These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon-sugar flavor, finished with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts into every swirl.They are the perfect way to use up sourdough discard without wasting it, while still getting bakery-style cinnamon rolls that everyone loves.The discard adds a subtle depth of flavor but keeps the rolls mild, tender, and incredibly comforting.This recipe is reliable, beginner-friendly, and works beautifully for weekends, holidays, or make-ahead breakfasts.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft with a tender, pillowy texture.
- They use sourdough discard, making them a smart no-waste baking option.
- The flavor is rich and balanced without tasting sour.
- They can be made the same day or prepared overnight.
- They freeze well and reheat beautifully.
- They are perfect for holidays, brunch, or cozy mornings at home.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Filling - ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
For the Cream Cheese Frosting - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Tools for Sourdough Discard Bread, Rolls & Savory Bakes
These tools are helpful for shaping, rolling, and baking savory sourdough discard recipes like pizza dough, biscuits, English muffins, and crackers.
- Dough Scraper / Bench Scraper – helps divide, shape, and handle sticky dough easily
- Rolling Pin – perfect for rolling pizza dough, crackers, and flatbreads
- Cast Iron Skillet – great for baking discard flatbreads, biscuits, and muffins with even heat
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add sourdough discard, warm milk, egg, and melted butter.Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60–90 minutes until doubled.
- Roll the dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly across the surface.
- Roll tightly from the long side and cut into 9–12 rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise 30–45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–28 minutes until lightly golden.
- Mix frosting ingredients until smooth and spread over warm rolls.
- Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread
- Glazed Sourdough Lemon Cake
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Don’t overbake or the rolls may dry out.
- For extra softness, cover loosely with foil during the last few minutes if browning too fast.
- Frost while warm so it melts into the rolls.
Variations
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
- Use maple syrup instead of vanilla in the frosting for a cozy twist.
- Add orange zest to the dough for a citrus-flavored roll.
- Make them dairy-free using plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese.
- Add raisins or chopped dates for a classic cinnamon roll variation.
Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients for best dough texture.
- Measure flour correctly to avoid dense rolls.
- Dental floss works best for clean slices.
- Chill the rolls overnight for easy morning baking.
- Double the frosting if you like extra gooey rolls.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee or tea for breakfast.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced brunch.
- These rolls are perfect for holidays like Christmas or Easter.
- Serve as a dessert with extra frosting on the side.
- Wrap leftovers individually for grab-and-go treats.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
FAQs
Do these cinnamon rolls taste sour?
- No.The sourdough discard adds depth but keeps the flavor mild and sweet.
Can I make them overnight?
- Yes.After shaping, cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
- Yes.Freeze baked or unbaked rolls and thaw before reheating or baking.
Can I skip the yeast?
- Yeast is needed here for soft, fluffy rolls with a proper rise.
What frosting works best?
- Cream cheese frosting is classic, but vanilla glaze also works well.
Conclusion
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort bake, combining soft, fluffy dough with rich cinnamon filling and creamy frosting.They are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for turning leftover discard into something truly special.This is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat for cozy mornings and special occasions alike.