These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists are soft, fluffy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar layer that bakes into golden perfection. This recipe is designed to work for everyone, even beginners, using simple ingredients and clear steps. It’s a great way to use sourdough discard without complicated fermentation while still getting amazing flavor and texture. These twists are perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or dessert and stay soft for days.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses up sourdough discard in an easy, no-waste way
- Soft and fluffy inside with a lightly crisp, sugary outside
- Simple dough that is beginner-friendly and very forgiving
- Looks bakery-style but is easy to shape at home
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or holidays
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Warm milk
- Granulated sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Sourdough discard (unfed)
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Egg
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, melted
Optional Topping:
- Extra cinnamon sugar
- Powdered sugar glaze
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 warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add sourdough discard, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand or mixer for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours.
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Brush the surface evenly with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
- Fold the dough in half lengthwise and gently press to seal.
- Cut into equal strips and twist each strip gently.
- Place twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover loosely and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
- Brush with melted butter immediately after baking and sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar if desired.
Cooking Notes
- The dough should be soft, not dry; avoid adding too much flour
- Rising time depends on room temperature and discard strength
- Roll the dough evenly so the twists bake at the same speed
- Watch closely during baking; they brown quickly at the end
- Let them cool slightly before serving so the sugar sets properly
Variations
- Add cream cheese filling along with the cinnamon sugar for a richer twist.
- Use maple sugar instead of granulated sugar for deeper flavor.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Drizzle with vanilla glaze or cream cheese glaze after baking.
- Make mini twists for party trays or brunch boards.
Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients for best dough texture.
- If the dough resists rolling, let it rest for 10 minutes before continuing.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling.
- Twist gently to avoid tearing the dough.
- Let twists cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee or tea for breakfast.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a brunch spread.
- Add to holiday dessert tables.
- Serve with vanilla icing or honey for dipping.
- Pack in lunchboxes as a sweet treat.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~210
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Protein: ~5g
- Fat: ~7g
- Sugar: ~14g
- Fiber: ~1g
FAQs
Can I make these without yeast?
- No, this recipe relies on yeast for structure and consistent rise. Sourdough discard alone is not enough here.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, the dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
Can I freeze cinnamon sugar twists?
- Yes, freeze after baking and cooling. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.
What if my sourdough discard is very thick or thin?
- This recipe is forgiving. Adjust flour slightly to reach a soft dough.
Can I make these dairy-free?
- Yes, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
Conclusion
These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists are an easy, dependable recipe that turns leftover discard into a bakery-style treat. With soft layers, warm cinnamon flavor, and endless customization options, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether for everyday baking or special occasions, these twists always deliver comforting, homemade goodness.