Name: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 13 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 Cup Sourdough Starter (not activated); 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour (or more if needed); 1 Cup Filtered Water; 1 1/3 Cups Whole Milk; 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (melted); 200 Grams Active Sourdough Starter; 2 Large Eggs; 1/4 Cup Sugar; 620 Grams Bread Flour; 2 Teaspoons Sea Salt; 5 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted); 1 1/2 Cups Brown Sugar; 1/2 Cup Sugar; 1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt; 5 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon; 1 Tablespoon Flour (for dusting); 1/2 Cup Butter (melted, cooled); 4-5 Cups Powdered Sugar (more if needed); 4-5 Tablespoons Milk (more if needed); 1 Tablespoon Vanilla

why make this recipe

Sourdough cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. This easy overnight recipe allows you to prepare the dough the night before, so you can enjoy warm, fresh cinnamon rolls in the morning with minimal effort. Using a sourdough starter not only adds unique flavor but also gives your cinnamon rolls a wonderful texture. Once you try these rolls, you’ll want to make them again and again!

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

how to make The Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Making the best sourdough cinnamon rolls at home is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create fluffy, delicious rolls that your family will love.

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup Sourdough Starter (not activated)
1 Cup All-Purpose Flour (or more if needed)
1 Cup Filtered Water (colder for a slower process, warmer for quicker – see notes)
1 1/3 Cups Whole Milk
1/2 Cup Butter (unsalted & melted, or 1 stick)
200 Grams Active Sourdough Starter
2 Large Eggs
1/4 Cup Sugar
620 Grams Bread Flour
2 Teaspoons Sea Salt
5 Tablespoons Melted (unsalted) Butter
1 1/2 Cups Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt
5 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon Flour (bread or all-purpose, sprinkled on top after spreading over the dough)
1/2 Cup Butter (melted, but cooled)
4-5 Cups Powdered Sugar (more if needed)
4-5 Tablespoons Milk (more if needed)
1 Tablespoon Vanilla

Directions:

Activate the Sourdough Starter: Begin by feeding your sourdough starter to ensure it’s active for the dough.
Make the Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of filtered water with your 1/4 cup of sourdough starter. Mix well and let it sit for about 4-6 hours until bubbly.
- In another bowl, mix together the whole milk, melted butter, active sourdough starter, eggs, and sugar until well combined.
- Gradually add the bubbly flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Then mix in the bread flour and salt until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, sugar, sea salt, and ground cinnamon.
Shape the Rolls:
- The next morning, roll out the dough on a floured surface to a large rectangle. Brush melted butter over the surface and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut it into slices.
Bake: Place the slices in a greased baking pan and let them rise until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours). Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Vanilla Buttercream Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

how to serve The Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these exquisite sourdough cinnamon rolls warm from the oven, drizzled with the sweet vanilla buttercream icing. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or snack.

how to store The Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover rolls, let them cool completely then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm them in the oven at low temperature for a few minutes until heated through.

tips to make The Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

For best results, make sure your sourdough starter is active before using.
You can adjust the sweetness of the filling by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
If you prefer a gooey filling, consider adding a bit of softened cream cheese to the center of the rolls.

variation

Feel free to mix it up by adding nuts, raisins, or other spices to the filling for a different twist on these rolls!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, but it may change the texture slightly.

2. How long does it take for the dough to rise?
The dough is designed to rise overnight in the refrigerator, but if you’re in a hurry, you can let it rise at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.

3. Can I freeze the rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked rolls before the final rise. Just let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.