The Best Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls For Beginners

Introduction: 

If you’re an avid sourdough baker, you’ve likely faced the dilemma of a leftover sourdough starter. Instead of throwing it away, why not transform it into something irresistibly delicious? Enter sourdough and discard cinnamon rolls or sourdough cinnamon buns, These are the best ways to cut down on food waste and still enjoy some sweet treats. This easy sourdough discard recipe turns your starter into soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls that are a delight to make and even better to eat.

Looking for other ways to use your starter? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough Baking or try our Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes Recipe for breakfast. This easy recipe turns your discard into soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls that are a delight to make and even better to eat

Whether you’re exploring creative ways to use sourdough discard or looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe, these cinnamon buns are the perfect answer. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and turn your starter into something magical!

Recipe Card: Full Instructions Below

The Best Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls For Beginners.

Make the best sourdough discard cinnamon rolls with this beginner-friendly recipe. Soft, fluffy, and topped with cream cheese frosting—perfect for any occasion!

Print Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Rolls

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Dough:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 3 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
• 1/2 cup warm milk dairy or plant-based
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil for vegan option
• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup softened butter or vegan butter
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or raisins

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp cream cheese or vegan cream cheese
• 1-2 tbsp milk adjust for consistency
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

Prepare the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine sourdough discard, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes so the yeast can activate.
• Add melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
• Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Then, Cover the bowl and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. These sourdough discard cinnamon rolls need proper rising time for the perfect texture.

Make the Filling

• In a bowl, blend the brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
• Carefully smooth a layer of softened butter over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, ensuring an even coating. Next, generously sprinkle the dough with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, letting it adhere to the butter. For an added burst of flavor and texture, scatter a handful of chopped nuts, plump raisins, or rich chocolate chips over the top.

Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

• Roll out the dough into a rectangle that’s about 12×18 inches. on a floured surface.
• Spread the filling mixture evenly across the surface of the dough.
• Keep the roll tight as you form it into a log shape, then slice it into 12 equal pieces.
• Arrange the rolls neatly in a baking dish that has been greased, leaving a bit of space between each roll. Let them rise for 30-45 minutes before baking.

Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preheat.
• Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and the filling bubbly slightly. When baked properly, these sourdough discard cinnamon rolls should be soft and fluffy.

Frost the Cinnamon Rolls

• While the rolls cool slightly, thoroughly whisk the frosting ingredients until a smooth consistency is achieved.
• Spread the frosting over the warm rolls to allow it to melt slightly, creating a delicious glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade sourdough discard cinnamon rolls!

Notes

• For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, coconut oil, and vegan cream cheese.
• Add orange zest or dried cranberries for a festive twist.

Why Use Sourdough Discard in Your Recipes?

Using sourdough discard is an excellent way to minimize waste and elevate your baked goods with unique flavors and benefits. Here’s why it deserves a place in your kitchen:

• Rich Flavor: Sourdough discard adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the depth of flavor in cinnamon rolls, making them stand out from traditional recipes.
• Health Benefits: The natural fermentation process involved in sourdough can improve nutrient absorption, reduce gluten content, and support gut health. These benefits are backed by research into sourdough’s unique fermentation process. Learn more about the science of sourdough on Wikipedia.
• Creative Uses for Sourdough: Beyond bread, sourdough discard can be transformed into pancakes, crackers, and cinnamon rolls, opening up a world of culinary possibilities.
• Budget-Friendly: By repurposing your starter discard, you make the most out of your ingredients, reducing food waste and saving money.

By embracing sourdough discard, you’re baking something delicious and tapping into fermentation’s health and sustainability benefits.

Ingredients for the Best Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

You’ll need a mix of simple, Flexible ingredients to whip up the ultimate sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. This recipe also includes options for making vegan cinnamon rolls or gluten-free variations to suit different dietary preferences.

