There is something truly magical about baking with sourdough discard, and the way it elevates this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe makes these treats an absolute must-try. Soft, tender rolls swirled with a perfect cinnamon and brown sugar filling come together in a way that’s both comforting and a little indulgent. Using sourdough discard not only adds a subtle tang that plays beautifully with the sweet spices, but it’s also an excellent way to reduce waste in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just curious to experiment, this recipe will win you over with its delightful flavor and surprisingly simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to crafting the perfect batch of cinnamon rolls. Each element has a role — from the tangy sourdough discard adding depth, to the honey’s gentle sweetness, all balanced by the warm spice of cinnamon and the rich butter that ensures softness.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure for your dough, providing just the right amount of chew.
- 3/4 cup sourdough discard: Adds subtle tanginess and natural leavening, enhancing flavor and texture.
- 3/4 cup water: Hydrates the dough, helping to bring everything together smoothly.
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps keep rolls moist.
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted): Brings richness and tenderness to the dough and filling.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: A leavening agent that works with sourdough discard for lift.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Enhances rising and contributes to that irresistible soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: The caramel-like sweetness in the filling that melts into gooey bliss.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: Essential warm spice that defines the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures the cinnamon rolls bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust. While the oven warms up, get your filling ready so the process flows smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Filling
Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture forms the luscious filling that will swirl through every bite. Set it aside for now while you tackle the dough.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture lays the foundation for our dough and helps with the perfect rise and crumb.
Step 4: Stir in Wet Ingredients
Add the honey (or maple syrup), the remaining melted butter, water, and your sourdough discard to the dry ingredients. Stir everything until a rough dough forms. This is where the magic of sourdough powers the roll’s gentle rise and flavor.
Step 5: Knead to Soft Perfection
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about five minutes. You’re aiming for softness and elasticity, which will give your rolls that tender, pillowy texture we all crave.
Step 6: Roll and Add Filling
Roll the dough out into a rectangle about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon and brown sugar filling evenly over the surface — this step is key to ensuring every bite is rich with sweet-spiced flavor.
Step 7: Shape and Slice Rolls
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge to form a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces, each ready to transform into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown and smelling amazing. This is when patience pays off, and your kitchen will instantly feel cozier and sweeter.
How to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these cinnamon rolls are fantastic on their own, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or cream adds a lovely shine and sweet touch. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting can also add a delightful richness.
Side Dishes
Serve these cinnamon rolls alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for balance. They also pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea — perfect for a leisurely breakfast or comforting afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls warm in a rustic basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin for a charming presentation. Alternatively, arrange the rolls on a large platter with fresh herbs like mint or edible flowers scattered around to elevate the experience for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without losing their softness. For best results, bring them back to room temperature before enjoying again.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. They will keep well for up to 2 months, making them a convenient option whenever a sweet treat is needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply unwrap frozen rolls and microwave for about 30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. This brings back their soft and gooey texture, as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use sourdough starter instead of discard for this recipe?
While sourdough starter is leavened and active, this recipe specifically uses discard because it’s typically unfed and thicker, which works best here. Using active starter might change the dough’s hydration and rise, so some adjustments would be necessary.
Do I need any special equipment to make these cinnamon rolls?
No special tools are needed! Just a mixing bowl, a baking dish, and a rolling pin will do the trick. A sharp knife for slicing and basic kitchen ingredients are all it takes to make these delicious rolls.
Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?
You can, but brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor that white sugar lacks. If white sugar is all you have, consider adding a small amount of molasses to mimic the taste of brown sugar.
How long should I knead the dough?
About five minutes is sufficient to develop gluten and achieve a soft, elastic dough. If kneading by hand, look for a smooth surface that springs back slightly when pressed.
Can these cinnamon rolls be made vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey. Just make sure your sourdough discard is also free from dairy or animal products to keep it fully vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe perfectly combines the joys of baking with a practical way to use starter discard, turning what might otherwise be wasted into a delightful treat. The balance of tangy sourdough, sweet cinnamon filling, and buttery softness makes these rolls a genuine crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the warm, comforting magic that these cinnamon rolls bring to the table.
Print
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are a deliciously soft and tender treat that uses leftover sourdough starter discard. Sweetened with honey or maple syrup and filled with a cinnamon-brown sugar mixture, these rolls bake to golden perfection and are perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sourdough discard
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (for filling, from the melted butter portion)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cinnamon rolls.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Set this mixture aside for spreading later.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Mix Dough: Add the honey or maple syrup, melted butter, water, and sourdough discard to the dry ingredients. Stir everything until the dough comes together into a sticky mass.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about five minutes until it becomes soft and smooth.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough into a rectangle shape around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, making sure it is even for uniform rolling.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the prepared cinnamon-brown sugar filling over the rolled-out dough.
- Form Rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 even pieces.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish with some space in between for expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Make sure not to overfill the cinnamon mixture to prevent leakage during baking.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to settle.
- Optional: drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream for extra sweetness.
