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Easter Morning Cinnamon Rolls
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Resurrection Morning Cinnamon Rolls (Overnight Easter Breakfast)

Overnight Easter morning cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting — make them Saturday night, bake Easter morning. The perfect make-ahead Easter breakfast.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword cinnamon rolls, easter, make-ahead, overnight
Prep Time 55 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 9 hours 35 minutes
Servings 12 rolls
Author Maggie

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 1 cup whole milk warmed to 110°F
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting

For the Cinnamon Filling

  • 1/3 cup butter softened
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • pinch nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk to thin

Instructions

  1. Combine warm milk and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over top and let sit 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
  2. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to yeast mixture. Add flour one cup at a time, stirring after each. Knead on floured surface 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled. Punch down and roll into a 16x12-inch rectangle.
  4. Spread softened butter over dough. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; sprinkle evenly over butter. Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 pieces.
  5. Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9x13 dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours).
  6. Easter morning: Remove from fridge 30-45 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake 22-28 minutes until golden brown.
  7. While rolls bake, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Add milk to reach drizzle consistency. Frost warm rolls and serve.

Recipe Notes

The overnight cold rise develops deeper, more complex flavors. Don't skip the nutmeg — it adds warmth cinnamon alone can't provide. Use dental floss for clean cuts.