The scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafts through the air, enticingly sweet and inviting. Imagine pulling a warm, gooey roll apart, revealing swirls of cinnamon and sugar, with a drizzle of icing that melts into every crevice. homemade cinnamon raisin bagels This is not just any treat; this is the best sourdough discard cinnamon rolls recipe that will have you hooked from the first bite.
Picture this: family gathered around the kitchen counter, laughter echoing as everyone reaches for that last roll. My kids still talk about the day we made these rolls together; it was pure joy! Perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or special occasions, these rolls promise an unforgettable flavor experience. Nutella recipes for dessert lovers.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can whip up these cinnamon rolls with ease, using leftover sourdough discard
- Their rich flavor and soft texture make them irresistible
- A visual delight, they look like a bakery masterpiece on your table
- Ideal for brunches or cozy family gatherings, they’re sure to impress everyone
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these cinnamon rolls were at our last brunch!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Sourdough Discard: Use about 1 cup of discard; ensure it’s bubbly and active for best results.
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All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base; choose unbleached for a more natural flavor.
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Brown Sugar: Light or dark works; use dark for a richer caramel flavor in the filling. For more inspiration, check out this Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe.
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Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth; feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.
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Butter: Softened butter is crucial for spreading and flavor; use unsalted to control saltiness.
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Milk: Whole or 2% milk keeps the dough tender and adds richness.
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Eggs: One large egg helps bind everything together and enriches the dough.
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Active Dry Yeast: This gives your rolls that fluffy lift; always check expiration dates!
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Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine sourdough discard, warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well incorporated and let it sit for about 10 minutes until bubbly.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour, yeast, salt, and egg to your mixture. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough. Don’t be shy—get your hands in there!
Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should spring back when poked gently.
First Rise Time!: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
Create the Filling: While waiting, mix brown sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl. cinnamon sugar pumpkin muffins Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough before sprinkling with this heavenly mix! brown butter toffee cookies.
Roll & Cut the Dough**: Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and slice it into equal pieces—about 12 works great! Place them in a greased baking dish.
Final Rise & Bake**: Cover again and allow to rise for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.
Enjoy making these delightful treats! Each bite will remind you of cozy family gatherings filled with love and laughter—who knew sourdough discard could lead to such sweetness? For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Au Gratin recipe.
You Must Know
- This delightful sourdough discard cinnamon rolls recipe not only reduces waste but also elevates your brunch game
- The warm, sweet aroma will fill your home, making it feel cozy
- Perfect for lazy Sundays or surprise guests, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough the night before. Allow it to rise in the fridge for better flavor and texture. The next morning, roll out the dough, fill it up, and slice those sweet beauties before baking until golden.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different spices like nutmeg or add chocolate chips for a decadent twist. You can even experiment with different glazes—cream cheese or maple syrup both make fantastic alternatives!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough; this helps everything blend well
- Don’t skip letting the dough rest; it improves flavor and texture significantly
- Finally, remember to use parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect rolling!
There’s nothing quite like sharing these gooey, cinnamon-swirled treats with friends and family, especially when they ask for seconds! The smiles on their faces? Priceless!

FAQ
Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works fine; just adjust hydration slightly if needed.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel puffy to the touch when ready.
What can I do with leftover sourdough discard?
Use it in pancakes, waffles, or even add to smoothies for extra flavor!
Indulgent Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience the joy of baking with these irresistible sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. This recipe transforms leftover sourdough into warm, gooey rolls swirled with cinnamon and sugar, topped with a luscious icing. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy brunch, each bite promises delightful flavor and nostalgia. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm milk, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix well and let it sit for about 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Gradually add flour, yeast, salt, and egg to the mixture. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- For the filling, mix brown sugar with cinnamon in a bowl. Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough and sprinkle the filling mixture evenly.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and slice into approximately 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover again and allow to rise for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg





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