Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

by
We independently research our recommended products. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our links.

There are few things better than a warm, fresh cinnamon roll to start the day off right.

If you’re in the market for an easy-to-make breakfast treat, these overnight sourdough cinnamon rolls are just the thing!

sourdough starter cinnamon rolls

Sourdough cinnamon rolls are known to be savory rather than sweet, unlike their sugar-coated counterparts found in most bakeries.

Of course, if you’re making them at home, you decide just how sweet they can be!

Here’s a quick and easy way to brighten up any homemade breakfast.

Ingredients for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

The first step to any good recipe is collecting the perfect ingredients. This makes between 10 and 12 rolls.

The Dough

To prepare the dough, you’ll need:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter.
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour.
  • ½ cup sourdough starter.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar.
  • 1 cup milk.
  • 2 large eggs.
  • ¾ teaspoon salt.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder.
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda.

Lard can also be used in place of the butter, should you prefer a more savory taste.

Likewise, the sugar can be replaced with honey or maple syrup to give the dough a more unique flavor. You can also use buttermilk or even yogurt in place of milk if you prefer.

You may notice one thing on this list that isn’t found in every casual kitchen: sourdough starter. If you’ve tried to make bread in the past, you’ll know just what this pasty mixture is for.

overnight sourdough cinnamon rolls

It’s simply a mixture of flour and water left to sit, which helps cultivate the yeast in the flour. It’s what gives sourdough starter cinnamon rolls not just their wonderful taste, but their fluffy texture.

If you’re up to the task, you can even make your own sourdough starter at home—but that’s another recipe altogether. There are plenty of stores which sell it pre-made to help this recipe along.

The Filling

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious cinnamon filling:

  • ½ cup brown sugar.
  • 1½ teaspoons cinnamon.
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter.

The filling can also be customized to your tastes. For instance, many recipes call for Sucanat in place of brown sugar.

While the two are similar in appearance, Sucanat is known to have a stronger, more molasses-like flavor.

Though cinnamon is a staple ingredient in any sourdough cinnamon roll recipe, there’s no end to the spices you could add to push the flavor to a new level.

Nutmeg, allspice, and ground ginger are common favorites. For a thematic fall flavor, add a dash of pumpkin spice!

The Frosting

Sourdough cinnamon rolls may be a savory choice, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the sweet.

Here’s what you’ll need to add frosting:

  • 1½ cup powdered sugar.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla.
  • 4 tablespoon milk.

Trade the vanilla for any number of flavored extracts to add a surprise twist to your morning roll.

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Now it’s time to make the magic happen!

Preparing the Dough

  1. Cut your butter into small pieces and mix into the flour. Add the starter, sugar, eggs, and milk. Mix well. Your dough should be smooth, but tacky to the touch; add flour in small increments if too wet, and warm water in small increments if too dry.
  2. Once ready, set the mixture in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and leave to rise. This process takes about seven hours, so you may want to prep this (as the name suggests) the night before!
  3. Once the dough has risen, remove from the bowl and set onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the salt, baking powder, and baking soda into the mixture.
  4. Roll the dough out into a flat rectangle between ¼ and ½ inch thick. Set aside.

sourdough cinnamon rolls

Adding the Filling

  1. Melt the butter in a small pan or in the microwave. Add the sugar and spices, and whisk until fully mixed.
  2. Spread this mixture onto the flattened dough. Leave the edges of the dough uncovered by the filling; this will help your rolls hold their shape while baking.
  3. Roll the dough into a log. Once the dough is rolled, you can cut it using a lightly greased knife, or even a piece of floss or string. Be sure to make the rolls a uniform size to ensure they cook evenly.
  4. For fluffier rolls, lay your cut spirals on a flat surface, cover, and let rise another hour. If time is of the essence, cover a baking pan with parchment paper and lay your spirals out with a bit of space between each. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

The Final Touch

  1. Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a small bowl. Add flour or milk in small amounts until the texture is smooth and creamy.
  2. Remove your rolls from the oven. Allow to cool before adding the frosting.

And with that, you’re ready to enjoy your fresh homemade treat!

Here’s a video showing more details on how to make sourdough cinnamon rolls.

Do you have any tips for making sourdough cinnamon rolls?

Leave a Comment