There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. The warm, buttery dough, the rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and the creamy maple-infused frosting—it’s the kind of breakfast that turns an ordinary morning into something truly special. But let’s be honest, no one wants to wake up at 5 AM to start making dough from scratch. That’s where these make-ahead cinnamon rolls come in. You can prepare them the night before, pop them in the fridge, and then bake them fresh in the morning with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or any time you want to treat yourself (or your family) to something extra delicious.
This Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls recipe is designed to be simple, foolproof, and utterly delicious. The dough is enriched with butter and eggs, making it soft and pillowy. The filling is a perfect balance of brown sugar and cinnamon, melting into a gooey center as the rolls bake. And let’s talk about the frosting—a dreamy combination of cream cheese, maple syrup, and powdered sugar. It’s smooth, slightly tangy, and just sweet enough to complement the warm rolls without being overwhelming. If you’ve ever wanted to make bakery-style cinnamon rolls at home, this is your recipe. And the best part? You don’t have to wake up early to do it.
Why You’ll Love This Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These cinnamon rolls are truly next-level amazing, and once you try them, they might just become your new go-to breakfast treat. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers perfect results every time.
No Early Morning Prep – Let’s be real—waking up early to mix, knead, and wait for dough to rise isn’t ideal. With this recipe, you can assemble everything the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Soft & Buttery Dough – The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, making it incredibly fluffy, tender, and rich. It’s the kind of texture that melts in your mouth.
Gooey Cinnamon Filling – A mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a sticky-sweet filling that caramelizes beautifully as the rolls bake.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting – Forget plain powdered sugar glaze—this maple-infused cream cheese frosting adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Perfect for Special Mornings – These cinnamon rolls are ideal for holidays, brunch with friends, or cozy weekend mornings. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift!
Ingredients Needed
To make these irresistible cinnamon rolls, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Everything is easy to find, and chances are, you already have most of these in your kitchen!
The Dough
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour – This creates a sturdy yet soft dough that holds its shape beautifully.
- ⅓ cup sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- 2 tsp kosher salt – Balances the flavors.
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast – Helps the dough rise and gives the rolls a light, fluffy texture.
- 3 large eggs – Enriches the dough, making it soft and tender.
- 1 cup milk (warmed to ~100°F) – Activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist.
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter (room temp, divided into 1-inch pieces) – Adds richness and softness to the dough.
The Filling
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) – Helps the sugar and cinnamon stick to the dough.
- ¾ cup brown sugar – Creates that irresistible caramel-like filling.
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon – The star ingredient for warm, cozy spice.
The Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temp) – Adds creaminess.
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temp) – Gives the frosting its rich and tangy flavor.
- 2 tbsp maple syrup – Enhances the sweetness with a warm, deep flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light and smooth.
- 1-3 tbsp milk (optional, to adjust consistency) – Helps achieve the perfect spreadable texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions to make this Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the dry ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer: flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and warm milk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with a dough hook attachment until the dough comes together. It will look slightly sticky at this stage—don’t worry, that’s normal.
Next, gradually add the butter pieces, one at a time, allowing each piece to fully incorporate before adding the next. This step gives the dough its signature richness. Continue mixing until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it forms a soft, slightly tacky ball. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Shape the Cinnamon Rolls
Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle (about 18×10 inches). Brush the dough with melted butter, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, making sure to keep it even as you go. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 1½-inch slices. You should end up with about 12 rolls. Place them in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart.
3. Overnight Rising & Baking
If making these cinnamon rolls ahead of time, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge overnight. The next morning, remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking.
To bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown on top and the centers are cooked through. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly at this point!
4. Prepare the Frosting & Serve
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and maple syrup until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is creamy and well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Once the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes, then generously spread the frosting over the warm rolls. The heat from the rolls will slightly melt the frosting, making it even more delicious as it seeps into the swirls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Variations & Serving Ideas
Add Nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for extra crunch.
Chocolate Chip Rolls – Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Add diced apples to the filling for a fruity touch.
Pumpkin Spice Rolls – Replace some butter with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice.
Vegan Version – Use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cream cheese.
Pair your cinnamon rolls with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, or a fruit salad for a well-rounded breakfast. For a full brunch, serve alongside pancakes, waffles, or a fresh orange juice pitcher. If serving as dessert, warm them up and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
To make these ahead, refrigerate the assembled rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning. You can also freeze unbaked rolls for up to 3 months and thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking. Leftover baked cinnamon rolls keep well for 2 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Key Takeaway
These Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls are everything you could want in a breakfast treat—soft, buttery, perfectly spiced, and topped with the most luscious maple cream cheese frosting. The best part? You don’t have to wake up early to enjoy them! By prepping the dough the night before, you can enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls in the morning with minimal effort.
Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or just because you deserve a treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The smell of warm cinnamon and sweet dough filling your kitchen is enough to make anyone smile, and the first bite will have you coming back for more. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your experience, and don’t forget to tag me in your cinnamon roll photos. Happy baking! 🍽️✨
Print
Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Fluffy & Perfect for Breakfast
- Total Time: ~50 minutes + overnight rise
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls are soft, buttery, and filled with gooey cinnamon sugar, then topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a stress-free morning, you can prep them the night before and bake them fresh in the morning for an indulgent breakfast treat!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup warm milk (100°F)
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp (cut into small pieces)
For the Filling:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temp
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–3 tbsp milk (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Whisk together eggs and warm milk in a separate bowl. Add wet ingredients to the dry mixture and knead using a dough hook. Gradually add butter pieces, mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll out the dough into an 18×10-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly. Roll tightly, then cut into 1½-inch slices. Arrange in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Overnight Rising & Baking: Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Make the Frosting & Serve: Beat butter, cream cheese, and maple syrup until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Spread over warm rolls and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
- For a crispier topping, broil the rolls for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Store leftovers at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American