Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours (includes rise time)
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are pillowy-soft, sweet breakfast treats made with leftover sourdough starter discard. They offer a tangy depth of flavor in the dough, swirled with a classic cinnamon sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Ideal for using up sourdough starter and perfect for a cozy brunch or special treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Dough

  • 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk
  • 1/2 cup (120g) sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, very soft or melted

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 23 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sourdough discard, sugar, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Sprinkle in the instant yeast and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until slightly bubbly.
  2. Add the Dry Ingredients: Add flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir with a spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 7โ€“10 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and only slightly sticky.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the butter and set aside for spreading.
  5. Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough. On a floured surface, roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Brush all over with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  6. Roll and Slice: Starting from a long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into 12 equal rolls and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for 30โ€“40 minutes until noticeably puffy.
  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Bake the rolls for 22โ€“26 minutes, until golden brown on top.
  9. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat together the cream cheese and butter until completely smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve a pourable consistency.
  10. Glaze and Serve: Spread or drizzle the glaze over warm rolls and enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • For extra tangy flavor, refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake in the morning.
  • Active, bubbly starter can be used, but unfed discard helps reduce waste.
  • Feel free to add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for variety.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg