Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

It doesn't get much better than a fresh, homemade cinnamon roll in the morning.  However, I'm not willing to get up at 4 a.m. to start the process so this overnight receipe is perfect.  All of the work is done the day before, and you simply put them in the oven, enjoy a cup of coffee, and before you know it you are enjoying one of these beauties.  This recipe is easy to follow and received an enthusiastic two thumbs up from my resident food critic.

OVERNIGHT CINNAMON ROLLS
From Alton Brown

INGREDIENTS - DOUGH

4 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 large whole egg, room temperature
2 ounces sugar, approximately 1/4 cup
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon cold butter for greasing baking dish
3/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature
15 ounces all-purpose flour divided into 10 ounces, 4 ounces and 1 ounce batches
1 package rapid rise yeast, approximately 1/4 ounce
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

INGREDIENTS - FILLING

8 ounces light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon, ground
Pinch kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
INGREDIENTS - ICING

2 1/2 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons milk, room temperature
5 1/2 ounces confectioners' sugar

DIRECTIONS
1. For the Dough - Combine the egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, butter and buttermilk in the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk at medium speed.

2. As the mixture comes together add 10 ounces of the flour, along with the yeast and salt and continue whisking until combined.

3. Remove the whisk attachment and replace it with a dough hook. Add another 4 ounces of the remaining flour and knead on low speed for 5 minutes. At this point the dough should feel soft and moist but not sticky. If it is sticky, add a bit more flour (one ounce at a time). Knead on low for another 5 minutes or until the dough clears the sides of the bowl.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface; and form dough into a smooth ball. Transfer to a large bowl that has been lightly coated with the vegetable oil. Rotate the bowl so that the dough ball is evenly covered. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and set aside until the dough doubles in volume, about 3 hours. (Exact times will vary depending on the temperature of the room and the temperature of the ingredients.)

5. For the Filling - Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

6. To Assemble - Butter a 9 by 13-inch glass baking dish with the cold butter.

7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and gently shape into a rectangle with the long side nearest you. Then use a rolling pin to shape into 18 by 12-inch rectangle.

8. Brush the dough with the the melted butter, leaving a 1-inch border along the top edge.

9. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the dough, also avoiding the top border. Gently press the filling into the dough. (If you tend to have hot hands, you may want to cover the filling with a layer of plastic wrap first.)

10. Beginning with the long edge nearest you, roll the dough away from you into a tight cylinder. Firmly pinch the seam to seal and roll the cylinder seam side down. Very gently squeeze the cylinder to create even thickness.

11. Using a serrated knife, gently cut the cylinder into 2-inch rolls; yielding 8 pieces.Arrange rolls cut side down in the baking dish; cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator overnight, or up to 16 hours.

12. To Bake - Heat the oven to 200 degrees F.

13. When the oven has reached 200 degrees F, turn it off and place the rolls in the turned-off oven. Let the rolls rise until they look slightly puffy, about 30 minutes.

14. Without taking the rolls out of the oven, increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and let the rolls continue to bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F. Remove the rolls and let cool while you make the icing.

15. For the Icing - Whisk 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.