This recipe crafts delicious overnight cinnamon rolls featuring a rich, buttery dough and a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar filling. The process involves an initial dough rise, an overnight cold proof for enhanced flavor and texture, followed by a gentle second rise using a warm water bath. Finished with a luscious cream cheese icing, these rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
Prep Time 45 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 11 hours hrs 45 minutes mins
Ensure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature before mixing; this aids in proper emulsification and yeast activation, leading to a softer, more consistent dough. When kneading, resist the urge to add too much flour—the dough should remain soft and slightly tacky, clearing the sides of the bowl without being overly dry. The overnight cold proof in the refrigerator is essential for developing deep flavor and makes the dough much easier to handle when rolling and slicing. The warm water bath method for the second rise provides a perfectly humid, warm environment, promoting an even, fluffy rise without drying out the dough. For the icing, sifting the powdered sugar is key to a silky-smooth finish, free of lumps.