The Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Step-by-Step Process

Well, here it is: the most epic cinnamon roll ever. If you generally like the whole idea of cinnamon rolls but want to seriously up your game with some added tang and depth in flavor, you need to make a sourdough cinnamon rolls.

Soft and fluffy rolls are perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy in every swirl, and they are quite literally the best of both worlds. In this in-depth guide, find here how to create the perfect sourdough cinnamon rolls recipe, complete with instructions, tips, and variations that one can adjust to taste or preference.

Introduction

There is just something magnetically appealing about the combination of sourdough’s tang with sweet and cinnamon-spiced goodness, classically realized in cinnamon rolls. This sourdough uses a very slow-fermenting method that not only gives flavor but also provides incredible texture to the rolls: soft, chewy, and wholly irresistible. From the most seasoned sourdough baker to any amateur trying it out for the first time, this will soon become one of your favorite weekend traditions. In this post, we will walk you through the basic process, reinforcing it with some expert tips, sourdough discard variations, and even the option to make the recipe overnight for fresh morning rolls.

Recipe Card

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Description:
In this post, learn how to make soft and fluffy sourdough cinnamon rolls, with a perfect balance between the tangy sourdough and sweet cinnamon filling that can be just perfect as a breakfast, brunch, or pastry indulgence!

• Course: Relish
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes plus overnight fermentation
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 10-12 hrs. Including rising
• Yield: 12 rolls
• 320 Calories per roll

Ingredients

• For the dough:
  • 1 c. active sourdough starter
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, heated
  • Two extra-large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
• To make the cinnamon filling:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• For the cream cheese frosting:
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

1. Make the dough:
   Add the sourdough starter, warmed milk, eggs, softened butter, and sugar to a mixing bowl. Add the flour and salt bit by bit until the mixture forms a dough. Knead the dough until smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
2. First rise:
   Place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 6-8 hours or overnight until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the filling:
   In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Knead and cut:
   Roll tightly from one end to the other, making a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and put into a greased baking dish.
5. Second rise:
   Cover and let the rolls rise for another 2 hours until it has puffed up.
6. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F – 175°C. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and done.
7. Prepare the frosting:
   While the rolls are baking, mix the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread on the warm rolls and serve!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Flavor: The sour from the sourdough adds an extra layer of flavor, taking them far above just regular sourdough cinnamon rolls.
2. Soft and Fluffy Texture: Given the slow fermentation, this makes the rolls super tender and airy.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: Make the dough ahead, then bake off fresh rolls in the morning for any special breakfast or brunch.
4. Zero Waste: This recipe uses sourdough discard and does not add to your kitchen waste.
5. Versatile: This recipe can be adapted to several variations, including using different fillings, making it gluten-free, or vegan.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Sourdough Starter: This recipe uses active sourdough starter, naturally occurring yeast that helps bread rise. If you don’t have one, learn to create one yourself, or use sourdough discard if you want more subtle flavors.
• Butter: Used for richness in the dough and flavor in the filling. It can be replaced by margarine or a vegan substitute if needed.
• Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: The heart of it. Change to the sweetener of your choice, if desired—in this case, coconut sugar.

Substitutions

• Milk: Almond milk or oat milk so it is dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free flours for a gluten-free alternative.

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls in Steps

1. The Dough:
   This dough is relatively easy to combine because it only has a few staple ingredients. Remember, the secret for light and fluffy rolls is that the dough gets a long enough rise and fermentation time to develop that flavor. This you can do with an overnight, giving the sourdough starter enough time to get to work.
2. Fill the Dough:
   Mix the risen dough and apply butter on top, sprinkling cinnamon-sugar mix. Roll it tight to allow for even layering.
3. Bake to Perfection:
   Bake them golden after their second rise, and the heavenly smell of cinnamon and sourdough baking together will fill your kitchen.

Master Tips for Success

• Make sure active starter sourdough is bubbly and active, as that is a massive difference in the rise.
• Overnight Rise: It cannot be rushed; it requires an overnight rise to develop flavor and a correct consistency.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: This dough combines much more efficiently with room-temperature eggs and butter.

Variants and Customisations

• Sourdough Discard Version: When using sourdough discard, it’s best to use reduced fermentation time; the discard is less vigorous in its action as a fresh starter.
• Vegan Variations: Change butter to anything from a plant source, such as milk, almond, or soy milk. A replacement for one regular egg can also be replaced with a flax egg.
• Various fillings: Try adding nuts, raisins, or even caramel sauce for the most decadent of pastries.

Storage and Reheat Instructions

• Leftover Storage: Leftover rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days. If more extended periods are required, they can be refrigerated for 5 days or frozen for 3 months.
• Warm-up: Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sourdough cinnamon rolls with:

• Fruit or fruit salad to balance the richness.
• A cup of coffee or tea for an ideal breakfast or brunch delicacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does one make an excellent sourdough cinnamon rolls?
A: Recipes that balance sourdough tang against the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. Check that detailed instruction is involved, for example, an overnight rise. The resulting rolls will be soft and fluffy.

Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls with sourdough discard?
A: Yes! You can bake sourdough and discard sourdough cinnamon rolls with discard only instead of using an active starter. That would be less sour, and the rise time is less as well.

Q: How long does it approximately take to make these sourdough cinnamon rolls?
A: Well, this recipe is for 10-12 hours, but most of that’s hands-off time, waiting for fermentation to occur in the dough.

Related Recipes

• Sourdough Bread, overnight
• Classic Cinnamon Rolls
• Vegan Sourdough Pancakes

Conclusion The Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

It’s one of those recipes that’s a heck of a lot more than baking—which, incidentally, is crazy-delicious—from the tangy sourdough to the sweet, richly composed filling. There’s nothing better. That sounds great, but let’s think about how easily you can make this recipe ahead of time. Try it this weekend at brunch; instantly, you’ll know why this recipe is a favorite. Share some, serve, and let your friends and family taste—make them ask for more!