How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re a fan of sourdough baking, you’ve likely wondered what to do with leftover sourdough discard. Instead of tossing it away, why not turn it into something delicious? Enter sourdough discard cinnamon rolls—a creative way to reduce waste while indulging in a sweet, tangy treat.

These cinnamon rolls are a perfect balance of soft, pillowy dough infused with the subtle tanginess of sourdough, paired with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with creamy frosting. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a fantastic way to repurpose your discard into a dessert that will impress family and friends.

In this post, you’ll learn how to create these sourdough discard cinnamon rolls step by step. From making the dough to mastering the perfect swirl, we’ll guide you through the process. Plus, we’ll share tips for variations, troubleshooting, and storage to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before baking, gather all the ingredients needed to make these delicious sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. Each component contributes to the soft texture, rich filling, and creamy frosting that make these rolls irresistible.

For the Dough

The dough is the foundation of your cinnamon rolls, and sourdough discard adds a unique tangy flavour. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sourdough Discard: Provides a tangy flavour and structure to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for a soft and elastic dough.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough slightly and helps activate the yeast (if using).
• Butter: Softened butter for a tender texture.
• Eggs: Enrich the dough and add structure.
• Optional Yeast: You can add a small amount of yeast for extra lift and quicker proofing.

For the Filling

The sweet, spiced filling is what makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible. You’ll need:

• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: The essential spice that gives that traditional cinnamon roll taste.
• Softened Butter: Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the dough and melt during baking.

For the Frosting

Top your rolls with a creamy and indulgent frosting for the perfect finishing touch:

• Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without adding grit.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts the taste with a comforting, fragrant touch.
• Milk or Cream: Adjust the consistency of the frosting to your liking.

Pro Tip

Use room-temperature ingredients for the dough, filling, and frosting. This ensures the dough is smooth and elastic, the filling spreads evenly, and the frosting blends to a creamy consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create soft, tangy, and flavorful sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. From dough-making to baking golden perfection, we’ve got you covered.

Make the Dough

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   • Combine sourdough discard, flour, milk, sugar, butter, eggs, and optional yeast in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated into a sticky dough.
2. Knead the Dough:
   • Place the dough on a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. You can also opt for a stand mixer with a dough hook for added convenience.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles. This can take 3–4 hours or longer, depending on the activity of your sourdough discard.

Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Filling:
   • In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape about ¼-inch thick.
3. Spread the Butter:
   • Spread a layer of softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
4. Sprinkle the Filling:
   • Evenly distribute the cinnamon-sugar blend over the dough that has been buttered.

Shape the Rolls

1. Roll the Dough:
   • Begin at the long edge and roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
2. Slice the Rolls:
   • Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into even pieces, about 1–1½ inches thick.
3. Arrange in a Baking Dish:
   • Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them to allow for rising.

Proof and Bake

1. Proof the Rolls:
   • Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 1–2 hours until they are puffy and nearly doubled.
2. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
3. Cool Slightly:
   • Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes before adding the frosting to avoid melting it too quickly.

Pro Tip

For overnight rolls, complete steps 1–3 the night before. Cover the unbaked rolls and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake fresh for the best flavour and texture.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Making sourdough discard cinnamon rolls isn’t just about following the recipe—it’s about mastering the techniques to get soft, fluffy, and flavorful rolls every time. Here are some essential tips to elevate your baking game.

Achieving Fluffy Rolls

• Patience is Key:
  • Don’t rush the rising process. Allow the dough to be proven appropriately during the initial rise and after shaping the rolls. This ensures the rolls are light and airy.
• Warm Environment:
  • Proof the dough in a warm, draft-free area to speed up the rising time. If your kitchen is cold, gently warm the dough in the oven with the light on.

Managing Tanginess

• Adjust the Sourdough Discard:
  • Use less sourdough for a milder flavour; discard and balance it with additional flour and liquid. For a more pungent tang, discard more or let the dough ferment longer.
• Sweet Balance:
  • Increase the sugar slightly in the dough or filling if you prefer a sweeter flavour to offset the tanginess.

