great recipe! I have made many cinnamon rolls before, but these were just amazing! The dough was super fluffy and soft. Best yeast dough I have ever worked with. Thanks so much for this wonderful recipe. It's a definite keeper!
Elizabeth Resovsky says
I love these! I was just wondering if you think I. Pull put them together a day ahead of time? Thank you
Sheri says
I made these yesterday and enjoyed them this morning!! They were so easy and AMAZING!! My family said that I better keep this recipe and not change a thing. I found your recipe on Pinterest and I'm so glad I did!! I am starting a blog and would love to make these on the blog but give the credit to you with a link to your blog. I'm just beginning to learn about blogging and wanted to make sure that you would be okay with this.
Edye Nicole says
These look perfectly delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Edye |
Umberta says
Craving a cinnamon roll now! 😉
xx
Umberta
Shirley1212 says
I have a brunch to go to tomorrow morning- I'm making these!
Angela Muir says
Oh these look delicious! Thanks for linking up!
Kimberly Lewis says
This looks so good! I’m drooling right now. Pinned. We had so much fun partying with you at our last party. We hope to see you tonight’s party at 7 pm. We love to see what you have been working on!
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Starla J. says
These look so yummy!!!
Alexis AKA MOM says
HOLY moly those look amazing. I'd eat them all before the family got up .. lol
Pam Smith says
My father-in-law makes these every time we visit and they are so much better than store bought! It's great to have the recipe for myself now!
-Pam @ Pam's Life
Stacy says
These were so good and worth every bit of extra effort! 🙂 I used fresh ground wheat berries and honey granules for the sugar, and sucanat for the brown sugar. I also added 1 tablespoon of lecithin and one tsp of vital wheat gluten to help with rise. SO GOOD! Thanks for the tip on waiting to ice them - my icing always melts because I'm too eager to wait. 🙂 This time I just made sure I had something else to do for those 15 minutes. Ha, ha! My children are HUGE fans. Thanks!
Sugar Cookies to Peterbilts says
Oh my goodness! These sound amazing!
Kim of Mo Betta says
I'm drooling all over my keyboard! These look so yummy and SO much better than the canned version my kids had for breakfast this morning 😛
Cynthia Landrie says
I love cinnamon rolls in the morning. I'm always looking for new recipes. Thank you for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. Hope to see you next time.
Miz Helen says
Oh my goodness,
I would just love waking up to this special treat! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Kim@Snug Harbor says
Pinning this - thanks!!
Rachel Beach says
Definitely pinned! I have made a few recipes before and the best I found included 20 tbsp of butter (waaaay too much!) so I would like to find a better alternative. Thanks for sharing.
Lea says
These look sooooo good!
Barbara Pendleton says
Pinning and making! Thanks for sharing at the Fluster's Muster Linky Party!!
Savory Experiments says
I do love cinnamon rolls!
Cindy Jamieson says
OMG these cinnamon rolls look SO GOOD!!! Thanks for sharing at Simple Supper.
Eric Pepple says
Mmmm these cinnamon rolls are making me hungry! Those look awesome 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Joanne DiPalo says
These looks so delicious. I haven't attempted to make the yeast dough recipe but your rolls look so delicious I'll have to give it a try.
Thanks so much for sharing,
Joanne
Beth says
Oh these look so good!! Thank you!