Delicious Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Are you ready to savor the warm, gooey goodness of fresh cinnamon rolls? Imagine fluffy dough swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a sweet glaze, all made with a delightful twist—sourdough discard! Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a genius way to reduce waste and make something truly scrumptious from your sourdough starter.
These rolls are perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Plus, they come together in a snap, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. And guess what? If you love these rolls, you’re sure to enjoy other delightful recipes on our blog, like our homemade donuts that are equally tempting. So roll up your sleeves and let’s make breakfast a delicious affair with these incredible cinnamon rolls!
What are Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls?
So, what’s in a name? Well, when it comes to Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls, it might leave you scratching your head a bit! You might be wondering why they’re named after that extra sourdough starter you’re not quite sure what to do with. Have you heard that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? This is just one of those recipes that proves that saying right! The term “discard” can sound a little bleak, but it’s really about making a delicious treat without wasting that precious sourdough starter. Just think of it as transforming your kitchen leftovers into a warm, sweet delight that everyone will love. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful creation that brings joy to both the kitchen and the table. Firstly, the main highlight of these rolls is the unique flavor that comes from the sourdough discard. It adds a touch of tanginess that elevates the classic cinnamon roll to new heights. Secondly, by using your sourdough discard, you’re saving money and reducing food waste—what could be better than that? Finally, the filling—a heavenly mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter—creates a luscious, sweet experience that’s hard to resist.
If you’re a fan of sweet pastries, you might also enjoy our recipe for Blueberry Muffins. But for now, let’s keep the spotlight on these delightful rolls and encourage you to give them a try!
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Quick Overview
Making Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls is surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying! With a fluffy dough, sweet filling, and a drizzle of glaze on top, these rolls are perfect for any time of day. The best part? They can be made in just about an hour, making this a quick and delicious baking adventure!
Key Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
To whip up these delectable cinnamon rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: Add the sourdough discard, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and half of the flour to the bowl. Stir until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Roll and Fill: Once risen, roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise for another 20 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a glaze.
- Serve: Once the rolls are done, drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy!
What to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls With
These cinnamon rolls are perfect on their own, but why not elevate your breakfast or brunch experience? Serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad for some vibrant colors and flavors or pair with a cup of rich coffee or Chamomile tea for a relaxing afternoon treat. A side of scrambled eggs or crispy hash browns would also complement the sweetness of these rolls beautifully, offering a balance of flavors and textures.
Top Tips for Perfecting Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
To elevate your cinnamon rolls to perfection, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Kneading: Make sure to knead the dough until it’s soft and elastic; this helps create fluffy rolls.
- Warm Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm environment. If your kitchen is cool, consider using your oven with just the light on.
- Melted Butter: For added richness, use softened butter for spreading, rather than melted. It helps create better layers.
- Substitutions: Feel free to replace the cinnamon filling with other options, like Nutella or chocolate chips, to shake things up!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If by some miracle there are leftovers (which is unlikely!), store your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to one month. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature, then microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Drizzle with fresh glaze to bring back that just-baked taste!
Now that you have this wonderful recipe for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls in your hands, gather your ingredients and get ready to create something truly mouthwatering! You and your loved ones will be delighted by the sweet aroma filling your kitchen, and the taste is guaranteed to please. Happy baking!

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the sourdough discard, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and half of the flour to the bowl. Stir until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Once risen, roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise for another 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a glaze.
- Once the rolls are done, drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy!
