Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft, Swirled Perfection—Ready When You Wake Up

If there’s anything better than waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon rolls in the oven, it’s knowing that you made them yourself—overnight and from scratch. These overnight sourdough cinnamon rolls are slowly fermented for deep flavor, baked until fluffy and golden, and then slathered with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts luxuriously into every crevice.

By prepping the dough the night before, the hard work is already done by morning—making this the perfect recipe for holidays, brunches, or a dreamy weekend treat.

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🥐 Why You’ll Love These Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• ⏳ Make-ahead friendly – Prep before bed, bake in the morning.

• 🥖 Naturally leavened – Uses your active sourdough starter (no yeast needed).

• ✨ Tender & tangy – Slow fermentation gives the dough a beautifully soft texture and balanced flavor.

• 🍥 Cream cheese frosting – Velvety, tangy, and indulgent without being too sweet.

• 💯 Better than bakery quality – With fewer preservatives and more flavor.

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🛒 Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup (227g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)

• ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, lukewarm

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

Filling

• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar

• 2 tbsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• 4 tbsp (57g) softened unsalted butter

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1–2 tbsp milk (for spreading consistency)

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🕒 Overnight Timeline

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1 – Mix the Dough (Evening)

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, milk, egg, sugar, and melted butter.

2. Add flour and salt, mixing with a spoon or dough hook until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 6–7 minutes in a stand mixer until smooth and slightly tacky.

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Step 2 – Bulk Fermentation

1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.

2. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 4–5 hours, or until about doubled in size.

💡 Tip: If it’s cool in your kitchen, place the bowl inside your oven (turned off) with the light on for a warm proofing environment.

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Step 3 – Roll, Fill, and Shape

1. Roll the dough out into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface.

2. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.

3. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the buttered surface.

4. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log.

5. Slice into 9 equal pieces and place them in a greased or parchment-lined 9×9” pan.

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Step 4 – Refrigerate Overnight

1. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.

2. Refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).

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Step 5 – Bake (Morning)

1. Remove the rolls from the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for 60–90 minutes until puffy.

2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.

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Step 6 – Frost and Serve

1. While rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.

2. Add milk as needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.

3. Spread the frosting over warm rolls and let it melt into the swirls.

😋 Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or orange zest on top for extra depth.

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🍽 Storage and Reheating

• Room Temp: Keep covered for up to 2 days.

• Fridge: Store for up to 5 days; reheat in microwave for 20 seconds.

• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls after baking. Thaw overnight, reheat, and frost.

❓ FAQs – Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Can I use sourdough discard instead of active starter?

This recipe relies on active sourdough starter to naturally leaven the dough overnight. Discard won’t provide enough rise unless you supplement with commercial yeast.

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What if I forget to refrigerate the rolls?

You can still refrigerate them in the early morning and bake later. Alternatively, let them rise and bake same-day after shaping (allow 1.5–2 hours rise time).

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Why didn’t my rolls rise much overnight?

Check your starter’s activity level. It should be bubbly and pass the float test. Also ensure your bulk fermentation went long enough before shaping.

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Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it soften before spreading on warm rolls.

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Can I bake these in a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely. A well-greased cast iron pan adds a beautiful golden crust and rustic charm. Just ensure the rolls have space to expand during baking.

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🧁 Final Thoughts

These overnight sourdough cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting offer the best of both worlds: the slow-developed flavor of naturally leavened dough and the convenience of a ready-to-bake breakfast. They’re fluffy, flavorful, and indulgent without being overly sweet—perfect for savoring on special mornings or turning any day into a celebration.

So grab your starter, set aside a cozy evening, and let your fridge do the work while you sleep. Your morning self will thank you.