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Cozy Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls Easy Overnight Prep Recipe

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These cinnamon rolls feature an easy overnight prep that allows the dough to ferment slowly, resulting in tender, flavorful rolls perfect for a cozy holiday morning. The recipe includes a cream cheese glaze for a tangy finish and uses simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp or 7g) active dry yeast
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp milk to thin glaze if necessary

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (110°F/43°C) with yeast and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and activated yeast mixture. Mix until rough dough forms.
  3. Knead dough by hand for 8-10 minutes or with stand mixer dough hook for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Shape dough into a ball, place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour at room temperature until doubled.
  5. Punch down dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours) for slow fermentation.
  6. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for filling. Keep softened butter ready for spreading.
  7. Next morning, let dough rest 15 minutes. Roll out on floured surface into 15×9 inch rectangle.
  8. Spread softened butter evenly over dough, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture, and add nuts if using.
  9. Roll dough tightly from long side into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls (~1 ½ inches each).
  10. Place rolls in greased 9×13-inch pan, leaving space between. Cover loosely and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  12. While baking, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk gradually to desired drizzle consistency.
  13. Cool rolls about 10 minutes, then drizzle glaze generously. Serve warm.

Notes

Use warm milk at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Spoon and level flour to avoid dense dough. Do not skip the overnight chill for best flavor and texture. Use serrated knife or dental floss to cut rolls cleanly. Let rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off. For faster second rise, warm dough slightly after fridge. Add extra melted butter to filling if rolls seem dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, overnight cinnamon rolls, Christmas breakfast, holiday baking, cream cheese glaze, easy cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/cozy-christmas-morning-cinnamon-rolls-easy-overnight-prep-recipe/