Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

In this quick recipe for sourdough discard cinnamon rolls, cinnamon and sugar are the stars of the show. Blending harmoniously creating a warm and cozy breakfast treat that will have your taste buds dancing.

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Whether it’s Christmas morning or just an ordinary Saturday, warm and gooey cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to start your morning. What’s not to love with a sweet and buttery filling beautifully wrapped in a soft and airy casing..one bite and it will leave your taste buds asking for more! These really hit the spot! It’s a family favorite around here and I hope it will become a favorite in your household too!

This recipe is very easy to make and can be a fun activity to do with the kids! Try customizing these cinnamon rolls by playing around with different additives such as various nuts, chocolate chips, or even delicious hazelnut spread!

Benefits of Sourdough

Improved Digestion: The fermentation process in sourdough bread breaks down complex carbohydrates, making them easier for the body to digest. 

Nutrient Absorption: Fermentation also increases the bioavailability of nutrients like iron, magnesium, and folate. 

Blood Sugar Regulation: Sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index than white bread, meaning it causes a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes. 

Gut Health: The beneficial bacteria present in sourdough bread can support a healthy gut microbiome, which is important for digestion and overall health. 

Reduced Phytic Acid: Phytic acid in grains can inhibit mineral absorption. Fermentation in sourdough bread reduces phytic acid content, making minerals more available. 

Antioxidant Content: Sourdough bread contains antioxidants that may protect cells from damage. 

Lower Preservative Content: Compared to commercially produced breads, sourdough bread often contains fewer preservatives. 

By the way, if you are newer to sourdough, make sure to pop by the Resource Library while you are here an grab my free E-book The Art Of Sourdough: From Starter to Slice. This 23 page resource will take you through the basics of sourdough and as a bonus, I have included full printable recipe cards for some of my favorite sourdough recipes!

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Way to Reduce Waste!

If you’ve been baking sourdough bread at home, you’re probably familiar with the concept of sourdough discard. This is the portion of your starter that you remove before feeding it, and instead of throwing it away, why not turn it into something delicious? In this blog post, we’ll explore how to create mouthwatering sourdough discard cinnamon rolls that are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a fantastic way to minimize kitchen waste.

Why Use Sourdough Discard?

Using sourdough discard is a sustainable practice that helps reduce food waste while adding a unique flavor to your baked goods. Sourdough discard is rich in flavor and contains beneficial bacteria, making it an excellent ingredient in many recipes. Here are a few reasons why sourdough discard is worth using:

1. Flavor: The tanginess of the sourdough adds depth and complexity to the sweetness of cinnamon rolls.
2. Texture: The addition of sourdough discard creates a soft and fluffy texture that elevates the standard cinnamon roll experience.
3. Waste Reduction: By utilizing discard, you contribute to a more sustainable kitchen environment.

Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Roll Dough:

1. Sourdough Discard- Starter that is unfed. You may also use fed starter. Both will work well.
2. Butter- Melted
3. Honey or Maple Syrup- I used honey
4. Baking Soda or Baking Powder- To help the dough rise
5. All Purpose Flour-unbleached
6. Sea Salt

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

1. Cinnamon
2. Brown Sugar- Light or Dark
3. Butter- softened

Icing:

1. Powdered Sugar
2. Butter- Melted
3. Vanilla
4. Milk

How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Tools You Might Need

• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grain mill (if you want to mill your own grains – totally optional).
• Silicone spatula
• Large bowl
• Cast-iron skillet or large baking dish
• Immersion blender (optional) for making cream cheese topping
• Kitchen scale (optional)

Make The Dough

Melt the butter and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients.

Next, add in the sourdough discard and the other wet ingredients.

Mix together until a ball forms. This make take a few minutes. Next, roll out onto a lightly floured surface. The goal is about 1/4″ thick.

Mix the Filling and Prepare the Rolls

Now prepare the filling. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter in a bowl, forming a paste. With a rubber spatula, spread evenly over the sourdough discard cinnamon roll dough. Roll into a tight log. The tighter you roll it, the more layers of cinnamon, brown sugary goodness you will have in each sourdough discard cinnamon roll.

Cut into 14 even sections (I use this bench scraper) and place in a buttered iron pan or baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for about 25-35 degrees until golden brown or the dough is fully cooked. Let cool for a bit before applying the icing. You do not want it to completely run off the rolls.

Make-Ahead Option (Freeze)

 Place the cut & shaped cinnamon rolls into a parchment lined 9-inch springform pan. Cover with two layers of plastic wrap. Freeze until ready to use. The night before baking, remove the old plastic wrap and replace with fresh wrap (this will prevent any condensation from dripping onto the rolls). Defrost overnight, about 10-12 hrs. at room temperature, approximately 67 F. Bake the following morning as directed.

Mix Icing

Combine 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix well and pour over the rolls, using a rubber spatula to help evenly spread over each of the sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately alongside a glass of milk or a glass of yummy cold brew coffee.

Optional Add-Ins for Cozy Winter Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

One of the things I love about this sourdough cinnamon roll dough is how adaptable it is. While the classic version is perfect on its own, these optional add-ins are a lovely way to make them feel a little extra cozy during the winter months.

Use one or combine a couple if you like. Just be careful not to overload the dough.

Chopped Nuts
Finely chopped pecans or walnuts add a warm, toasty crunch that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and brown sugar. Sprinkle them over the filling before rolling.

Chocolate Chips or Chunks
A small handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips turns these into more of a dessert-style cinnamon roll. This is especially good for winter gatherings or holiday mornings.

Orange Zest
A bit of fresh orange zest mixed into the filling or glaze adds brightness and balances the richness. This is a favorite for late winter when citrus is at its peak.

Extra Warm Spices
For a deeper winter flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, or even a dash of homemade pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar filling. It gives the rolls that old-fashioned bakery warmth.

Vanilla or Maple Glaze
If you want something different from a traditional icing, a light vanilla glaze or a maple-sweetened drizzle pairs beautifully with sourdough and feels especially fitting in colder months.

Helpful Tip for Using Freshly Milled Flour

If you are baking these sourdough cinnamon rolls with freshly milled flour, a small adjustment can make a big difference in texture.

Freshly milled flour absorbs more liquid than store-bought flour, which can sometimes lead to a drier dough if no changes are made. To help keep the rolls soft and moist, try adding 1 to 3 tablespoons of additional liquid during mixing until the dough feels soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky.

It is also important to note that cinnamon rolls made with freshly milled flour will naturally have a slightly heartier texture. This is normal and part of the beauty of baking with whole grains. The flavor will be richer, and the crumb will be a bit more substantial than rolls made with refined flour.

For anyone interested in milling their own flour at home, especially if whole foods are part of your New Year goals, this is the NutriMill I have personally used for over a year now and truly love. Using my link helps you save a little money, too. To learn more, click here.

How to Store Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

These delicious cinnamon rolls will keep for about 4 days in the fridge inside of an airtight container. Simply warm and serve to enjoy this delectable treat all week long! You may also store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Try them with this easy to make cream cheese icing for a more rich and creamy experience. Enjoy!

Love Sourdough?

You’ll love my Easy Sourdough Discard Tortilla Recipe, From Scratch Sourdough Bread, and my Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread! These are delicious, easy to make, and great for beginners.

Maybe you are a newbie to the sourdough world? It seems so overwhelming right? Because of this, I made a free 23 page sourdough guide JUST for beginners! I would LOVE to send it to you. Grab my free printable guide The Art of Sourdough: From Starter to Slice by visiting the Resource Library and get everything you need to feel confident baking beautiful loaves at home!

Happy Baking, Friend! XO Bri

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