Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Sweet, and Perfectly Fluffy

Combine the rich, tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweet, spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls in this Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These rolls are fluffy, soft, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, they’re a bakery-quality treat you can make at home.

Why This Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Is a Must-Try

Sourdough adds a unique tang and depth of flavor to classic cinnamon rolls, taking them to the next level. The long fermentation process not only enhances taste but also makes these rolls easier to digest. Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe is an indulgent way to showcase your starter.

For more baked goods inspiration, visit our Baking Category. Pair these rolls with our Matcha Muffin Recipe with Almond Flour for a delightful breakfast spread.

Ingredients for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The Dough

• ½ cup active sourdough starter
• 1 cup warm milk (or plant-based milk)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt

The Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

The Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, butter, and egg until smooth.
2. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

First Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it doubles in size. For overnight fermentation, refrigerate the dough for 12-24 hours.

Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
2. Set aside the softened butter for spreading.

Roll Out and Fill

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, ensuring even coverage.

Shape and Second Rise

1. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one long edge.
2. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 2-3 hours, or until puffy and doubled in size.

Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired consistency.

Glaze and Serve

1. Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes before drizzling with the cream cheese glaze.
2. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, tangy perfection.

For another indulgent treat, try our Napoleon Cake for a layered delight.

Customizing Your Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling for added crunch.
• Make It Fruity: Add raisins or chopped dried fruit for a sweet twist.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese alternatives.
• Use a Different Glaze: Try a simple vanilla icing or caramel drizzle instead of cream cheese glaze.

For more creative ideas, visit our Dessert Category.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

1. Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best rise.
2. Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow ample time for the dough to ferment and rise; patience is key to fluffy rolls.
3. Use Soft Butter: Softened butter spreads easily without tearing the dough.
4. Serve Fresh: These rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh, though they can be reheated for later indulgence.

Pair these rolls with our Chia Seed Pudding Recipe for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread.

Serving Suggestions for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• For Breakfast: Serve with a cup of coffee or hot tea for a cozy morning treat.
• As a Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner treat.
• For Gifting: Wrap rolls in parchment and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Nutrition Facts for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Per serving (1 roll, approximately 12 servings):

• Calories: 300–350
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugars: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 250mg

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful combination of soft, fluffy dough with a subtle tanginess from the sourdough starter, balanced by the sweet, gooey cinnamon filling. They’re the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Regional Variations of Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

While the base recipe is universal, variations bring unique regional flavors:

Classic American Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Key Ingredients: Sourdough starter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, and rich.
• Pairing: Serve with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Swedish-Inspired Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls (Kanelbullar)

• Key Ingredients: Cardamom, cinnamon, sugar, and pearl sugar topping.
• Flavor Profile: Warm, spiced, and mildly sweet.
• Pairing: Enjoy with tea or glögg (mulled wine).

Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Rolls

• Key Ingredients: Pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Flavor Profile: Earthy, spiced, and seasonal.
• Pairing: Perfect for fall with a chai latte.

Pecan-Caramel Sourdough Rolls

• Key Ingredients: Pecans, caramel sauce, and cinnamon.
• Flavor Profile: Nutty, buttery, and indulgent.
• Pairing: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Tropical Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Key Ingredients: Coconut flakes, pineapple glaze, and cinnamon.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, and tropical.
• Pairing: Best enjoyed with fresh fruit or iced coffee.

Fun Cooking Techniques for Kids

Let kids join the fun of making Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with these interactive steps:

Mixing the Dough

• Activity: Allow kids to combine ingredients and knead the dough.
• Learning Outcome: Teaches them about texture and consistency.

Spreading the Filling

• Activity: Help kids spread the cinnamon-sugar filling on the dough.
• Learning Outcome: Develops motor skills and creativity.

Rolling and Slicing

• Activity: Teach kids to roll the dough into a log and cut even slices.
• Learning Outcome: Improves coordination and precision.

Decorating the Rolls

• Activity: Let kids drizzle frosting or sprinkle toppings like nuts or sugar.
• Learning Outcome: Enhances creativity and presentation.