For the Dough:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free cinnamon rolls)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (use almond milk or oat milk for vegan cinnamon rolls)
• 1/4 cup sugar (substitute with coconut sugar for a natural sweetener option)
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1/4 cup melted butter (or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly alternative)
• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (or a mix of brown sugar and coconut sugar for a healthier twist)
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup softened butter (or vegan butter for vegan cinnamon rolls)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp of cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option).
• 1-2 tbsp milk (use plant-based milk for vegan cinnamon rolls)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

This versatile recipe allows you to adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences, whether you’re making classic sourdough cinnamon rolls, vegan cinnamon rolls, or even a gluten-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine sourdough discard, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes so the yeast can activate.
2. Add melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Then, Cover the bowl and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. These sourdough discard cinnamon rolls need proper rising time for the perfect texture.

Make the Filling

1. In a bowl, blend the brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
2. Carefully smooth a layer of softened butter over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, ensuring an even coating. Next, generously sprinkle the dough with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, letting it adhere to the butter. For an added burst of flavor and texture, scatter a handful of chopped nuts, plump raisins, or rich chocolate chips over the top.

Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll out the dough into a rectangle that’s about 12×18 inches. on a floured surface.
2. Spread the filling mixture evenly across the surface of the dough.
3. Keep the roll tight as you form it into a log shape, then slice it into 12 equal pieces.
4. Arrange the rolls neatly in a baking dish that has been greased, leaving a bit of space between each roll. Let them rise for 30-45 minutes before baking.

Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preheat.
2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and the filling bubbly slightly. When baked properly, these sourdough discard cinnamon rolls should be soft and fluffy.

Frost the Cinnamon Rolls

1. While the rolls cool slightly, thoroughly whisk the frosting ingredients until a smooth consistency is achieved.
2. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls to allow it to melt slightly, creating a delicious glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade sourdough discard cinnamon rolls!

Pro Tips for Perfect Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

• Temperature Matters: Use warm milk (around 100-110°F or 37-43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it. If the milk is too hot, it can prevent the dough from rising.
• Soft Butter for the Filling: Always use softened, not melted, butter for the filling. This helps the sugar and cinnamon stick to the dough without leaking out during baking.
• Proper Rising Time: Let the dough rise through both stages. A well-risen dough ensures soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Even Slicing: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly, keeping their shape intact.

For even more expert tips, check out our guide to baking with sourdough discard and elevate your baking game to the next level!

Delicious Variations of Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Get creative with your sourdough discard cinnamon rolls by trying these flavorful twists:

• Nutty Delight: For a crunchy texture, add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the filling. These nut-filled cinnamon rolls pair perfectly with creamy frosting.
• Chocolate Lovers: Swap the cinnamon for cocoa powder and sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling to create indulgent chocolate cinnamon rolls.
• Fruity Twist: For festive cinnamon rolls with orange zest, add dried cranberries, raisins, or orange zest to the filling.
• Caramel Apple Rolls: Dice some fresh apples, sauté them with some sugar and butter, and use them as a filling to create caramel apple cinnamon rolls.
• Savory Cinnamon Rolls: Try a spicy version by replacing the sugar and cinnamon with garlic, herbs, and cheese for a creative spin on this classic treat.

These variations let you customize your sourdough discard cinnamon rolls to match your taste or the occasion. Whether you’re making festive cinnamon rolls with orange zest for Christmas or nutty rolls for a cozy brunch, the possibilities are endless!

Nutritional Values (Per Serving – 1 Roll)

Are you curious about what goes into each roll? Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value per serving to enjoy your treat guilt-free!

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: ~5 g
• Fat: ~8 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~4 g
• Carbohydrates: ~45 g
  • Sugars: ~20 g
• Fiber: ~2 g
• Sodium: ~250 mg
• Calcium: ~30 mg
• Iron: ~1.5 mg

FAQs About Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Conclusion: Why You Should Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

There you have it – the ultimate recipe for sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. This simple yet delicious way to use your sourdough starter reduces waste and creates a treat your family and friends will adore.

Ready to give it a try? These sourdough cinnamon rolls are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. So grab your sourdough discard, and get baking!

Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and tag us on social media with your creations! We’d love to see your take on this versatile and flavorful treat.