Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet, soft, and tangy, sourdough cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat. The subtle sourdough tang complements the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar filling, resulting in a flavor profile that’s richer and more complex than your average cinnamon roll.

By using a sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast, the dough ferments longer, developing a texture that is both fluffy and slightly chewy. While making sourdough cinnamon rolls may require a bit of time and patience, the end result is well worth it.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through each step of making perfect sourdough cinnamon rolls, from preparing the dough to baking and glazing. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients and Tools for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Before starting, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients and tools to make the process seamless. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is recommended, but you can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Sourdough Starter: Ensure your starter is active and bubbly, ready to help the dough rise.
• Milk: Whole milk adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Butter: Use softened butter for both the dough and the filling.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar for the dough and brown sugar for the filling.
• Cinnamon: A crucial ingredient for that classic cinnamon flavor.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Mixing the Dough

The dough is the foundation of your sourdough cinnamon rolls, and making it properly is essential. Follow these steps:

• In a stand mixer bowl, combine active sourdough starter, milk, eggs, sugar, and softened butter. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined.
• Slowly add the flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
• Continue kneading for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. You can also knead by hand if preferred.

Once kneaded, transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. For an overnight rise, you can refrigerate the dough for a slower fermentation.

2. Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling. This is the heart of your rolls, providing that sweet and spicy flavor everyone loves.

• In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Adjust the cinnamon to taste, but don’t be shy with it—it’s what gives the rolls their signature flavor.
• Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
• Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, followed by the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure the entire surface is well-covered to ensure even flavor throughout the rolls.

For more creative cinnamon roll variations, check out this article on unique cinnamon roll fillings.

Rolling and Shaping the Dough

1. Rolling the Dough

Once your filling is evenly distributed, it’s time to roll the dough into a log. Start from one of the long edges and roll the dough tightly, making sure to maintain an even roll. Use a bench scraper or sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even pieces.

• Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure the rolls are spaced evenly for even baking.
• Cover the rolls and allow them to rise again for 1-2 hours. The second rise is crucial for creating soft, fluffy rolls.

2. The Second Rise

After shaping the rolls, the second rise gives them the perfect fluffiness. During this time, the dough should rise and become noticeably puffy.

• Let the rolls rise in a warm place until they have doubled in size.
• While waiting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Baking Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Once your sourdough cinnamon rolls have completed their second rise, it’s time to bake them to golden perfection.

Baking Instructions:

• Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
• If the rolls start to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before adding the glaze. Letting them rest for 10-15 minutes ensures the glaze doesn’t melt too much.

If you're interested in trying another delicious sourdough recipe, check out this guide on Sourdough French Toast for an easy and flavorful morning treat.

Glazing the Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

No cinnamon roll is complete without a rich, creamy glaze. A cream cheese glaze is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other options like vanilla or caramel glazes. Here’s a simple recipe for a tangy cream cheese glaze:

Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened.
• 2 tbsp butter, softened.
• 1 cup powdered sugar.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract.
• 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency).

Mix the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, whisking until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and let it melt into all the delicious layers.

For a simpler glaze, consider using a basic powdered sugar glaze, mixing powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the rolls and enjoy!

For a simple and tasty recipe, check out this guide on Sourdough Banana Muffins. It's a great way to use up overripe bananas and put your sourdough starter to good use.

For more details on storing and reheating cinnamon rolls, refer to this helpful guide on how to keep cinnamon rolls soft and fresh.

Sourdough cinnamon rolls are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and soft. The slow fermentation process develops the dough’s flavor and texture, resulting in a cinnamon roll that’s more complex than those made with commercial yeast.

Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just getting started, these rolls are a great way to experiment with your starter. Plus, the options for fillings and glazes are endless, allowing you to make the recipe your own.

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