Name: Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ¾ cup butter (cubed or grated, plus ¼ cup melted for filling); 1 cup sourdough starter (can be active or discard); 1 egg; ½ cup milk; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 oz softened cream cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; ¼ cup whole milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla

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Baking is one of those magical activities that brings warmth and joy to the home, especially when you’re greeted with the irresistible scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Picture a cozy morning; the sun is just peeking through the curtains, and you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade indulgence. These Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful way to utilize that leftover sourdough starter, and they come together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for a leisurely brunch, a sweet afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Admire These Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

What makes these cinnamon rolls so incredible? First and foremost, they are incredibly simple to prepare while still delivering big-time flavor. Using your sourdough starter allows for a delightful tang that balances out the sweetness, bringing a unique twist to the traditional recipe. Plus, this is a 30-minute recipe, so you can whip them up in no time.

Here are a few reasons to love these rolls:

Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfectly sweet with a hint of spice
Fast preparation, ready in half an hour
A great way to use sourdough discard and reduce waste
Perfect for sharing with friends and family

What You’ll Need for Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking perfection. Most of these components are likely already in your pantry, and you can easily swap in alternatives for a lighter twist. For these rolls, your sourdough starter (whether active or discard) adds moisture and flavor while keeping the dough tender. Below is the list of ingredients you’ll need:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup butter (cubed or grated, plus ¼ cup melted for filling)
1 cup sourdough starter (can be active or discard)
1 egg
½ cup milk
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 oz softened cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ cup whole milk
½ teaspoon vanilla

If you’re looking to replace any of these ingredients, you can swap out regular butter for a dairy-free alternative or use low-fat milk for a lighter version.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Creating your cinnamon rolls is simple and fun. Follow this straightforward process, and soon the aroma of sweet cinnamon will fill your kitchen.

Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, blend the sourdough starter, egg, milk, and cubed butter until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but pliable.
Prepare the Filling & Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly from one end to the other. Cut the rolled dough into thick slices, about 1 inch in size.
Bake the Cinnamon Rolls & Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown. While they bake, prepare the frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Once the rolls are baked, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the frosting on top.

Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 25 minutes, Total ~ 35 minutes, Servings ~ 12, Kcal ~ 230 each (estimate).

Planning Ahead

These Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for preparing in advance. You can make the dough and filling the night before, allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator. Just roll them out and bake in the morning while your coffee brews.

Additionally, once you form the rolls, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This gives you the flexibility to have fresh rolls ready at a moment’s notice.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely, as they are so delicious!), storing them is easy! Place the cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single-layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Frozen cinnamon rolls can hold their quality for about 2 months.

To reheat, microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds or warm them up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Look for a soft and fluffy texture to ensure they are fresh and delightful.

Perfect Pairings for Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Enjoying your cinnamon rolls is even better with complementary sides. Here are some great pairings:

Freshly brewed coffee or tea for warmth
A dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch
Fruit preserves or jam for a tangy contrast
A side of fresh fruit, like berries or bananas
Creamy yogurt for a tangy bite

Flavor Twists and Alternatives

There are countless ways to customize these Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls to suit your mood or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for an extra crunch.
Spiced Up: Mix in a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the flavor of the cinnamon.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these rolls suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Fruit-Filled: Include dried fruits like raisins or cranberries in the filling for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Swirls: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the filling for an indulgent chocolate cinnamon roll.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Achieving the best results is all in the details. Keep these pro tips in mind:

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Don’t overmix the dough; a few lumps are fine to keep the rolls tender.
Let the filled dough rest for 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner edges.
Space the cinnamon rolls at least an inch apart in the baking dish for even baking.
Check the rolls are golden brown on top and feel soft to the touch before removing from the oven.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, both active sourdough starter and discard can work perfectly in this recipe, providing the signature sourdough flavor.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust it with a bit of flour while kneading until it comes together nicely.
Can these be made vegan?
Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter and milk for a vegan version.
How can I adjust for altitude?
If you are at a higher altitude, consider adding a bit more flour to the dough or reducing the baking powder slightly.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese frosting?
Not at all! You can simply dust the rolls with powdered sugar or enjoy them plain for a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are a fabulous way to elevate any breakfast or brunch table. With their fluffy, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced goodness, they embody comfort and satisfaction. The quick preparation time means you can indulge in fresh-baked bliss without a long wait. So, gather your ingredients, and make these delectable rolls a part of your baking repertoire today! You won’t regret it.

Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Author: patrick
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful cinnamon rolls made using leftover sourdough starter, perfect for a cozy morning indulgence.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, blend the sourdough starter, egg, milk, and cubed butter until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined; the dough should be slightly sticky but pliable.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly from one end to the other.
Cut the rolled dough into thick slices, about 1 inch in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
While they bake, prepare the frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Once the rolls are baked, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the frosting on top.

Notes

These rolls can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for overnight baking. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American