Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for irresistibly fluffy, tangy-sweet Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls! This recipe brings everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls—soft, buttery bread, a rich spiced swirl, and creamy frosting—but with an extra layer of flavor and incredible texture only sourdough can deliver.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things beautifully simple. Every ingredient in these Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls counts, building layers of flavor, richness, and that classic gooey texture. Here’s how each one makes a difference:

• Active sourdough starter: The star of the show, it brings incredible rise, delightful chew, and a tingly, tangy flavor.
• Whole milk: Warmed up, it gives the dough tenderness and a soft crumb—don’t skip this!
• Egg + egg yolk: For rich color, extra fluff, and structure.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor in both the dough and frosting.
• Granulated cane sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough so the cinnamon swirl shines.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts every other taste.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for soft, cloud-like rolls.
• Butter: Used in the dough and filling for buttery layers that melt in your mouth.
• Brown sugar: Caramelizes into gooey pools inside the rolls and gives deep warmth.
• Ground cinnamon: The heart of every cinnamon roll! Go for a high-quality cinnamon for best flavor.
• Cream cheese: The secret to a silky, tangy-sweet frosting that finishes every bite.
• Powdered sugar: Melts into the frosting for a perfectly smooth topping.
• Vanilla bean paste: Adds a bakery-style depth to the frosting—sub with more vanilla extract if you wish.
• Cream or milk (optional): Thins the frosting to the dreamy consistency you love.

Variations

One of the best things about homemade Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls is just how customizable they are. Whether you have dietary needs to consider or prefer new flavor twists, there’s a version here for everyone.

• Pecan or Walnut Swirl: Sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts over the filling for a delightfully toasty crunch in every bite.
• Raisin or Dried Fruit: Add golden raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries for a burst of chewy sweetness.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Scatter mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar before rolling for a decadent, dessert-y touch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and a vegan cream cheese for the frosting—the rolls stay tender and flavorful.
• Maple Frosting: Swap a tablespoon of cream for pure maple syrup when making the glaze for a gorgeous maple-cinnamon finish.

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by gathering your ingredients, making sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best rise. Combine the warmed milk, sourdough starter, egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer, stirring until well blended. This is where all the magic flavor begins!

Step 2: Knead and First Rise

Add your flour, salt, and the soft butter. Attach a dough hook and knead on medium speed until a shaggy dough forms, scraping the sides as needed. Continue kneading another 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Scrape down the bowl, cover, and let it rise at room temperature until doubled—this can take several hours, so relax and let sourdough do its slow-ferment magic!

Step 3: Optional Stretch and Folds

If you’re feeling fancy (and want an extra boost in dough strength), do a few “stretch and folds” every 30 minutes during the first two hours. Just reach in, stretch the dough up, and fold it over itself—no stress if you skip, but it can give your Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls extra structure.

Step 4: Chill the Dough for Easy Shaping

Once the dough has fully risen, you can roll it out immediately, but I absolutely recommend chilling it in the refrigerator first. Cold dough is much less sticky and rolls out like a dream. You can refrigerate for a couple of hours or up to 12 hours—perfect for making ahead.

Step 5: Shape, Fill, and Roll

Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. In a small bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy, then slather that cinnamon goodness all over the dough. Roll it up tightly into a log for max swirls, then slice into even pieces about 1.5–2 inches wide. Arrange the rolls in your baking dish, spacing them just so they’ll puff and bake together beautifully.

Step 6: Final Proof

Cover the pan and let the shaped rolls rise again at room temperature until they’re visibly puffy—2 to 3 hours is usually perfect. If you want warm rolls in the morning, you can cover and refrigerate them overnight after this rise, then just bring to room temp before baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, heat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls until puffed, bronzed, and the center rolls reach 190–200°F. If they brown too quickly, tent with foil. Your kitchen will smell absolutely dreamy as the Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls finish baking!

Step 8: Make and Slather on the Frosting

While the rolls cool (just for a few minutes), beat together the cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Thin with a little milk or cream for a silky, decadent drizzle. Spread the frosting over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls—pure bliss!

How to Serve Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Keep it simple with a classic swoosh of cream cheese frosting, or pile on extras like toasted pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a light dusting of cinnamon powder. For a festive brunch, try a sprinkle of orange zest or edible flowers—these little touches make your Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls next-level special.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm rolls with a big mug of coffee, a creamy chai latte, or cold brew for breakfast bliss. For brunch, a fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a simple spinach frittata creates the perfect balance to these sweet, spiced treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your cinnamon rolls in a cast-iron skillet for that “straight from the oven” bakery feel, or arrange them in a circle on a cake stand for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece. For gatherings, try baking smaller “mini” rolls and setting up a frosting bar with berries, chocolate chips, or citrus zest so everyone can customize their own roll.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five. The rolls stay delightfully soft, and a short warm-up revives them perfectly.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these beauties! Once cooled and unfrosted, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the frosted rolls—the texture of the frosting may change a bit, but the flavor stays scrumptious.

Reheating

Reheat thawed rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F oven until just warm. If frosted, cover loosely with foil in the oven to keep the icing from melting away. Add a touch more frosting or a drizzle of milk after reheating for that “fresh out of the oven” appeal.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat, Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are everything you crave—soft, gooey, and bursting with real sourdough flavor. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own favorite family tradition. Happy baking!

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