There's nothing quite like the aroma of Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls baking in the oven on a lazy weekend morning. Last Saturday, I decided to finally use up some of my sourdough discard that had been sitting in the fridge, and these incredible rolls were born. The tangy sourdough flavor paired with warm cinnamon and sweet glaze creates something truly magical - it's like the best of both worlds collided in the most delicious way possible.
This isn't your typical quick cinnamon roll recipe; it's a labor of love that rewards your patience with the most tender, flavorful rolls you've ever tasted. Trust me, once you try these homemade beauties, store-bought will never be the same.
Why You'll Love This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
This Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls overnight method delivers incredibly soft, tangy rolls with complex flavors you simply can't get from regular yeast recipes. The sourdough starter adds depth and that signature tang that makes each bite more interesting than the last. My family was skeptical at first - cinnamon rolls with sourdough? But after one bite, they were completely converted.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms your discarded starter into something extraordinary while giving you that perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The slow fermentation creates the most amazing texture, and that hint of sourness actually makes the cinnamon filling taste even more pronounced and delicious.
What You'll Need
These simple ingredients work together with your sourdough starter to create the most incredible breakfast treat, and most of them are probably already in your pantry.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (or discard)
- ½ cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- For filling: ⅓ cup softened butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- For glaze: 1.5 cups powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla
Optional Extras
A pinch of cardamom in the filling adds an elegant twist, and sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans over the cinnamon mixture - my sister taught me that little addition makes them feel extra special!
This sourdough cinnamon rolls is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Prepare Your Sourdough Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sourdough starter, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and beaten egg. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. This creates the base that gives these rolls their distinctive tangy flavor. Add the salt and start incorporating flour one cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough begins to form.
Knead to Perfection
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky - add flour gradually if needed. Proper kneading develops the gluten structure that gives these cinnamon rolls with sourdough discard their perfect texture. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours until doubled.
Create the Perfect Filling
While your dough rises, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. The butter should be soft enough to spread easily but not melted. This filling is what creates those beautiful swirls and adds that classic cinnamon roll flavor that pairs so beautifully with the tangy sourdough base.
Roll and Fill with Care
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle, about 18x12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border on one long side. Starting from the opposite long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal. This technique ensures even distribution of filling in every bite.
Slice and Arrange
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Dental floss works amazingly well for clean cuts that don't compress the rolls. Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9x13 baking dish, leaving small spaces between each one for expansion. Cover and let rise for another 1-2 hours until puffy and touching.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the risen rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F for perfectly cooked centers. The smell during baking is absolutely incredible - your kitchen will smell like a professional bakery. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before glazing.
People Also Ask: Can I make these the night before? Absolutely! After shaping, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before baking.
Make the Perfect Glaze
While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the rolls nicely. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls - the slight warmth helps the glaze soak in partially while still maintaining that beautiful glossy finish on top.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to the most incredible sour dough Breakfast recipes is using your starter when it's at peak activity, but don't worry if you only have discard - it still works beautifully!
Also, don't rush the rising times; sourdough needs patience to develop those complex flavors.
My grandmother always said the best baked goods come from giving them time, and she was absolutely right.
One more thing - if your kitchen is cold, create a warm environment by turning your oven on for a minute, then turning it off and placing the covered bowl inside.
The gentle warmth helps the dough rise perfectly.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Easy Swaps
No sourdough starter? You can substitute with 1 cup of flour and ½ cup of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of regular yeast, though you'll miss that signature tang. Out of brown sugar? White sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses works perfectly. Want to make them lighter? You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with bread flour for extra structure and chewiness.
Storage & Serving Tips
These cinnamon rolls sourdough starter treats are best enjoyed warm from the oven, but leftovers keep beautifully for 2-3 days covered at room temperature. To refresh day-old rolls, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes - they'll taste almost as good as fresh-baked.
What to Serve With Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
These rich, tangy rolls are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with fresh coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk. For special occasions, I sometimes serve them alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance all that sweet, cinnamon goodness.
FAQs About Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Can I use sourdough discard that's been in the fridge for a week?
Yes! Even older discard works perfectly for this recipe. The flavor might be more tangy, which actually adds to the complexity of these rolls.
Why didn't my rolls rise properly?
Sourdough takes longer than commercial yeast. Make sure your kitchen is warm enough (75-80°F is ideal) and be patient - sometimes it takes 3-4 hours for the first rise.
Can I freeze these before baking?
Absolutely! After shaping and the second rise, you can freeze them. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let come to room temperature before baking.
How do I know if my sourdough starter is ready to use?
Your starter should double in size within 4-8 hours of feeding and have a pleasant, slightly sour smell. If it passes the float test (a spoonful floats in water), it's ready!
More Delicious Ideas
If you're looking for more easy beginner sourdough recipes that make the most of your starter, these treats are tangy, satisfying, and perfect for weekend baking:
Sourdough Pancakes - fluffy, tangy, and absolutely addictive Sourdough Focaccia Bread - rustic, flavorful, and surprisingly simple Sourdough Banana Bread - moist, sweet, and perfect for using discard
Want more sourdough magic? The sourdough starter recipes easy, tangy, and always a hit. Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe:
Leave a Reply