Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Do you have a sourdough starter that you’re not sure what to do with? If so, these Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect solution! They are light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, making them ideal for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy weekend at home, these rolls will surely impress your family and friends with their delightful taste and homemade charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious rolls in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch, a holiday gathering, or a casual snack, these cinnamon rolls fit right in.
• Uses Sourdough Discard: Turn your sourdough starter discard into something amazing instead of tossing it away.
• Deliciously Fluffy: The combination of sourdough and traditional baking methods results in incredibly fluffy rolls.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or other spices to the filling for a unique twist.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes the process smoother and ensures your Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet (12”)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Pastry cutter or fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution for baking, resulting in perfectly cooked rolls.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without making a mess.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness for your dough when rolling it out.
• Pastry cutter or fork: Makes it easy to incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture.

Ingredients

To create your Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 8 tablespoons butter (cold)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup sourdough starter discard
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

For the Filling

• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)

For the Icing

• 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tablespoons milk

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly spray a 12” cast iron skillet with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl:
1. Add your flour.
2. Cut your cold butter into pats and add them to the flour.
3. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until crumbles resemble pea-sized pieces.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the following to your flour mixture:
1. Sourdough starter discard
2. Milk
3. Granulated sugar
4. Salt
5. Baking powder
6. Baking soda

Mix well until combined.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour a flat surface and transfer your dough mixture onto it:
1. Roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 12 x 22 inches.

Step 5: Add Filling and Shape Rolls

Now it’s time to spread your melted butter over the rolled-out dough:
1. Sprinkle light brown sugar evenly on top.
2. Dust cinnamon over the sugar layer.
3. Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log shape.

This recipe will yield beautifully fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls that everyone will love! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later – if they last that long!

How to Serve Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but they can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Pair with Coffee

• A rich, aromatic coffee complements the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls perfectly, making for an ideal breakfast or brunch option.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Serving your rolls with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, adds a refreshing contrast and balances the flavors.

Drizzle with Icing

• A simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk can enhance the sweetness and create a delightful glaze over the warm rolls.

Serve Warm with Butter

• Spreading a pat of butter on a warm cinnamon roll melts into the soft dough, adding richness and flavor.

Top with Cream Cheese Frosting

• For a decadent treat, consider adding cream cheese frosting on top of your cinnamon rolls for extra creaminess and tang.

How to Perfect Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Getting the perfect texture and flavor in your sourdough cinnamon rolls takes practice. Here are some helpful tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps create flaky layers in your rolls, ensuring they remain light and fluffy.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix your ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender dough. Overmixing can lead to tough rolls.
• Let Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest for 30 minutes before rolling helps relax gluten strands, making it easier to shape.
• Roll Evenly: When rolling out your dough, aim for an even thickness throughout to ensure uniform baking and filling distribution.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for maximum leavening power; this will help your rolls rise beautifully.
• Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking; they should be golden brown for optimal texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough cinnamon rolls pair well with various side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall taste and presentation. Consider these options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet rolls.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layer Greek yogurt with granola and honey for a creamy side that offers protein alongside the sweetness of the rolls.

3. Scrambled Eggs
   Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide a savory balance, making for a satisfying breakfast spread.

4. Oatmeal
   A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruits can complement the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls while adding heartiness.

5. Smoothie Bowl
   A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers a cool, refreshing side that pairs well with warm baked goods.

6. Chia Pudding
   Chia pudding made with almond milk gives a nutritious boost alongside your cinnamon rolls while maintaining a sweet touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes ensures your rolls turn out perfect every time.

• Skipping the dough resting: Resting the dough helps with gluten development. Don’t rush this step; let it rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
• Overworking the dough: Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls. Mix until just combined and stop once the ingredients are incorporated.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale for precision or ensure you’re using the right measuring cups.
• Ignoring temperature: Ingredients should be at room temperature for better mixing. Allow cold butter and milk to sit out for a while before use.
• Forgetting about the filling: A generous amount of filling makes rolls flavorful. Don’t skimp on brown sugar and cinnamon when spreading it over the dough.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• item They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• item Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• item They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each roll on high for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I use whole wheat flour for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, but it may affect the texture slightly.

How do I know if my sourdough starter is active?

Your sourdough starter should double in size within 4-6 hours after feeding and have bubbles on the surface when it’s ready to use.

What can I substitute for butter in Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls?

You can use plant-based margarine or coconut oil as an alternative to butter, keeping in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them the night before and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning!

Final Thoughts

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different fillings like nuts or dried fruits, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy warm, homemade goodness that will impress your family and friends!