The warm aroma of Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly morning. Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, pillowy dough swirled with buttery cinnamon goodness, topped with creamy frosting that dances on your taste buds. It’s a delightful experience that feels both indulgent and heartwarming.

Now, let’s talk nostalgia—these rolls remind me of lazy Sunday mornings at my grandma’s house, where flour dust filled the air and laughter echoed in the kitchen. Each bite is a delicious reminder of family bonding over warm pastries, making any occasion feel special. If you’re ready to elevate your brunch game or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, these Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls promise an explosion of flavor that will have you dreaming about them long after the last crumb disappears.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are not only easy to make but also offer a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist
- They’re visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests at brunch or enjoying solo with a cup of coffee
- The versatility allows you to customize fillings and toppings based on your mood or what’s in your pantry
- Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls?
Ingredients for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Active Sourdough Starter: A bubbly starter gives these rolls their unique tangy flavor. Make sure yours is active and bubbly before starting.
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best structure in your rolls. You can also mix in whole wheat for added nutrition.
Brown Sugar: This sweetener adds depth and moisture to the filling, creating that irresistible gooey center.
Cinnamon: The star spice! Freshly ground cinnamon offers a stronger flavor than pre-ground varieties.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps create a rich filling and is essential for brushing onto the dough before sprinkling sugar and cinnamon.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and moisture, helping to create tender rolls.
Eggs: One large egg enriches the dough and helps bind everything together beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine your active sourdough starter with warm milk and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Add in one beaten egg and stir until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients until you form a shaggy dough.
Step 3: Knead That Dough
Turn out your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where you can work off some frustration—go ahead, pretend you’re fighting with that stubborn jar lid!
Step 4: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise at room temperature for about two hours or until doubled in size—perfect for binge-watching those baking shows!
Step 5: Roll and Fill
Once risen, punch down the dough then roll it out into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Spread softened butter over the surface then sprinkle generously with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Step 6: Shape Your Rolls
Starting from one edge of the rectangle, roll up tightly into a log. Slice into equal pieces (about 12) using dental floss or a sharp knife (no need for fancy tools here). Place rolls in a greased baking dish or on parchment paper.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with icing for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every gooey bite while sipping your favorite coffee or tea—it’s literally heaven on earth!
And there you have it! Now you’ll be able to whip up these heavenly Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls anytime you want something sweet that’s bound to make not just your taste buds but also your heart smile!
You Must Know
- Sourdough cinnamon rolls are not just your average breakfast treat; they combine the tang of sourdough with the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon sugar
- These rolls are a delightful way to use up leftover sourdough starter, making them as practical as they are delicious!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect sourdough cinnamon rolls, start by preparing your dough the night before. Let it rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, roll it out and fill with cinnamon sugar while your oven preheats. Bake until golden brown for optimal results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your sourdough cinnamon rolls! Swap regular sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or add nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch. Don’t forget a drizzle of icing on top for that sweet finishing touch!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sourdough cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better dough consistency
- Don’t skip the overnight rise; it enhances flavor and texture
- Always roll the dough tightly to ensure even baking and gooey centers
Sometimes I catch myself reminiscing about that one Sunday when I baked these rolls for my family, and we devoured them faster than I could say “sourdough.” The smiles on their faces were priceless!
FAQs:
What are Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls?
Sourdough cinnamon rolls blend the tangy flavor of sourdough with sweet cinnamon filling, creating a delightful pastry. These rolls are made using a sourdough starter, which gives them a unique taste and texture compared to traditional cinnamon rolls. The fermentation process not only enhances the flavor but also improves digestibility. With soft, pillowy dough and a gooey cinnamon-brown sugar filling, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
How long do Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls take to prepare?
Preparing sourdough cinnamon rolls typically takes several hours due to the fermentation process. The first rise can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the strength of your starter and room temperature. After shaping the rolls, they require another rise of about 1 to 2 hours before baking. Overall, plan for about 6 to 14 hours from start to finish, including resting time and baking.
Can I make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can easily prepare sourdough cinnamon rolls ahead of time. After shaping the rolls, you can place them in the refrigerator overnight instead of letting them rise at room temperature. This slow fermentation enhances the flavor even further. When you’re ready to bake them, simply let them come to room temperature while preheating your oven, then bake as directed for fresh and warm rolls.
How should I store Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls?
To store sourdough cinnamon rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked flavors whenever you’re craving something sweet.
Conclusion for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls:
Sourdough cinnamon rolls are a delicious twist on the classic recipe that combines tangy sourdough with sweet cinnamon goodness. Preparing these rolls does take some time due to fermentation but is well worth the effort for their unique flavor profile and soft texture. You can easily make them ahead of time or store leftovers effectively for future enjoyment. Whether served warm for breakfast or as a delightful dessert, these rolls will surely impress anyone who tries them!

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic treat, blending the tangy flavor of sourdough with a sweet, gooey cinnamon filling. These soft, pillowy rolls evoke warm memories of family gatherings, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, and melted butter. Mix well and add the beaten egg.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl covered with a damp cloth for about 2 hours to rise.
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter over it. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly from one edge into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (90g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg