Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: The Easiest, Gooey Recipe EVER

Sourdough cinnamon rolls, warm from the oven, and swirled with gooey cinnamon goodness… Is there anything better? These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls; these are *sourdough* cinnamon rolls, boasting a tangy complexity that perfectly complements the sweet filling. This sourdough cinnamon rolls recipe is a labor of love, but trust me, it’s a love affair worth pursuing. Imagine waking up to the aroma of these baking, filling your kitchen with warmth and the promise of a truly decadent breakfast. 

Baking with sourdough adds a depth of flavor and a delightful chewiness that you simply can’t get with regular yeast. My grandma used to make a similar version with regular yeast, but I wanted to take it to the next level. This recipe is my tribute to her and to all the cozy mornings shared around a table laden with delicious treats.

Why You Will Love This sourdough cinnamon rolls Recipe

These sourdough cinnamon rolls aren’t just delicious; they’re an experience. The slightly tangy sourdough, combined with the sweet cinnamon filling and creamy frosting, creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. They are comforting, and are the perfect weekend treat. Imagine biting into a warm, soft, and flavorful homemade sourdough roll on a cozy Sunday morning. That sounds like happiness, right?

They’re also surprisingly simple to make once you get the hang of working with sourdough. Don’t be intimidated! While sourdough requires a bit of patience, the results are well worth the effort. Think of it as a culinary adventure, and you’ll enjoy every step of the process.

Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and baking inspiration! For another delicious variation, try these Easy Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls! Now, check out these ingredients below!

Ingredients Needed for This sourdough cinnamon rolls Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create these heavenly sourdough cinnamon rolls:

For the Sourdough Dough:

  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter, fed and bubbly
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting.

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

sourdough cinnamon rolls - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

How to Make This sourdough cinnamon rolls Recipe

Let’s get baking! Here are the easy steps to follow:

  1. 1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, salt, softened butter, and egg. Mix until well combined.
  1. 2. Add Starter and Flour: Add the active sourdough starter and gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  1. 3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, either by hand or with a dough hook, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.
  1. 4. Bulk Fermentation: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 6-8 hours, or overnight, until doubled in size. This slow fermentation is what gives sourdough its unique flavor.
  1. 5. Roll Out the Dough: After the bulk fermentation, gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  1. 6. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
  1. 7. Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the rolled out dough.
  1. 8. Roll the Dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
  1. 9. Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
  1. 10. Second Proof: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let rise for another 1-2 hours, or until puffy.
  1. 11. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. If the tops start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
  1. 12. Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  1. 13. Frost and Enjoy: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Serve warm and enjoy these amazing, The Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls! Are you looking for, The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever? You are sure to enjoy this one too.

How to Serve This sourdough cinnamon rolls Recipe

These sourdough cinnamon rolls are best served warm, fresh from the oven.

  • Perfect with Coffee: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
  • Brunch Star: They make a wonderful addition to any brunch spread. Consider adding fresh fruits, yogurt, and maybe some scrambled eggs for a complete meal.
  • Elegant Plating: For a beautiful presentation, dust the rolls with a light coating of powdered sugar after frosting. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint.

How to Store This sourdough cinnamon rolls Recipe

Proper storage will help keep your sourdough cinnamon rolls tasting fresh.

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap or foil. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: To reheat, warm the rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 30-60 seconds.

Tips to Make This sourdough cinnamon rolls Recipe

Here are a few pointers to help you achieve sourdough cinnamon roll perfection:

  • Use Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in the recipe. This will ensure a good rise and a tangy flavor.
  • Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough rolls. Mix until just combined.
  • Proper Proofing: Allow the dough to proof properly in a warm place. This will ensure the rolls are light and fluffy.
  • Gentle Shaping: Handle the dough gently when rolling and shaping the rolls to avoid deflating them.

Helpful Notes for This sourdough cinnamon rolls Recipe

Additional details to make your baking experience rewarding:

  • Flour Type: While all purpose flour works well, bread flour can provide even better structure and chewiness.
  • Room Temperature: Ensure all refrigerated ingredients, like butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature before using.
  • Starter Feeding: Feed your sourdough starter 4-6 hours before starting your dough.

Variation of This sourdough cinnamon rolls Recipe

Get creative and personalize your sourdough cinnamon rolls!

  • Nut Filling: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for a nutty twist.
  • Orange Zest: Incorporate orange zest into the dough or frosting for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples to the filling for a delicious fall variation.

What makes sourdough cinnamon rolls different?

Sourdough cinnamon rolls have a unique tangy flavor from the sourdough starter, which complements the sweet cinnamon filling. This creates a more complex and satisfying taste compared to regular cinnamon rolls.

How do I activate my sourdough starter for cinnamon rolls?

Feed your sourdough starter 4-12 hours before starting the recipe to ensure it’s active and bubbly. An active starter will help the dough rise properly and give your cinnamon rolls a light and airy texture.

Can I make sourdough cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble the cinnamon rolls, then refrigerate them overnight before baking. This allows for a slower rise and enhances the flavor. Just bring them to room temperature for about an hour before baking.

What’s the best way to store leftover sourdough cinnamon rolls?

Store leftover sourdough cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or oven for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’re on your way to creating the most amazing sourdough cinnamon rolls you’ve ever tasted! These homemade sourdough rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a delicious experience, a moment of joy, and a way to share that love with friends and family. So, go ahead, try your hand at this incredible sourdough cinnamon rolls recipe, and bring a little bit of warmth and happiness to your table. Share your creations and questions below! Happy baking!

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Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: The Easiest, Gooey Recipe EVER


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  • Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Tangy and sweet sourdough cinnamon rolls with a creamy cream cheese frosting. A perfect treat for breakfast or brunch!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter, fed and bubbly
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, salt, butter, and egg. Mix well.
  2. Add the active sourdough starter and gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, turning to coat.
  4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 6-8 hours, or overnight, until doubled in size.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  6. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well.
  7. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the rolled out dough.
  8. Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one long edge.
  9. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  10. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving space between each roll. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours, or until puffy.
  11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  13. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk for desired consistency.
  14. Once the rolls are slightly cooled, generously spread the frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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