Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you love baking projects with a little extra tang, then you absolutely have to try Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls. This recipe transforms leftover sourdough discard into pillowy-soft, sweet, and gently tangy rolls with swirls of gooey cinnamon sugar—a treat that feels both nostalgic and new. These rolls are baked golden, finished with a dreamy cream cheese glaze, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re an avid sourdough baker looking for ways to use up extra discard, or just a fan of irresistible homemade cinnamon rolls, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls starts with a handful of essential pantry staples, each adding their unique magic—texture, fluffiness, flavor, or that swoon-worthy golden color. Gather these ingredients, and prepare for that sweet, bakery aroma to fill your kitchen!

• Sourdough Discard: This adds an unbeatable tang and complexity, making the rolls tender with a delicate sourdough essence.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of perfect rolls—it provides structure, ensuring your rolls stay soft but hold together.
• Whole Milk: Gives the dough richness and moisture for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Butter: Adds flavor and keeps both the dough and the filling ultra-lush and decadent.
• Sugar: Used in both the dough and the filling, it’s essential for sweetness and caramelization.
• Eggs: Give the rolls height and structure, making them pillowy rather than dense.
• Active Dry Yeast: Ensures the best rise, complimenting the wild yeast in the discard for extra fluffiness.
• Cinnamon: Brings that classic spiced warmth throughout the swirl—don’t skimp!
• Salt: Essential to balance the flavors so the rolls taste just right.
• Cream Cheese: For the ultra-smooth glaze that tops the finished rolls with a tangy-sweet finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Blends into the glaze seamlessly, adding sweetness without grit.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides aromatic, cozy notes throughout the dough and glaze.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Enriched Dough

Start by warming your milk and combining it with sugar and active dry yeast, letting it bloom until foamy—this is the key to super fluffy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls. Whisk in your sourdough discard, eggs, and melted butter, then gradually fold in the flour and salt. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this step ensures your rolls bake up with that perfect, tender bite. Allow your dough to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, which usually takes about 60–90 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

While the dough rises, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and a mountain of cinnamon for the filling. This blend will melt and swirl through each roll for that signature gooey center. If you like extra texture, you can fold in finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.

Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Cut the Dough

Once your dough has doubled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about half an inch thick. Slather on the cinnamon sugar filling evenly from edge to edge, then tightly roll the dough up from the long side. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice your log into equal pieces—this guarantees each Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll bakes to fluffy, spiraled perfection.

Step 4: Second Proof and Bake

Arrange the rolls in a buttered baking dish, leaving just a bit of space between each so they can rise and expand. Cover and let them proof until puffy and doubled once more—this second rise is what makes them so light. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown, with swirls just beginning to caramelize at the edges. Your kitchen will smell like absolute heaven!

Step 5: Make and Apply the Cream Cheese Glaze

As the freshly-baked Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls cool slightly, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. While the rolls are still warm, drizzle (or lavishly spread!) the glaze on top, letting it melt into every swirl and crevice for that undeniably decadent finish.

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, dust your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls with a pinch of ground cinnamon, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts, or even a flurry of orange zest for a refreshing zing. The glaze is non-negotiable, but you can always serve a little extra on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Side Dishes

Pair these warm, gooey rolls with a big bowl of seasonal berries, a pot of strong coffee, or a creamy latte for the ultimate brunch treat. If you’re turning breakfast into a feast, they also complement scrambled eggs and crisp bacon beautifully, rounding out the sweet with a bit of savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls straight from the pan for a cozy, family-style vibe, or pile them high on a cake stand dusted with powdered sugar for a special occasion. Want to impress at brunch? Plate each roll with a swirl of glaze and a sprig of mint, or tuck individual rolls into parchment muffin cups for a portable, bakery-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days—they stay soft and luscious. If you want to enjoy them for a whole week, refrigerate them after the first day to lock in freshness, then bring to room temperature or gently reheat before serving.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap baked (and cooled) Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls individually or as a whole batch in plastic wrap, then foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to three months. If you prefer, freeze the unbaked, cut rolls after the first rise; thaw overnight, proof, and bake fresh for a just-made taste any day.

Reheating

Give leftover rolls a quick warm-up in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or cover and bake at 300°F for about 10 minutes. If you’ve frozen your rolls, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Add a spoonful of extra glaze if you like that gooey-factor, and they’ll taste just as irresistible as the first day.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake the next morning?

Absolutely! Prepare the Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls up to the cutting and pan arrangement step, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before baking for fresh morning rolls with minimal fuss.

What’s the best way to use my sourdough discard?

Sourdough discard brings a subtle tang and great structure to the dough, making Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls uniquely delicious. Always use discard that smells fresh and not overly sour; any older or “funky” discard is best avoided for this sweet bake.

Can I swap in whole wheat or other flours?

You can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and flavor, but keep at least half all-purpose to ensure your rolls stay fluffy. A straight swap for bread flour gives a chewier result, while adding a bit of rye for depth is fun—experiment to find your perfect combo!

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

Your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls should be deeply golden on top and measure about 190°F in the center if you use a thermometer. If you’re baking by sight, look for browned edges and a firm center—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?

The glaze is a classic touch, but if you prefer, you can drizzle a simple vanilla icing or spread a bit of softened butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. You could also leave your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls plain for a lighter finish—they’re delicious any way you serve them!

Final Thoughts

There’s no better way to turn extra sourdough discard into something truly magical than with these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls. The mix of sweet, cinnamon warmth and subtle tang puts these rolls in a class of their own, and sharing a fresh batch with friends or family feels like an act of love. Go ahead—let your oven work its magic, and treat yourself to the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever made!

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