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A tray of sourdough discard cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting, served on a rustic wooden table with a cup of coffee and cinnamon sticks

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!
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
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.

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