Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk (warmed to about 110°F (43°C))
• 0.66 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 1.5 tbsp active dry or instant yeast (2 standard packets)
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces)
• 4.5 cup all-purpose flour or bread flour (spooned & leveled, plus more as needed)
• 2 eggs (large, at room temp)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temp)
• 0.66 cup light or dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1.5 tbsp ground cinnamon

Steps

1. 1

   Whisk the warm milk, 2 Tablespoons of sugar, and the yeast together in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or paddle attachment.

2. 2

   Cover and allow mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes or until foamy on the surface.

3. 3

   Add the remaining sugar and the butter and beat on medium speed until the butter is slightly broken up.

4. 4

   Add about 1 cup (125g) of the flour, the eggs, and salt and beat on low speed for 30 seconds.

5. 5

   Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the remaining flour.

6. 6

   Beat on medium speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 2 minutes. If it seems too sticky and clings to the sides of the bowl instead of forming a rough mass around the dough hook or spoon, add more flour, 1 Tablespoon at a time, and continue to mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

7. 7

   Keep the dough in the mixer (and switch to the dough hook if you used the paddle) and beat on low speed for an additional 5 full minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 full minutes.

8. 8

   Lightly grease a large bowl with oil, butter, or nonstick spray.

9. 9

   Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides in the oil. Cover tightly.

10. 10

    Allow to rise at room temperature for 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.

11. 11

    Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish (glass or metal) or line it with parchment.

12. 12

    Punch down the dough to release the air.

13. 13

    Place dough on a lightly floured work surface and using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. If the dough keeps shrinking, let it rest covered for 10 minutes before continuing.

14. 14

    Spread the softened butter all over the dough.

15. 15

    In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together then sprinkle evenly on top.

16. 16

    Tightly roll up the dough to form an 18-inch-long log.

17. 17

    With an extra-sharp knife, cut into 12 even rolls, about 1.5 inches thick. Arrange in the prepared baking pan.

18. 18

    Cover the pan and allow the rolls to rise until puffy, about 1 hour.

19. 19

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

20. 20

    Bake for about 25–28 minutes or until they are lightly browned on top, rotating the pan halfway through.

21. 21

    Remove pan from the oven and place pan on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes before icing.

Notes

To make these 'overnight', you can let the rolls rise in the refrigerator after step 7 (cutting and placing in the pan) instead of the room temperature rise. See website for specific freezing instructions and icing recipe.

Nutrition per serving

• breakfast
• brunch
• dessert
• baked
• cinnamon rolls
• holiday
• yeast bread