Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

How To Prep Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculously Goodness is a straightforward, make-ahead method for shaping, refrigerating, and finally baking soft, yeasted cinnamon rolls with a rich butter-sugar-cinnamon filling and a creamy icing for the ultimate breakfast reward.

How To Prep Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculously Goodness is about planning the dough the night before, letting the refrigerator do the slow proofing, and finishing with a hot oven bake so you wake to bakery-fresh aroma and warmth.

How To Prep Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculously Goodness works for busy mornings and makes hosting effortless – prep mostly overnight and finish in under 40 minutes in the morning. How To Prep Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculously Goodness gives you the satisfaction of fresh-baked rolls with a tiny bit of advance work and a lot of payoff.

For further comfort-food inspiration try this savory twist on soup while your dough rests: Amazing Chicken Pot Pie Soup.

What Makes This Recipe So Special

This method focuses on timing and texture – the dough is enriched with butter and eggs for a tender crumb, the filling is deeply spiced, and a controlled cold-rise in the refrigerator boosts flavor and makes the schedule flexible. A slow overnight proof gives complexity and keeps the rolls light and pillowy. We use a classic ratio of flour, milk, butter, sugar, and yeast so you get predictable results whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker.

Why this technique stands out:

• Cold overnight rise develops flavor without extra effort.
• Shaping ahead saves morning time – you simply bake.
• Simple ingredients produce an indulgent result.

Ingredients

Makes 12-15 standard rolls.

• 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast – one packet
• 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon fine salt

Filling:

• 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons milk to thin if needed

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook or wooden spoon for hand-kneading
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans
• Plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid
• Instant-read thermometer (optional)
• Bench scraper or sharp knife

You can adapt the pan size based on how tall you want the rolls. If you prefer a more rustic presentation, use a round pan and bake them slightly closer together. For a helpful savory pairing when you plan a full weekend brunch menu consult this cozy potato soup: Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of make-ahead cinnamon rolls comes down to balance. Warm milk activates the yeast without killing it. Butter and eggs enrich the dough and keep it tender. The cold, slow proof in the refrigerator allows the yeast to work gently – producing aromatic compounds and flavor that a quick rise doesn’t deliver. Rolling the dough tightly and evenly ensures uniform buns that bake through without soggy centers. The cream cheese icing adds tang and richness to offset the sweetness, making each bite complex and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Method

Note: Preheat is quick and does not count as Step 1.

Step 1: Activate Yeast and Combine Wet Ingredients

• Mix: In a small bowl, stir the warm milk and yeast with a pinch of sugar; let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• Combine: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk melted butter, eggs, salt, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Add the foamy yeast mixture.

Step 2: Make and Knead the Dough

• Add flour: Stir in 3 1/2 cups of the flour, then mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add the remaining 1/2 cup as needed for a soft, slightly tacky dough.
• Knead: Knead 6-8 minutes by machine on low, or 10-12 minutes by hand, until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise – Short Room Temperature Rest

• Rest: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rest 20-30 minutes at room temperature – this jump-starts fermentation before the cold proof.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Shape

• Roll out: On a floured surface, roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
• Spread filling: Spread the softened butter evenly, then sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture in an even layer.
• Shape: Starting from the long edge, roll tightly into a log. Use a bench scraper and a gentle sawing motion to trim and cut 12-15 equal rolls.

Step 5: Refrigerate for Overnight Proof

• Arrange: Place rolls snugly in a greased 9×13 pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap.
• Cold proof: Refrigerate overnight for 8-14 hours. This is the hands-off part that delivers flavor and convenience.

Step 6: Bake in the Morning

• Bring to temperature: Remove pan from fridge 30-60 minutes before baking to take the chill off.
• Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Bake: Bake 25-30 minutes until tops are golden and the centers reach about 190°F when tested with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 7: Ice and Serve

• Make icing: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and thin to desired consistency with milk.
• Finish: Spread icing over hot rolls so it melts into crevices. Serve warm.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

• If your dough is sticky, resist the urge to add too much flour – a slightly tacky dough bakes up softer.
• For stronger cinnamon flavor, toast the ground cinnamon briefly in a dry pan and then mix with the sugar.
• Overproofed rolls will be flat and overly yeasty; underproofed rolls are dense. If your dough doubles quickly at room temperature, shorten the first rest before refrigerating.
• If your refrigerator is cold-running, place the covered pan on a middle shelf away from walls for an even cold rise.
• For a dairy-free version, swap butter for a plant-based spread and use a dairy-free cream cheese. Results will be similar but slightly firmer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls still warm with a pat of softened butter or an extra drizzle of icing. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a bright yogurt parfait. For a complete brunch, add egg dishes and greens.

• Tip: For a savory contrast, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple frittata.
• Duplicate serving idea for testing: How To Prep Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculously Goodness is perfect when paired with fresh fruit and strong coffee.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze un-iced rolls for up to 3 months – thaw overnight in the refrigerator then bake or warm.
• Reheat individual rolls in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warm.

Nutrition (Per roll, approximate)

• Calories: 380
• Fat: 16 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 22 g

Safety Notes

• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure centers reach a safe internal temperature of about 190°F so the dough is cooked through.
• If your yeast fails to foam during activation, discard and try a new packet – expired yeast is a common culprit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These make-ahead cinnamon rolls are a winner because they let you plan ahead without sacrificing the magic of fresh-baked sweetness in the morning – tender, aromatic rolls that taste like a bakery with minimal morning work. You get two big benefits: exceptional flavor from the overnight cold-proof and stress-free mornings when all you do is bake and ice.

If you love breakfast foods that turn ordinary mornings into celebrations, try pairing them with other one-pan meal ideas like this tasty one-pan roasted chicken, cauliflower, and potatoes with a …. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below – your feedback helps other home bakers. Share the recipe on Pinterest or Facebook and tell me – what variation did you try? Let us know below!