Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Let the dough rise while you sleep and enjoy fluffy, sweet cinnamon rolls with rich cream cheese frosting by morning.

🌄 Why You’ll Love These Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something undeniably special about waking up to warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, especially when they’ve been slowly rising overnight. These overnight sourdough cinnamon rolls are soft, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon sugar—made even better with the signature tang of long-fermented sourdough and a slathering of rich cream cheese frosting.

Let time do the work while you sleep. This recipe requires no rush in the morning, making it perfect for holidays, brunches, or any weekend where indulgence is on the menu.

🥖 What Makes These Rolls Unique?

• ✅ Long-fermented dough for incredible flavor and digestibility

• ✅ Sourdough starter as the only leavening—no commercial yeast

• ✅ Overnight rise means less morning prep

• ✅ Buttery cinnamon filling + velvety cream cheese frosting

• ✅ Freezer-friendly and customizable

⏱️ Prep & Rise Schedule

Day Before (Evening)

• Mix and knead the dough

• Roll, fill, and shape rolls

• Cover and refrigerate overnight

Next Morning

• Let rolls sit at room temp ~1 hour

• Bake, frost, and devour!

🧾 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed within 6 hours)

• ¾ cup milk (room temp)

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 – 4½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

🥣 How to Make Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

🔄 Step 1: Mix the Dough (Evening)

In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the sourdough starter, milk, sugar, and eggs until well combined. Add softened butter and mix again.

Slowly add 4 cups of flour and salt. Knead for 8–10 minutes (or use dough hook) until dough is soft, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add the remaining ½ cup flour if needed.

Cover with a lid or damp cloth and let rest at room temp for 30–60 minutes.

🍥 Step 2: Shape and Fill

Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread softened butter over the surface. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over the dough.

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 9–12 even pieces using a sharp knife or floss.

Place in a greased 9×13-inch pan or large cast iron skillet.

🌙 Step 3: Cold Overnight Rise

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours). The cold fermentation develops flavor and texture without any need for commercial yeast.

🌞 Morning Baking Instructions

⏰ Step 4: Warm Up & Bake

Remove the rolls from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for 45–60 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until puffy, golden brown, and gooey in the center.

🍯 Step 5: Frost & Serve

While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add milk gradually to reach desired consistency.

Spread the frosting on warm rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls. Serve warm and enjoy the best breakfast of your life.

💡 Tips for Perfect Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

🕒 Use a Strong Starter

Make sure your starter is active (bubbly and recently fed) for best results.

🍳 Don’t Skip the Room Temp Rise

The dough needs to warm up from the fridge before baking for the fluffiest texture.

❄️ Freeze for Later

Freeze fully baked and cooled rolls in a container or zip bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave for an instant treat.

🧁 Variations to Try

• Maple Pecan: Add chopped toasted pecans and a touch of maple syrup in the filling.

• Orange Zest: Add fresh orange zest to both the dough and frosting for a citrus twist.

• Cardamom Spice: Swap out nutmeg for cardamom for Scandinavian flair.

❓ FAQ: Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make this with sourdough discard?

This recipe is best with active starter for proper rising, but if using discard, add 1 tsp yeast and shorten proofing times.

How do I know if my starter is active enough?

Drop a spoonful into water. If it floats, it’s ready. If not, feed it again and wait a few more hours.

Can I bake these the same day?

Yes! Let the shaped rolls rise at room temp for 4–6 hours, then bake as directed.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute up to 50% of the flour with white whole wheat. Add more milk if dough feels dry.

What if my rolls overproof overnight?

No problem. They’ll still bake up soft and tasty—just slightly more airy. Chill them sooner next time.