Overnight Cinnamon Buns

These cinnamon buns are amazing. Letting the dough rest overnight produces the softest, fluffiest buns.

Adapted from Alton Brown, makes 12 large buns

Ingredients

4 large egg yolks
1 large egg
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoon butter, softened
4 cups flour, plus additional for dusting
1 package yeast (2 1/4 teaspoon)
1 1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened

1 8 ounce package cream cheese
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 cups icing sugar

Directions

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, whisk the egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, butter and buttermilk.

Add approximately 2 cups of the flour, along with the yeast and salt. Stir until moistened and combined. Remove the paddle attachment and replace with a dough hook. Add all but 3/4 cup of the remaining flour and knead on low speed for 5 minutes.

Check the consistency of the dough, add more flour if necessary. The dough should feel soft and moist but not sticky. Knead on low speed 5 minutes more or until the dough clears the sides of the bowl.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead by hand for approximately 30 seconds.

Lightly oil a large bowl. Transfer the dough to the bowl, lightly oil the top of the dough. Cover and let rise until double in volume, approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Once the dough has risen, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl. Mix until well incorporated.

Butter a 9"x13" baking dish.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape the dough into a rectangle. Roll into a roughly18"x12" rectangle. Brush the dough with the melted butter, leaving 1/2" border along the top edge. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the dough, leaving a 3/4" border along the top edge. Gently press into the dough.

Beginning with the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 1 1/2" rolls. Arrange the rolls cut side down in the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator overnight.

The next morning...

Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and place in a cold oven. Fill a shallow pan with boiling water and set on the rack below the rolls. Close the oven door and let the rolls rise until they look slightly puffy, approximately 30 minutes. Remove the rolls and the shallow pan of water from the oven.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. When the oven is heated, bake the rolls until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

In the meantime, make the icing by whisking the cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer until creamy. Add the milk and whisk until combined. Sift in the powdered sugar and whisk until smooth.

Spread over the rolls and serve immediately. These rolls are best while still warm.

♥  Amy