The smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls is a simple joy. You can make these treats at home with just a few ingredients and your sourdough starter. Our easy homemade sourdough cinnamon rolls recipe is a warm, gooey delight that everyone will love.
Making this sourdough cinnamon rolls recipe is truly a labor of love. Moreover, the result is a tender dough paired with a cinnamon-sugar filling that’s perfectly balanced. Each bite offers a burst of flavor that feels like a cozy hug. Best of all, you don’t need commercial yeast for this recipe. Instead, you can rely on your active sourdough starter, along with a little patience, to create these delightful rolls.
Why These Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is Perfect for Every Baker
Try the ultimate homemade cinnamon roll with this amazing recipe. It uses a lively sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast. These sourdough cinnamon rolls are perfect for bakers of all levels.
No Commercial Yeast Required
The secret to these cinnamon rolls is the sourdough starter. It gives the dough a natural rise, making it soft and full of flavor. Without commercial yeast, you get a dough that’s easier to digest and tastes amazing.
Flexible Proofing Options
This recipe provides the flexibility to choose how to proof the dough, making it highly adaptable. For instance, you can let it rise at room temperature for 4-8 hours to achieve a quicker rise. Alternatively, you can slow down the process by refrigerating it for up to 48 hours, which fits perfectly into a busy schedule. As a result, these easy cinnamon rolls become an excellent option for bakers with varying time constraints.
Beginner-Friendly Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Making these sourdough cinnamon rolls is easy. It’s great for both new and experienced bakers. The dough is simple to make and shape, leading to great results.
Discover the perfect mix of taste, texture, and ease with this sourdough cinnamon rolls recipe. Enjoy the amazing smell and taste of homemade goodness.
Essential Ingredients for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
To make delicious sourdough cinnamon rolls, it’s essential to start with the right ingredients. First and foremost, an active sourdough starter lies at the core of this recipe, adding a unique flavor while helping the dough rise. Additionally, using high-quality bread flour, such as King Arthur, not only enhances the texture but also ensures the rolls are perfectly chewy and satisfying.
To achieve a soft and rich dough, whole milk is undeniably an essential ingredient. Furthermore, adding brown sugar not only enhances the flavor but also introduces a sweet caramel note that beautifully complements the filling. Lastly, fresh eggs contribute to the rolls by providing their signature golden color and tender texture.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Active sourdough starter | 1 cup |
| Bread flour | 4 cups (80% of total flour) |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Butter, softened | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
With these key ingredients, you’re ready to make the perfect sourdough cinnamon rolls. They’ll have a rich, chewy texture and a mouthwatering aroma.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed for a Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
To make the perfect sourdough cinnamon rolls, you’ll need some key baking tools and equipment. These kitchen essentials will help your homemade rolls be soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.
Essential Baking Tools
- A large mixing bowl for kneading and proofing the dough
- A rolling pin for shaping and rolling out the dough
- A serrated knife or dental floss for cutting the rolled dough into individual rolls
- A 9×9″ square cake pan or cast iron skillet for baking the cinnamon rolls
- A pastry brush for spreading melted butter on the dough
Optional Equipment
An electric stand mixer with a dough hook attachment can make kneading easier and faster. It’s not necessary, but it can be helpful.
Measuring Tools
Getting the measurements right is key for the perfect texture and flavor in your sourdough cinnamon rolls. Make sure you have these measuring tools:
- Measuring cups for flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients
- Measuring spoons for smaller measurements of spices, salt, and other ingredients
- A kitchen scale for precisely weighing the dough and other components
With these baking equipment and measuring tools, you’ll be ready to make delicious, homemade sourdough cinnamon rolls. They’ll impress your family and friends.
Preparing Your Active Sourdough Starter for Cinnamon Rolls Made with Sourdough Starter
To make perfect sourdough cinnamon rolls, you need an active starter. The night before, feed your starter well. This step makes sure it’s ready to add flavor and rise to the dough.