Avoiding Dense Rolls

• Use Fresh Discard:
  • Freshly fed sourdough starter or discard works best. Old discard can lose its ability to leaven and may result in dense rolls.
• Knead with Care:
  • Overworking the dough can make it challenging. Knead just until smooth and elastic.
• Proofing Time:
  • Under-proofing can lead to dense rolls, so ensure the dough doubles in size during the first rise and becomes puffy after shaping.

Pro Tip

Lightly flour your surface when rolling out the dough. This prevents sticking without incorporating too much extra flour, which can make the rolls dry.

Variations to Try

While classic sourdough discard cinnamon rolls are a treat on their own, adding creative twists can make them even more special. Whether you’re craving extra chocolate, a nutty crunch, or a fruity surprise, these variations will inspire you.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

• Add Chocolate Chips:
  • Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar filling for a gooey chocolatey surprise.
• Drizzle with Melted Chocolate:
  • After baking, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the rolls for an indulgent topping.
• Chocolate Spread Base:
  • Swap the butter in the filling for chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent twist.

Nutty Rolls

• Chopped Nuts:
  • Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delightful crunch.
• Candied Nuts:
  • Use candied nuts for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
• Nut Butter Swirl:
  • Spread almond or peanut butter on the dough before adding the cinnamon-sugar filling.

Fruit-Filled Rolls

• Raisins or Cranberries:
  • Sprinkle raisins or dried cranberries over the filling for a chewy, sweet contrast.
• Fresh Apples:
  • Add finely diced apples to the filling for a warm, fruity flavour.
• Citrus Zest:
  • Mix orange or lemon zest into the filling for a bright, zesty kick.

Vegan Option

• Plant-Based Substitutes:
  • Use plant-based butter and milk for the dough and filling.
• Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • Make the frosting with dairy-free cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of almond or oat milk.
• Coconut Oil:
  • Replace butter with coconut oil for a subtle tropical note.

Pro Tip

To create a unique flavour profile, experiment with spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cloves in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Once your sourdough discard cinnamon rolls are baked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them at their best. Here are some serving ideas, storage tips, and answers to common questions to help you get the most out of your rolls.

Serving Ideas

• Warm and Cozy:
  • Serve the rolls warm for the ultimate soft and gooey texture. Pair them with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a comforting treat.
• Extra Indulgence:
  • For a decadent dessert, drizzle an extra layer of cream cheese frosting, caramel, or chocolate sauce over the rolls.
• Holiday Brunch:
  • Present the rolls on a platter as the centrepiece of a festive breakfast or brunch spread.

Storage Tips

• Short-Term Storage:
  • You can keep the baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To enhance the experience, gently warm them before serving.
• Refrigeration:
  • If you need to store them longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days, but reheat them before serving to refresh their texture.
• Freezing:
  • Freeze unbaked rolls: After shaping the rolls, place them on a tray and freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise, and bake as directed.
  • Freeze-baked rolls: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without yeast?

• Yes, but the dough will rely entirely on the sourdough discard for leavening. Expect a lengthier proofing time, potentially up to 6–8 hours or overnight.

How do I ensure the frosting is smooth?

• Use softened cream cheese and sift powdered sugar before mixing. Blend thoroughly with a hand mixer for a creamy, lump-free frosting.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

• Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used as a substitute for regular flour. However, the texture and rise may vary depending on the blend used.

Pro Tip

Reheat leftover rolls in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh their softness and make them taste freshly baked.

Conclusion

Making sourdough discard cinnamon rolls is a delicious way to turn leftover starter into a delightful treat. With their soft, tangy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting, these rolls are a perfect addition to any breakfast, brunch, or dessert table. Plus, the process is easier than you might think, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner experimenting with sourdough.

From the classic recipe to creative variations like chocolate, nuts, or fruit-filled rolls, there’s plenty of room to customize and make this dish your own. Don’t forget the storage tips to enjoy fresh rolls or freeze them for later.

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and explore the possibilities. Share your creations, tips, or questions in the comments below, or tag us on social media to show off your sourdough discard cinnamon roll masterpieces. Happy baking!