Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful way to put your sourdough starter to good use. By incorporating your bubbly starter into the dough, you'll infuse the cinnamon rolls with a tangy and complex flavor that's uniquely delicious.

These soft and fluffy rolls are filled with a warm cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients You'll Need

Since you'll still be using instant or active yeast in this recipe, you won't need to bulk ferment for 12 to 15 hours. Pull off some of your sourdough starter as if you were planning to feed the ferment. Instead of tossing it out, add it to this yeast risen dough recipe.

Even if your sourdough starter is immature, the sourdough discard adds a unique tangy flavor to the cinnamon rolls.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How To Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough starters are known for their tangy flavor and digestive benefits. By incorporating your starter into these cinnamon rolls, you'll be adding a touch of homemade goodness to every bite.

This sourdough discard recipe is a fantastic way to reduce the waste of developing and maintaining a healthy sourdough starter. Be sure to use the discard when it's the most bubbly. Instead of tossing it down the drain, add to your baked good recipes.

Prepare The Cinnamon Roll Dough

1. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Proof the yeast by pouring the warmed milk into bowl with sugar and yeast. Whisk to mix and set aside for about 5 minutes, or until bubbles or foam form on the surface.
3. Whisk in the sourdough discard and the egg.
4. Next, add the flour, softened butter, and salt. Mix dough until it begins to come together. Continue kneading or mixing the with a mixer until the dough is soft and not too sticky. It should stick to the bowl, but pull away clean. Mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra flour if needed.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rise until doubled (about 1 to 2 hours )in a warm, draft free location. While waiting to rise, mix the brown sugar, and cinnamon together and set aside.

Roll Out and Spread the Cinnamon Filling

6. When dough has doubled in size, transfer to a lightly floured work surface and roll dough into a large rectangle, or about 18x12 inches.
7. Spread the softened butter over the entire surface of the dough. Sprinkle the prepared brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the top.

Roll Up and Cut Into Slices

8. Starting at a short end a 12" side of the rectangle), roll the dough up tightly, jelly roll style. Pinch the dough together at the seam to secure.
9. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices by lightly marking the center and quarter lines if needed. Place the slices in the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and set to rise in a warm, draft free location for 30-45 minutes.

Bake and Frost with Cream Cheese Icing

10. Preheat oven to 350℉ degrees. Place the baking pan of risen cinnamon rolls in the prepared oven for 25 minutes, or until puffy and golden brown.
11. While baking make the cream cheese icing by mixing the softened butter and softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until the icing is creamy and spreadable.
12. After removing the cinnamon rolls from the oven, cool for 15 minutes, or until rolls are just slightly warm, before spreading the cream cheese icing over the rolls. Serve warm or cold.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few delicious variations or substitutions when making this recipe.

• You can use regular white sugar instead of the brown sugar for the cinnamon roll filling.
• Add some chopped walnuts of pecans to the filling, or scatter them over the dough before rolling up tightly.
• Chopped apples or raisins can be added lightly over the cinnamon sprinkled dough before rolling up as well.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips for making this sourdough discard recipe:

• Use a good quality sourdough starter for the best flavor.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. It will rise faster since there is also active yeast in the recipe.
• For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat. With these delicious and easy-to-make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls, you can enjoy a warm and comforting treat that's perfect for any occasion.

Storage Options

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• You can also freeze these sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. Simply cool and cover with plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. They freezer better if you don't frost them.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on low in the oven.

Equipment

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Frequently Asked Questions

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