Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious and Easy Overnight Recipe

Sourdough cinnamon rolls are the perfect combination of tangy sourdough flavor and sweet, gooey cinnamon filling. These rolls offer a delightful twist on the traditional cinnamon roll, and they’re incredibly easy to make. With a simple overnight rise, you can have freshly baked, soft, and fluffy cinnamon rolls ready to enjoy with minimal effort. Whether you’re using sourdough starter discard or an active starter, this recipe guarantees a delicious, homemade treat without the need for a stand mixer or a second rise.

Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

What makes these sourdough cinnamon rolls so special? First off, they are incredibly easy to prepare. There’s no need for a second rise, which means less time waiting and more time enjoying your cinnamon rolls. The dough is mixed by hand and left to ferment overnight, making it a low-maintenance recipe that yields fluffy, flavorful results. Plus, the use of sourdough starter gives the rolls a unique tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon filling and glaze.

Ingredients for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

To make these delicious rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Unfed sourdough starter discard: Adds tanginess to the dough without the need for additional yeast.
• Unsalted butter: Cold butter is grated into the dough, creating a flaky, tender texture.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough; you can swap half for whole wheat flour if preferred.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps with the dough’s texture.
• Buttermilk: Gives the dough a soft, slightly tangy flavor. You can substitute it with milk if needed.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Leavening agents that help the dough rise quickly without a second rise.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• Melted butter: Ensures the cinnamon-sugar mixture sticks to the dough.
• Ground cinnamon: Provides that signature warm, comforting cinnamon flavor.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and richness; coconut sugar is a great substitute for a different flavor profile.

Cinnamon Roll Glaze

• Powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet glaze that complements the rolls.
• Melted butter: Helps to bind the glaze and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a delicious aroma and flavor.
• Milk: Adjusts the glaze to the desired consistency.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you need to adjust the recipe for dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some alternatives:

• Sourdough starter: If you have an active sourdough starter, you can use 100 grams of it instead of the unfed discard. Just skip the baking soda and baking powder for a more traditional rise.
• Buttermilk substitutes: Use whole milk, plant-based milk, or yogurt in place of buttermilk.
• Brown sugar: Coconut sugar works as a great alternative to brown sugar if you’re looking for a less refined option.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

The night before you want to bake, start by mixing the dough ingredients. Grate the cold butter using a cheese grater and mix it into the flour. Add the sourdough starter discard, buttermilk, honey, and salt. Mix everything together until fully combined. Cover the bowl and let it ferment at room temperature overnight for 10-12 hours.

Step 2: Add Leavening Agents

The next morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the baking soda and baking powder over the dough and mix them in with your hands. The dough should feel soft and pliable. If it’s sticky, flour your hands to prevent it from sticking.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Flour your work surface generously and roll the dough into a 12″x24″ rectangle. Don’t worry about using too much flour; it’ll help prevent the dough from sticking.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Brush the melted butter over the rolled-out dough. Then, evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Use a bench scraper or a sharp knife to cut the dough into 12-13 even pieces. Arrange them in a greased 12-inch cast iron skillet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the rolls for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown on top. The cinnamon rolls should be light and fluffy with a slight crispiness on the bottom.

Step 7: Glaze the Rolls

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl until smooth. Once the rolls are done, drizzle the glaze over them while they are still hot.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Don’t skip the overnight rise: This fermentation process is essential for developing the sourdough flavor and ensuring a soft, fluffy texture.
• Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create a flaky, tender dough. Grating it into the flour is a great way to ensure even distribution.
• Flour your work surface generously: This will prevent the dough from sticking and make rolling it out easier.
• Adjust for warmer kitchens: If your kitchen is particularly warm, reduce the rise time to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

While these sourdough cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, they can be served with various sides and toppings for a complete breakfast or dessert:

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for the perfect breakfast.
• For an extra treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
• Consider adding nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a crunchy contrast.

If you’re looking for a variation, you can try adding a touch of vanilla extract to the dough or switching the cinnamon filling for other spices, like cardamom.

Storing and Freezing Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

If you have leftover cinnamon rolls, store them at room temperature for 2-3 days, covered loosely. To freeze them, either freeze them before baking or after they’re baked and glazed. For unbaked rolls, arrange them in a baking dish and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw and bake at 350°F until golden brown.

Baked rolls can also be frozen. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Glaze them once they’re out of the oven.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these sourdough cinnamon rolls are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that will impress your friends and family. The unique use of sourdough starter gives the rolls a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweet, cinnamon-sugar filling. With no need for a second rise, the recipe is simple and beginner-friendly, making it the ideal choice for a special breakfast or holiday tradition. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later, these sourdough cinnamon rolls will surely become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire.

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