Tasting the Rolls

• Activity: Encourage kids to taste-test the warm rolls and discuss the flavors.
• Learning Outcome: Builds their palate and appreciation for homemade treats.

Kitchen Tools to Elevate Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

1. Mixing Bowls
   • Ideal for combining dough ingredients and letting the sourdough starter work its magic.
2. Stand Mixer with Dough Hook
   • Simplifies kneading for a smooth, elastic dough.
3. Rolling Pin
   • Essential for rolling out the dough evenly.
4. Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter
   • Ensures clean, precise slices for uniform rolls.
5. Baking Dish
   • Provides a perfect environment for even baking.
6. Pastry Brush
   • Useful for spreading butter or glaze over the rolls.
7. Cooling Rack
   • Allows rolls to cool slightly before adding frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Proofing Time
   • Allow sufficient time for the sourdough to ferment and rise for optimal fluffiness.
2. Overfilling the Rolls
   • Too much filling can spill out during baking; balance is key.
3. Cutting Uneven Rolls
   • Use a sharp knife to ensure uniform slices that bake evenly.
4. Overbaking the Rolls
   • Bake just until golden brown to keep the rolls soft and tender.
5. Adding Frosting Too Soon
   • Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting.

Creative Add-Ins

1. Chocolate Chips
   • Sprinkle chocolate chips in the filling for a decadent twist.
2. Dried Fruits
   • Add raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for a fruity touch.
3. Nuts
   • Include chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch.
4. Spices
   • Enhance the flavor with cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
5. Glazes
   • Experiment with maple syrup glaze, orange icing, or caramel drizzle.

How to Double or Scale Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

1. Increase Dough Proportionally
   • Double all ingredients, including the sourdough starter, for a larger batch.
2. Use Multiple Baking Dishes
   • Divide rolls between two dishes to ensure even baking.
3. Freeze Extra Rolls
   • Freeze unbaked rolls for later use; thaw and bake when needed.
4. Serve Buffet-Style
   • Arrange rolls on a platter with various toppings for guests to customize.

How to Store Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

1. Refrigeration
   • Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing
   • Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.
3. Reheating
   • Warm rolls in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore freshness.
4. Glaze Separately
   • Store frosting separately if freezing rolls to maintain texture.

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in Culture

Sourdough baking has a rich history, and incorporating it into cinnamon rolls marries tradition with innovation. The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the sweetness of the cinnamon filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

From weekend brunches to holiday gatherings, sourdough cinnamon rolls have become a modern favorite, offering a unique twist on a classic comfort food.

How to Adapt Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Special Diets

1. Gluten-Free Option
   • Use a gluten-free sourdough starter and flour blend.
2. Low-Sugar
   • Reduce sugar in the filling and frosting; use stevia or monk fruit as alternatives.
3. Dairy-Free
   • Replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.
4. Vegan-Friendly
   • Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use vegan butter and milk.
5. Keto-Friendly
   • Use almond or coconut flour and erythritol for a low-carb version.

How to Adapt Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Special Occasions

1. Holiday Feasts
   • Add dried cranberries and orange zest for a festive flavor.
2. Birthday Brunch
   • Decorate rolls with colorful sprinkles and icing for a celebratory touch.
3. Elegant Dinner Parties
   • Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar.
4. Casual Family Gatherings
   • Offer warm rolls with a variety of frostings for a DIY topping bar.
5. Potluck Events
   • Prepare mini sourdough cinnamon rolls for easy sharing.

FAQs About Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Can I make these rolls without a sourdough starter?

Yes! Substitute the starter with 1 tsp active dry yeast, but you’ll lose the tangy flavor of sourdough.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping or freeze fully baked rolls. Thaw and reheat as needed.

How do I reheat them?

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds.

Explore More Recipes Like These

If you enjoyed this recipe, try:

• Homemade Bread Recipe for a bakery-style experience.
• Peach Cobbler Recipe with Cake Mix for a fruity dessert.

This Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings together the tangy depth of sourdough with the sweet, spiced indulgence of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends. Gather your ingredients, and let’s bake!