These Overnight Milk Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the soft, fluffy texture of milk bread with the sweet, spicy flavor of cinnamon rolls. Preparing the dough the night before and letting it rise in the refrigerator overnight enhances the flavor and makes for a convenient morning bake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for special breakfasts or brunches.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm milk. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until frothy. Add the flour, salt, eggs, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- Make the Filling: The next morning, in a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Shape the Rolls: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Proof the Rolls: Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until nearly doubled in size.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk or cream as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Finish the Rolls: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, with additional frosting on the side if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 6g
Prep and Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight proofing and 1-hour morning proofing)
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 12
These Overnight Milk Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a true delight, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, wrapped in a tender, fluffy pastry. They’re ideal for holidays, celebrations, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a special homemade breakfast.