Overnight No-Knead Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Gooey & Easy)

Ingredients

Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (one packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 large egg

Filling

• ½ cup softened butter
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cardamom

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
• Stir in the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix with a spatula until a sticky dough forms.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–24 hours). This slow rise develops flavor and makes the dough easier to handle without kneading.
• The next morning, let the chilled dough sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
• Spread the softened butter over the surface, sprinkle on the brown sugar, and then the cinnamon.
• Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 even rolls.
• Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish, cover, and let rise 45–60 minutes until puffy.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Bake 22–26 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
• While warm, spread with the cream cheese icing.

Variations

Extra Gooey Rolls: (a favorite of The Impatient Kitchen;)
Spread an additional two tablespoons of butter on the dough before adding the filling, or pour a splash of warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking.

Maple Cinnamon Rolls:
Replace the vanilla in the icing with a teaspoon of maple syrup for a deeper, fall-like flavor.

Orange Cinnamon Rolls:
Add orange zest to the filling and a splash of orange juice to the icing for a bright, bakery-style twist.

Brown Butter Icing:
Use browned butter instead of regular butter in the icing for a richer, caramelized flavor.

Small-Batch Version:
Cut the dough in half and bake in an 8×8 or round pan for six perfectly sized rolls.

If you love easy bread situations, check out these super Soft (No Knead, No Bread Maker) Dinner Rolls!