Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Experience the joy of baking with these sourdough cinnamon rolls, where the tangy flavor of sourdough meets the comforting sweetness of cinnamon. Ideal for brunch or a sweet treat, these rolls are fluffy, flavorful, and sure to impress your friends and family. With a few simple ingredients and some time to rise, you can create a batch that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups active sourdough starter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, with an additional 2 hours for rising and a cooking time of 25-30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 roll) contains approximately 250 calories, 8g fat, 40g carbohydrates, 5g protein, and 2g fiber. This is based on one roll, allowing for a delightful indulgence without overdoing it.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, milk, and melted butter.
- Add in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread softened butter over the rolled dough and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30-60 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Additionally, coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a unique flavor. Dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil can be used for a vegan version.
Serving and Pairings
These sourdough cinnamon rolls are perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice. Serve with a drizzle of cream cheese icing for an extra indulgence, or enjoy them plain for a delightful breakfast treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not allowing the dough to rise sufficiently can result in dense rolls.
- Using cold ingredients can hinder the activation of the yeast.
- Skipping the kneading step may lead to a tough texture.
- Overbaking can dry out the rolls; keep an eye on them.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the outcome.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly.
- Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, for added flavor.
- Use dental floss to cut the rolls for a clean slice.
- Let rolls cool slightly before adding icing to prevent melting.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before, let them rise in the refrigerator, and bake them fresh in the morning.
What if my sourdough starter isn’t very active?
If your starter isn’t active, feed it a few hours before using it in the recipe to ensure it’s bubbly and ready.
Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked rolls. Just let them rise, then cover and freeze. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use for icing?
A simple cream cheese icing or a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk works beautifully on these rolls.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Use a toothpick to check if they are cooked through.
Conclusion
Sourdough cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that combines the tangy goodness of sourdough with the sweet warmth of cinnamon. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious rolls!

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups active sourdough starter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, milk, and melted butter.
- Add in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread softened butter over the rolled dough and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30-60 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.