Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect blend of tangy, hearty sourdough with sweet cinnamon filling and a soft, fluffy texture. These rolls elevate the traditional cinnamon roll by incorporating the unique flavor of sourdough starter, which gives them a subtle depth and complexity. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these sourdough cinnamon rolls are surprisingly easy to make and offer a delightful twist on the classic. They make a wonderful addition to any breakfast or brunch table, and they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends.

These rolls are perfect for those who love the tangy flavor of sourdough and want to incorporate it into other baked goods. The naturally fermented sourdough starter imparts a subtle tanginess to the rolls, while the sweet cinnamon filling and rich icing create a delightful contrast. The dough itself is soft, airy, and buttery, while the cinnamon-sugar filling adds that signature sweetness and spice. You’ll want to make these cinnamon rolls for any occasion — they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Unique Flavor: The addition of sourdough starter adds a unique depth of flavor to these rolls, balancing the sweetness of the cinnamon filling with a slight tanginess that’s unmistakable.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough, enriched with butter and milk, rises to a soft, fluffy perfection. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the ideal combination of light, airy dough and a gooey, flavorful filling.
• Great for Brunch or Dessert: These sourdough cinnamon rolls are perfect for weekend brunch, holiday gatherings, or as a special treat. They’re comforting and indulgent, yet still have a slight tanginess from the sourdough that makes them stand out from other cinnamon rolls.
• Make-Ahead and Versatile: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight, which makes these rolls even more convenient. You can also add variations like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to suit your preferences.
• Natural Fermentation: The sourdough starter adds a touch of natural fermentation to the dough, making it a more wholesome and flavorful treat. Plus, the longer fermentation process enhances the texture, giving the rolls a more complex taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-5 hours (including rising time)
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 cinnamon rolls
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per roll, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18-20g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter (fed and active)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

the Icing:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, and sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. The warm milk helps to activate the sourdough, allowing it to ferment and rise properly.

Next, add the softened butter and mix it into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The eggs provide structure and richness to the dough.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms. You may need to use your hands or a spatula to finish incorporating the flour.

2. Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface, but try not to add too much. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.

Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for the dough to become fluffy and tender.

3. Make the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until the ingredients form a smooth, spreadable paste. Set the filling aside.

4. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle that is approximately 16×12 inches (40×30 cm). You want the dough to be an even thickness throughout.

5. Spread the Cinnamon Filling

Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) on the edges. Be generous with the filling, as it’s what gives these cinnamon rolls their signature flavor.

6. Roll and Slice the Dough

Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to avoid gaps in the filling. Once the dough is fully rolled, pinch the seams together to seal the roll.

Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the dough into 12 even rolls. You can adjust the size of the rolls to suit your preference, but 12 rolls is the typical amount for a standard 9×13-inch baking dish.

7. Second Rise

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Place the sliced cinnamon rolls into the dish, ensuring they are close together but not touching. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other.

8. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have completed their second rise, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through. If the rolls are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before icing.

9. Make the Icing

While the rolls are cooling, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar if you like a thicker icing.

Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls just before serving.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Use Active Sourdough Starter: It’s important to use an active, well-fed sourdough starter for the best results. If your starter is not active, your rolls may not rise properly, affecting the texture and flavor of the dough.
• Let the Dough Rise Slowly: If you want to develop more flavor, you can allow the dough to rise slowly overnight in the fridge. Just let the dough come to room temperature and rise for an extra hour before rolling it out.
• Roll the Dough Evenly: When rolling out the dough, try to maintain an even thickness throughout. This will ensure that the rolls bake evenly and have a uniform texture.
• Don’t Overfill the Rolls: While it may be tempting to add more cinnamon filling, it’s important not to overfill the rolls. Too much filling can make the dough soggy, and the rolls may not bake properly.
• Customize the Filling: If you want to change up the flavor, you can add nuts (like pecans or walnuts), raisins, or even chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for added texture and flavor.

Variations of Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Maple Pecan Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: Add a handful of toasted pecans to the cinnamon filling for a nutty twist. You can also drizzle maple syrup on top of the rolls before icing them for a rich, sweet finish.
• Chocolate Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: For chocolate lovers, add a layer of mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling. The chocolate will melt into the rolls, creating gooey pockets of sweetness.
• Orange Cranberry Sourdough Rolls: Swap out the cinnamon filling for a mixture of dried cranberries, orange zest, and sugar. This variation makes for a bright, tangy treat that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Spiced Apple Sourdough Rolls: Replace the cinnamon with a mixture of ground cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, and add cooked cinnamon apples into the filling. This version is like a fall-flavored dessert in a roll.

Storage and Shelf Life

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for a few days. To store, let the rolls cool completely and then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To keep them for longer, you can freeze the rolls. Allow the baked rolls to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds, or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Pair these delicious cinnamon rolls with complementary items to create a full meal or treat:

• Coffee or Espresso: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso pairs perfectly with these rich, sweet rolls, providing a nice contrast to the sweetness.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with berries, citrus, and melon adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the rolls.
• Whipped Cream or Cream Cheese Frosting: For an extra indulgence, serve the rolls with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or tangy cream cheese frosting.
• Egg Dishes: Serve the cinnamon rolls alongside a savory egg dish, such as scrambled eggs or a savory quiche, for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread.

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Conclusion

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of two worlds — the tangy depth of sourdough and the sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon. They’re a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, offering a unique flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself and your loved ones, these rolls are a fantastic choice. Easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious, Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls will quickly become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Enjoy!