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
- 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk
Instructions
- 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.
- 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 7โ10 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and only slightly sticky.
- 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.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the butter and set aside for spreading.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for 30โ40 minutes until noticeably puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Bake the rolls for 22โ26 minutes, until golden brown on top.
- 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.
- 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