Irresistibly Easy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

JUMP TO RECIPE

Have guests staying for the holiday? Make these Irresistibly Easy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls for them and they will label you the perfect host/hostess. Your home will smell like sweet cinnamon, luring your guests out of bed and into the kitchen for a warm cup of coffee with a frosted cinnamon roll.

Sourdough bread is, in my opinion the yummiest bread ever, so when I found out that you can use sourdough starter discard to give other recipes that wonderfully tangy taste, I was thrilled to get started!

These sourdough cinnamon rolls are no exception. Perfect for cozy mornings, they feature a soft, tangy dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly when spread on the warm rolls.

Don't have sourdough starter? No fear! Read to the end for my favorite cinnamon roll recipes that use yeast instead of sourdough starter.

Let’s dive into this easy, irresistible recipe.

Irresistibly Easy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Servings: 4 delicious cinnamon rolls

Ingredients for the Dough

• 55g butter (cold)

• 170g all-purpose flour

• 50g active sourdough starter discard

• 95g buttermilk

• 12g honey

• 2g fine sea salt

  No measurements for these, you do you:

• Cinnamon

• Brown Sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Combine the cold butter and flour, then pinch the flour and butter together with your hands, you want the end result to be crumbly flour.

2. Add the sourdough discard, buttermilk, honey, and salt in a mixing bowl. Knead until you achieve a smooth, elastic dough.

3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature until it doubles in size - 10-12 hours.

2. Shape the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Once the dough has risen, roll into a ½” to 1” thick rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

   • Pro Tip: The dough should feel light and airy as you roll it out—this is a sign you’ve done it right!

2. Spread a generous layer of softened butter across the surface of the dough. You can also use melted butter and brush on with a pastry brush.

3. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter layer.

3. Roll and Cut

1. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.

2. Use a piece of thread (or a sharp knife) to cut 1” sections for perfectly round rolls.

3. Arrange the rolls in a buttered pan—round cake pans, pie dishes, or even a rectangular baking dish work well.

4. Second Rise and Bake

1. Cover the pans and let the cinnamon rolls rise again for 1-2 hours until puffy.

2. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 10-15 minutes or until the tops are just starting to color.

   • Important: Avoid letting the tops turn fully golden brown—this keeps your cinnamon rolls moist and soft.

5. Frost and Serve

1. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly until warm to the touch.

2. Spread cream cheese frosting generously over the top while still warm, letting it melt into every swirl.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 55g (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 85g cream cheese, softened

• 75g powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth (Or use a fork!)

• Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until creamy. Adjust sweetness to your taste.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and shape the rolls the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.

• Storage: These cinnamon rolls keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Double the Recipe, Double the Fun

This recipe is for a small batch of cinnamon rolls, only 4, double up the recipe if you need more.

Also, if you double or triple the recipe, you can use the remaining dough to make sourdough dinner rolls. Simply shape the dough into small balls, let them rise, and bake as directed. They’re perfect alongside soup, stew, or your Thanksgiving spread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Utilizes sourdough discard for a subtle tangy flavor.

• Soft, fluffy texture with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar filling.

• Cream cheese frosting that elevates every bite.

• Versatile dough that doubles as a savory dinner roll option.

Don't Have Sourdough Starter? No Fear! Try These Delicious Recipes Instead!

• The Best Cinnamon Rolls You'll Ever Eat by Ambitious Kitchen

• Perfectly Pillowy Cinnamon Rolls by King Arthur

Enjoy the process—it’s cathartic to knead, roll, and shape these beautiful rolls. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea, and let the compliments roll in!

Happy baking!