Here’s how to get your starter ready for the cinnamon roll recipe:
- Measure out 25 grams of your existing sourdough starter into a clean, large jar or container.
- Add 100 grams of water and 100 grams of bread flour to the jar. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Cover the jar loosely and let the starter ferment at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, or until it has doubled in size and is bubbly and active.
- Once the starter has reached its peak, it’s ready to be used in the cinnamon roll dough.
This sourdough starter feeding process energizes the yeasts and bacteria. It produces carbon dioxide, which makes the cinnamon rolls rise and get their special texture. The fermentation process is key for the perfect sourdough cinnamon rolls.
“A well-fed, active sourdough starter is the foundation for delicious homemade sourdough cinnamon rolls.”
With your sourdough starter ready, you can now mix the dough for the cinnamon rolls. The active starter will add its unique flavor and rise. This will make your homemade treat truly exceptional.
Making the Perfect Enriched Dough for a Sourdough Sweet Roll Recipe
To make the best sourdough cinnamon rolls, you need to learn how to make a great dough. This dough should be soft, tender, and full of flavor. It’s all about following a few important steps.
Mixing Techniques
Start by mixing the milk, sourdough starter, softened butter, brown sugar, egg, and salt in a big bowl. Then, add the bread flour slowly, mixing until it all comes together. If you have a stand mixer, knead for 8-10 minutes. Or, you can knead by hand for the same time until it’s smooth and elastic.
Kneading Methods
Kneading is key to making the dough chewy. You can knead by hand or with a stand mixer. The goal is to make a smooth, elastic ball. Don’t overwork it, or your rolls might end up tough.
Fermentation Process
After kneading, let the dough rise. You can let it rise at room temperature for 4-8 hours, or refrigerate it for a slower rise. When it doubles in size, it’s ready for the next steps.
| Ingredient | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Sourdough Discard | 1:1:1 |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Yeast Activation Temperature | 105-110°F |
| Baking Time | 30 minutes |
| Frosting Ingredients | Cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar |
By following these enriched dough, kneading techniques, and bulk fermentation steps, you’ll make amazing sourdough cinnamon rolls. They’ll impress everyone you share them with.
Creating the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
The secret to amazing sourdough cinnamon rolls is the cinnamon-sugar filling. This paste adds warmth and sweetness to each bite. To make it, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
First, make sure your butter is soft and spreadable. If it’s hard, warm it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. Then, blend the butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until it’s smooth and spreadable.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 113 grams (1/2 cup) |
| Brown sugar | 192 grams (1 cup) |
| Ground cinnamon | 12 grams (1 1/2 tablespoons) |
Carefully spread the cinnamon-sugar paste evenly over the dough to ensure consistent coverage. This not only guarantees that every roll is packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness but also enhances the flavor in every bite.
Now, your cinnamon-sugar filling is ready. Next, we’ll guide you through rolling and shaping these delicious treats.
Step-by-Step Rolling and Shaping Guide
Now that you know how to make the perfect sourdough dough, it’s time to roll and shape your cinnamon rolls. This step is key to their look and feel. Let’s learn how to make your sourdough cinnamon rolls look amazing.
Rolling Techniques
Start by generously dusting your work area with flour to prevent sticking. Next, roll out the dough into a rectangle, approximately 18 inches by 12 inches, ensuring even thickness. Moreover, be careful not to overwork the dough, as this helps to keep it soft and fluffy, resulting in perfectly tender rolls.
Begin by spreading the cinnamon-sugar mix evenly over the dough, making sure to leave a 1-inch gap on one side. This gap not only helps the roll stay in shape as you roll it up but also prevents the filling from spilling out, ensuring a neat and delicious result.
Cutting Perfect Portions
- Roll the dough into a tight cylinder from the opposite long edge. Roll towards the bare edge.
- Use a serrated knife or dental floss to cut the log into 9 equal parts, each about 2 inches thick.
