Sourdough cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The tangy flavor of sourdough combined with the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls creates a unique and irresistible treat.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these rolls are sure to impress. Making sourdough cinnamon rolls involves a bit of planning and patience, but the result is well worth the effort.
Let’s discover the recipe and how to make these delicious treats!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The tangy flavor of sourdough combined with the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls creates a unique and irresistible treat.
- Fluffy Texture: The sourdough process results in a fluffy and tender texture that’s perfect for cinnamon rolls.
- Versatile: You can customize the filling and glaze to suit your preferences, making it a versatile treat that’s sure to please.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls are great for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, making them perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Sourdough Starter
The sourdough starter is the star of this recipe, providing the tangy flavor and unique texture. Ensure your starter is active and bubbly before using it. If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can use a small amount of commercial yeast as a substitute, but the flavor will differ.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is used to create the structure of the dough. You can substitute it with bread flour for a chewier texture, or use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Milk
Milk adds richness and moisture to the dough. You can use any type of milk you prefer, including dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk.
Butter
Butter provides richness and flavor to both the dough and the filling. You can use plant-based butter as a substitute for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the filling. You can substitute it with granulated sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon provides the warm, spicy flavor that’s characteristic of cinnamon rolls. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, flour, milk, sugar, egg, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. This step ensures that the ingredients are well-combined and ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Add Butter
Gradually add the softened butter to the dough, mixing well until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This step adds richness and flavor to the dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step helps to develop the gluten and create a smooth, cohesive dough.
Step 4: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size. This step allows the dough to develop its unique sourdough flavor and texture.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
After the first rise, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a rectangle. Let it rest for 10 minutes. This step ensures that the dough is ready to be rolled out and filled.
Step 6: Roll and Fill
Roll the dough out into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt evenly over the butter. This step creates the sweet, gooey filling that’s characteristic of cinnamon rolls.
Step 7: Roll the Dough
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. This step ensures that the rolls are evenly sized and ready to be baked.
Step 8: Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let them rise at room temperature for 2-4 hours, or until doubled in size. Alternatively, you can place them in the refrigerator to rise overnight. This step allows the rolls to develop their final rise and fluffy texture.
Step 9: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that the oven is hot and ready for baking the rolls.
Step 10: Bake
Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. This step ensures that the rolls are fully baked and ready to be glazed.
Step 11: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. This step creates the creamy, sweet glaze that will be drizzled over the rolls.
Step 12: Glaze the Rolls
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. This step adds the final touch of sweetness and flavor, making the rolls even more delicious.
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Sourdough:
- 200 g active sourdough starter fed and bubbly
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 150 g whole milk room temperature
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 6 g 1 teaspoon salt
- 57 g 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 100 g 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Glaze:
- 120 g 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or as needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Sourdough:
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, flour, milk, sugar, egg, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add Butter: Gradually add the softened butter to the dough, mixing well until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: After the first rise, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a rectangle. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll and Fill: Roll the dough out into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt evenly over the butter.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let them rise at room temperature for 2-4 hours, or until doubled in size. Alternatively, you can place them in the refrigerator to rise overnight.
Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
Notes
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in the recipe.
- You can adjust the cinnamon and sugar in the filling to suit your taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter.
Expert Tips for Success
- Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in the recipe. This helps to achieve the best flavor and rise.
- Consistent Kneading: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic to develop the gluten and create a cohesive texture.
- Even Rolling: Roll the dough out evenly to ensure that the filling is evenly distributed and the rolls are uniform in size.
- Adjust Rise Time: The rise time may vary depending on the temperature and humidity. Be patient and allow the dough to rise fully for the best results.
Variations and Customizations
Dietary Modifications
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter and milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly. Ensure all other ingredients are certified vegan.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and milk to make this recipe dairy-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified dairy-free.
Flavor Twists
- Citrus Kick: Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy note.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for a warm, spicy twist.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Ensure the rolls are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing
You can freeze the rolls for up to 2 months. Transfer the cooled rolls to a freezer-safe container and freeze until solid. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Add a splash of milk or water to help retain moisture during reheating.
Serving Suggestions
These Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with:
- Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing that’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt adds a creamy and tangy element that complements the sweet rolls.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls, you might also like:
- Classic Cinnamon Rolls: Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls made with a traditional yeast dough and a sweet cinnamon filling.
- Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: Prepare these rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast treat.
- Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet and tangy cinnamon rolls made with an apple and cinnamon filling, perfect for a fruity twist.
Conclusion
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious and fluffy treat that combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls.
Paula has been a passionate home cook for over a decade, specializing in healthy, nutritious meals that the whole family can enjoy. Her love for food started early, influenced by her grandmother’s traditional recipes, which she modernizes with a healthier twist. Paula holds a nutrition certification and is dedicated to sharing meals that not only taste great but also fuel the body with essential nutrients.