Print

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A close-up of four golden-brown cinnamon rolls on a white plate

Sourdough cinnamon rolls offer a delightful twist on the classic pastry by incorporating the tangy depth of sourdough, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile. The natural fermentation process not only enhances taste but also improves digestibility, making these rolls a perfect blend of indulgence and wholesomeness.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 1 cup active sourdough starter
  • 3/4 cup lukewarm milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, lukewarm milk, and granulated sugar. Mix until the sugar dissolves. Add the melted butter and egg, stirring until well combined.

  • Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.

  • Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

  • First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 8-12 hours, or until doubled in size.

  • Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

  • Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches in size.

  • Add the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

  • Form the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

  • Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for about 1-2 hours, or until puffy.

  • Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

  • Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, and continue to beat until the frosting is creamy.

  • Frost the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top.

Notes

  • Timing: To have fresh rolls in the morning, prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight.

  • Sourdough Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before use for optimal rise and flavor.

  • Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving for the best experience.

Nutrition

Keywords: sourdough cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, sourdough baking, breakfast pastry, sweet rolls