Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked sourdough cinnamon rolls. These rolls are not just any ordinary treat; they’re a delightful blend of tangy sourdough and sweet cinnamon, making them a unique addition to your baking repertoire. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these rolls will become a family favorite. Get ready to impress with this easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees a soft, fluffy texture and a rich, gooey cinnamon filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Extra butter for greasing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12 servings. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, with an additional 2 hours for rising, and cooking time is approximately 25-30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 roll) contains approximately 250 calories, 8g fat, 38g carbohydrates, and 4g protein. This is a delightful treat that you can enjoy as part of a balanced diet.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, milk, sugar, melted butter, and egg until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30-60 minutes until puffy.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re out of sourdough starter, you can use a substitute like buttermilk or yogurt mixed with baking soda to achieve a similar tangy flavor. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as nuts or dried fruit.
Serving and Pairings
These sourdough cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They can also be served with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze for added sweetness.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not allowing the dough to rise adequately can lead to dense rolls.
- Using cold ingredients can hinder the activation of the yeast.
- Overbaking can dry out the rolls; keep an eye on them.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the texture.
- Skipping the second rise will result in less fluffy rolls.
Helpful Tips
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Let your sourdough starter come to room temperature before using.
- For extra flavor, add vanilla extract to the dough.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls without a sourdough starter?
Yes, you can substitute the sourdough starter with an equal amount of buttermilk combined with baking soda to create a similar texture and flavor.
How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and flavor to your cinnamon rolls.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
How do I store leftover rolls?
Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
Sourdough cinnamon rolls are a delicious way to enjoy the tangy flavor of sourdough in a sweet treat. With their soft texture and mouthwatering cinnamon filling, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe, and watch them become a family favorite!

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Extra butter for greasing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, milk, sugar, melted butter, and egg until combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkling it evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from one edge into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30-60 minutes until puffy.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.