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Make Ahead Cinnamon Rolls

These Make Ahead Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat! Prepare them in advance for warm, gooey goodness on busy mornings.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 envelopes rapid rise yeast
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water (120 to 130°F)
  • 5 tablespoons butter melted (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1-2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese Frosting softened
  • 4 tablespoons butter softened (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined. Add the egg, rapid rise yeast, and warm water, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
  • Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust the flour amount slightly based on humidity.
  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Add Filling and Roll

  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Brush the melted butter over the surface of the dough. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
  • Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it, then cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

Bake the Rolls

  • Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Make the Frosting

  • In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese frosting, softened butter, vanilla extract, milk, powdered sugar, and salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  • Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and enjoy your delicious Make Ahead Cinnamon Rolls fresh from the oven!

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Whisk
  • Plastic Wrap

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
  • If you're short on time, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before and refrigerate overnight before baking.
  • Experiment with different fillings like chocolate chips or nuts for a unique variation.