Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. + chilling Bake: 20 min.

Makes

2 dozen

Updated: Jul. 14, 2023
I like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 5-3/4 to 6-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • CINNAMON FILLING:
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • GLAZE:
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 cup half-and-half cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine eggs, butter, sugar, salt, yeast mixture and 3 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a very soft dough (dough will be sticky). Do not knead. Cover; refrigerate overnight.
  2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Turn dough onto a floured surface; divide dough in half. Roll 1 portion into an 18x12-in. rectangle. Spread with 1/4 cup butter to within 1/2 in. of edges; sprinkle evenly with half of the brown sugar mixture.
  3. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 slices. Place in a greased 13x9-in. baking pan, cut side down. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
  4. Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375°.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. In a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar, cream and vanilla; spread over warm rolls.
Test Kitchen Tips
  • Unwaxed unflavored dental floss can be used to cut these rolls. Loop a 10-inch piece around the log of dough and pull taut until the floss cuts through the dough.
  • Customizing these rolls is a breeze when you tweak the glaze ingredients. Try swapping maple or almond extract for the vanilla or adding a teaspoon of citrus zest.
  • Dark Chocolate Filling: Finely grate one 4-oz. bittersweet chocolate baking bar; gently stir in 1/2 cup sugar, 2 Tbsp. baking cocoa and 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon. Sprinkle over butter in place of brown sugar-cinnamon mixture. Orange-Spice Filling: Mix 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2 Tbsp. grated orange peel, 2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1 tsp. ground ginger and 1/2 tsp. each ground cardamom, ground cloves and ground allspice until blended. Sprinkle over butter in place of brown sugar-cinnamon mixture.

    Nutrition Facts

    1 roll: 278 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.