Overnight Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze

Updated June 08, 2022

This image courtesy of John Hession

Make the dough for these light and delicate tasting cinnamon rolls and refrigerate it overnight to really develop the flavor.

Makes18

Dietary ConsiderationHalal, Kosher, Peanut Free, Soy Free, Tree Nut Free, Vegetarian

MealBreakfast, Brunch, Snack, Tea

Taste and TextureButtery, Rich, Sweet

Type of DishDessert, Rolls

Ingredients

4 1/2 to 5 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm (110º -115) F water
1/2 cup warm (110º -115) F milk
3 large eggs, at room temperature
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups raisins, soaked in warm water and drained
4 tablespoons melted and cooled butter
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

To make the dough in a stand mixer combine together 4 1/2 cups of the flour, the sugar, salt and yeast. Combine the water, milk, eggs, and butter Add to the dry ingredients and process until a ball of dough forms around the blade. If dough is sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until a soft ball of dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead with your hands until it is smooth and not sticky. Add more flour if necessary. Transfer the dough to a lightly butter bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.
Bring to room temperature when ready to bake and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size.
Meanwhile mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl and set aside.
Drain the raisins and set aside.
When the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large 18-inch long by 12-inch wide rectangle.
Brush the dough with the melted butter and evenly sprinkle the sugar mixture over the top. Sprinkle the raisins evenly over the sugar.
Start at the longest side nearest you and roll the dough up on it self tightly, forming al long log Pinch the ends closed and the two sides.
Preheat the oven to 375F.
With a knife cut 18 one-inch slices and place them on lightly greased baking sheets about 1-inch apart. Cover the rolls and allow them to rise again until doubled in size.
Meanwhile make the glaze by combining the confectioner’s sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl and whisking it until a thin glaze consistency is obtained. Cover and set aside.
Bake the rolls until lightly browned, about 25-30 minutes. Transfer the rolls to a cooling rack. Use a fork dipped in the glaze and drip it over the tops of the rolls. These are best eaten warm.