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Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Take the stress out of the ultimate breakfast treat with an easy recipe for Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting.
4.75 from 8 votes
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 12 rolls

Ingredients  

For the cinnamon roll dough:

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon sugar, divided
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons (one 3/4-oz. packet) active dry yeast
  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out dough
  • 2 large eggs, at room temp
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the filling:

  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons cinnamon

For the cream cheese frosting:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, at room temp
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temp
  • 2 Tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar

Instructions 

Make the cinnamon roll dough:

  • Warm the milk and butter on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is warm but not hot to the touch (it should be below 110°F). Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and the yeast to the milk, stirring to combine, then set it aside for 5 minutes. 
  • In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, mix together the flour, cinnamon, salt and remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Add the yeast mixture and eggs and mix for 8 minutes until dough is smooth. (The dough will be slightly tacky.) Place the dough in a clean, greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Place the bowl in a warm, dark place to proof until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.  
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
  • Lightly flour your work surface then scrape the dough out, and using a rolling pin, roll the dough into roughly a 12x20-inch rectangle that is 1/4-inch thick. 
  • Brush the melted butter generously over the dough. 
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, sugar and cinnamon then sprinkle it atop the melted butter. Starting at the long edge of the rectangle, roll the dough up into a tight log, then using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 2-inch rounds.
  • Arrange the rounds in the prepared baking dish (discarding any smaller ends). Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, dark place to allow the cinnamon rolls to rise a second time for 30 minutes. (Note: This is the point at which you can cover the pan securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate the rolls overnight. Continue with the recipe as directed on the day of baking.)
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Bake the cinnamon rolls until they are pale golden, 22 to 25 minutes. (Note: If you are baking the cinnamon rolls directly from the fridge, add about 10 minutes to your bake time.)
  • While the cinnamon rolls bake, make the cream cheese frosting.  

Make the cream cheese frosting:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. 
  • Add the vanilla extract, buttermilk, salt and confectioners’ sugar and beat until combined.
  • Spread generously over completely cooled cinnamon rolls. Best served immediately.  
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