Indulge in Sweet Bliss with Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls? Look no further than this recipe for Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls! With its soft, pillowy dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and creamy cream cheese icing, these cinnamon rolls are the epitome of sweet indulgence. Plus, with the convenience of overnight preparation, you can wake up to the heavenly scent of freshly baked treats without the hassle of early morning baking. Let’s dive into the details and bring the magic of homemade cinnamon rolls to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- Warm whole milk (100°F or 38°C): 1 cup (240ml)
- Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup (135g), divided
- Active dry/instant yeast: 1 ½ tablespoons (14g), equivalent to 2 standard size packets
- Softened unsalted butter, room temperature, quartered: ½ cup (113g)
- Room temperature large eggs: 2
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- All-purpose or bread flour, spooned & leveled: 4 ½ cups (563g), additional may be required
- Canola, vegetable, or olive oil (for greasing the bowl): 2 teaspoons
For the Filling:
- Softened unsalted butter, room temperature: ½ cup (113g)
- Packed light/dark brown sugar: 2/3 cup (135g)
- Ground cinnamon: 1 ½ tablespoons
For Cream Cheese Icing:
- Full-fat brick cream cheese, softened: 4 ounces (113g)
- Confectioners’ sugar: 1 cup (120g)
- Heavy cream or milk: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Pure vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm whole milk and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
- Add the remaining granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, salt, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 16×20-inch rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
4. Fill and Shape the Rolls:
- Spread the prepared filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving space between each roll.
5. Let Rise and Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, remove the plastic wrap and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Icing:
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and smooth.
7. Frost and Serve:
- Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the heavenly goodness!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
Enhance your Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls with these tips and tweaks:
- Add Nuts or Raisins: Sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins over the filling before rolling up the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosted cinnamon rolls before serving.
- Experiment with Flavors: Customize the filling by adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or try using flavored extracts like almond or maple for a unique twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Indulge in a keto-friendly or low-carb version of these cinnamon rolls with these adaptations:
Keto Version:
- Almond Flour Dough: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a blend of almond and coconut flour for a low-carb dough option.
- Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Use sugar-free sweeteners like erythritol or stevia in the dough and filling to reduce the carb content.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Prepare a keto-friendly cream cheese frosting using powdered erythritol or stevia instead of confectioners’ sugar.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce Sugar Content: Use a smaller amount of granulated sugar or a sugar-free sweetener in the dough and filling to lower the overall carb content.
- Almond Flour Tortillas: Replace the dough with low-carb almond flour tortillas or wraps for a quicker and easier low-carb option.
- Lighten Up the Frosting: Prepare a lighter cream cheese icing using reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar-free sweetener to keep the carb count in check.
In conclusion, Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that’s worth the wait! With their soft, fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy cream cheese icing, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, the irresistible aroma and heavenly flavor of these homemade treats will leave you craving more. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the sweet bliss of Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls!