There is something undeniably magical about waking up to warm, gooey rolls perfumed with cinnamon and rich caramel, ready to enjoy without the morning rush. This Make-Ahead Overnight Caramel Rolls Recipe is a total game-changer for busy mornings or special brunches. By preparing the dough and filling the night before, you let the flavors meld and the dough rise slowly, resulting in irresistibly tender, fluffy rolls enveloped in a luscious caramel glaze that melts right in your mouth. If you love a comforting, sweet breakfast that feels like a hug, you’re going to adore this recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list here; these ingredients are wonderfully simple and essential. Each one plays a key role, from the tender structure the flour provides to the sweetness and depth the brown sugar and caramel bring. Every element works together to build the rich flavor and soft textures that make these rolls stand out.
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for a tender but structured dough, with extra on hand to prevent sticking.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): A quick and reliable leavening agent to give the dough its airy rise.
- 1 cup warm milk (110℉): Activates the yeast and creates a moist, tender dough.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Enrich the dough for softness and richness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Adds moisture and buttery flavor right into the dough.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Used to coat the rolls before baking, ensuring extra moist layers.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed): For the cinnamon filling, providing deep molasses notes.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star of the filling, bringing warmth and spice.
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar (packed): The base of the caramel glaze, delivering rich sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Combined with sugar to create a smooth, luscious caramel.
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization, keeping the caramel glossy and smooth.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness in the caramel, enhancing flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic lift to the caramel.
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream: Makes the caramel silky and rich.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Used to finish the caramel rolls with a luscious glaze.
How to Make Make-Ahead Overnight Caramel Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Make sure your milk is warm but not hot (around 110℉) so the yeast can activate properly. Whisk the eggs and melted butter into the warm milk, then gradually add this liquid mixture to your dry ingredients. Mix until a sturdy but soft dough forms. Knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer, until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is key to developing the perfect chewy texture.
Step 2: First Rise and Overnight Refrigeration
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge overnight. This slow, cold fermentation deepens the flavor and simplifies your morning prep. You’ll find the dough has risen beautifully and developed a slight tang and incredible softness come morning.
Step 3: Roll Out and Add Filling
When you’re ready to proceed, lightly flour your workspace and roll the dough into a large rectangle, roughly 16 by 24 inches. Spread the ¼ cup melted butter evenly across the surface. Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling, then sprinkle it generously over the buttered dough. This mixture melts into the rolls during baking, creating those signature gooey pockets of sweetness.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into 12 even pieces. Place these spirals into a baking dish lined with parchment or lightly buttered, spacing them just slightly apart. Cover and let them rise for about 1 to 2 hours at room temperature until puffed and nearly doubled — this ensures your rolls will be beautifully soft and airy.
Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Sauce and Bake
While the rolls rise, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, corn syrup, salt, and vanilla in a saucepan. Heat until melted and smooth, then stir in 3 tablespoons of heavy cream to create the luscious caramel. Pour half of this sauce into the bottom of your baking dish before arranging the rolls on top—they’ll bake right into the caramel to create a sticky, golden base. After baking at 350℉ for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown, drizzle or spread the remaining sauce mixed with the remaining heavy cream over the warm rolls for an extra indulgent finish.
How to Serve Make-Ahead Overnight Caramel Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few flaky sea salt crystals sprinkled on top can add that final touch of sweetness and texture contrast. Freshly chopped pecans or toasted walnuts offer a lovely nutty crunch that works beautifully with the soft, sweet rolls. For an extra hint of freshness, a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint can be surprisingly delightful.
Side Dishes
These rolls steal the show, so keep your sides simple. A bowl of fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even a citrus salad cuts through the richness and adds brightness to the plate. A steaming mug of chai tea or quality coffee also complements the caramel’s deep flavors perfectly. On a brunch table, consider savory eggs or bacon to balance the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Why stop at a classic baking dish? Try baking these rolls in individual ramekins to create charming personal portions. You could also serve them inverted, letting that beautiful caramel pool on top as a stunning presentation. For a special occasion, pile several rolls on a rustic wooden board, drizzling caramel and garnishes artfully for a cozy, inviting display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover caramel rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft and fresh, adding a slice of bread in the container can help maintain moisture. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out unless your kitchen is particularly warm.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, assemble and place them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. For baked rolls, cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Reheat gently for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For the perfect warm gooey texture, reheat rolls in a preheated 350℉ oven for about 10-12 minutes. If reheating frozen baked rolls, allow them to thaw first or cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. A quick zap in the microwave works too if you’re in a hurry, but the oven is definitely better for maintaining that freshly-baked soft texture.
FAQs
Can I make these caramel rolls without overnight refrigeration?
Yes, you can let the dough rise at room temperature, but the overnight slow rise in the fridge really enhances flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, a double rising at room temperature will still yield good results.
What type of yeast works best for this recipe?
Instant yeast is recommended because it mixes directly with dry ingredients and acts quickly. However, active dry yeast can be used as well—just dissolve it in warm milk first and allow it to activate before mixing.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning during baking?
Using a light corn syrup in the caramel helps keep it smooth and prevents crystallization. Also, pour some caramel into the baking dish before adding the rolls, which protects the caramel from high direct heat.
Can I substitute whole milk for heavy cream in the caramel glaze?
Heavy cream adds richness and a silky texture that milk can’t replicate, but if needed, whole milk can be used for a lighter glaze though it will be less thick and indulgent.
Are these rolls suitable for freezing after baking?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap them tight to preserve moisture and freeze. Thaw thoroughly before reheating to maintain that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness.
Final Thoughts
This Make-Ahead Overnight Caramel Rolls Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite ways to treat myself and those I love without a morning rush. The ease of prepping the night before paired with the river of rich caramel and cinnamon warmth makes mornings so much more special. I truly hope you try these out and enjoy the cozy, crumbly goodness that’s just waiting to be devoured in your kitchen!
Print
Make-Ahead Overnight Caramel Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 15 hours (including overnight refrigeration and proofing)
- Yield: 12 caramel rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Make-Ahead Overnight Caramel Rolls, a decadent twist on classic cinnamon rolls featuring a rich caramel topping. Perfectly soft and fluffy dough is infused with cinnamon and brown sugar, then topped with a luscious homemade caramel glaze. Prepare the dough the night before for a stress-free morning treat, making them ideal for special breakfasts or brunches.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm milk (110℉)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Caramel Sauce
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Glaze
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and instant yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead and proof: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare filling and assemble rolls: Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the filling. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle about 16×12 inches, then brush it evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Starting with the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange rolls and refrigerate overnight: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This slow proof allows the dough to develop deeper flavor and ensures freshness in the morning.
- Prepare caramel sauce and bake: Before baking, remove rolls from the fridge and let them warm at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃). To make caramel, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan; cook over medium heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and heavy cream. Pour caramel sauce over rolls and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Allowing the rolls to proof overnight in the refrigerator develops flavor and makes morning prep easier.
- Make sure all wet ingredients are at room temperature to ensure proper yeast activation and dough rise.
- You can warm the caramel sauce gently if it thickens before pouring over rolls.
- For extra gooey rolls, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top after baking.
- Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the dough log to avoid squishing the rolls.