- Place the rolls in a baking pan, leaving space for them to grow during baking.
By following these steps, you’ll make beautiful, evenly sized sourdough cinnamon rolls. The secret is to handle the dough gently but shape it precisely.
Proofing and Baking Instructions
Getting your homemade sourdough cinnamon rolls just right is key. This recipe gives you three easy proofing options. These steps will help you get your rolls ready for the oven and perfectly golden.
Proofing Options
- Room Temperature Proofing: Let your shaped cinnamon rolls proof at room temperature for 2-3 hours. They should double in size.
- Combination Proofing: First, proof the rolls at room temperature for 2 hours. Then, refrigerate them for 8-48 hours. This method deepens the sourdough flavor.
- Cold Proofing: For a simple method, proof the rolls in the fridge for 8-48 hours. Bake them straight from the fridge.
Whichever proofing method you pick, you’ll get soft and fragrant cinnamon roll proofing that will wow everyone.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) about 30 minutes before baking. This ensures the oven is ready for baking sourdough rolls. After preheating, bake the rolls for 35 minutes, or until they’re golden.
Room temperature proofing, in particular, makes the rolls fluffier, ensuring a soft texture. On the other hand, cold-proofed rolls can go straight from the fridge to the oven, saving time in the morning. With a bit of planning and a touch of patience, you’ll not only enjoy the process but also end up with delicious sourdough cinnamon rolls to savor.
Making the Classic Cream Cheese Glaze
After your sourdough cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, it’s the perfect time to add a creamy glaze. Not only does this glaze bring sweetness, but it also helps keep the rolls moist. Furthermore, it beautifully combines flavors and textures, enhancing the overall indulgence of your freshly baked rolls.
Consistency Tips
To achieve the perfect glaze consistency, begin by carefully mixing the ingredients. Start with 1 cup of powdered sugar, 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk. Furthermore, if the glaze turns out too thick, gradually add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, simply incorporate additional powdered sugar to thicken it. This step-by-step approach ensures the glaze turns out just right.
Application Methods
- Pour half of the cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls right after baking. This lets it soak in and harden as the rolls cool.
- After 30 minutes, add the rest of the glaze. It will stay on top without melting, making the rolls look and taste great.
This two-step glazing makes sure the rolls are fully covered in the creamy cream cheese frosting. Enjoy the mix of buttery dough, sweet cinnamon, and creamy topping for a treat you can’t resist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Homemade sourdough cinnamon rolls are a treat. But what about leftovers? Don’t worry, we’ve got tips for storing and reheating to keep them fresh and tasty.
Storing Cinnamon Rolls
For a few days, keep leftover cinnamon rolls at room temperature. Just cover them loosely. This keeps them soft and moist.
To keep them longer, freeze the baked rolls. Wrap them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Use parchment paper to separate them. This way, they last up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Pastries
To reheat frozen rolls, bake them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Then, add a new layer of cream cheese glaze for a gooey finish.
For unbaked rolls, freeze them in a baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as instructed.
With these tips, you can enjoy your sourdough cinnamon rolls for days. Savor their fresh-baked taste whenever you want.
Conclusion
This easy homemade sourdough cinnamon rolls recipe is a perfect mix of tangy sourdough and sweet cinnamon. It’s great for breakfast pastries. The recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
The rolls have a rich, buttery texture and a classic cream cheese glaze. They are perfect for any special occasion or when you just want something delicious. These homemade sourdough cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit.
The recipe uses 100 grams of sourdough starter and 390 grams of warm water. It also has a mix of bread flour and whole wheat flour. This mix gives the rolls their amazing flavor and texture.
The dough needs 8-12 hours to bulk ferment. You can also proof it in the fridge for 24-48 hours. This gives you flexibility in your baking schedule.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to sourdough, this recipe is a must-try. The aroma and taste of these rolls are irresistible. Enjoy them as a treat or make them a regular part of your breakfast.