Description

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, spicy cinnamon and tangy sourdough. Baking Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls is an experience that goes beyond creating a delicious treat—it’s a process of nurturing, patience, and creativity. This recipe embraces the art of sourdough baking, blending the depth of natural fermentation with the warm, nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls.

Picture this: a cool weekend morning, the kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar caramelizing in the oven, and the soft chatter of loved ones eagerly awaiting the first bite. These rolls aren’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth; they’re about creating moments of connection and joy.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to adapt to your rhythm. You can make the dough ahead of time, letting it rise overnight for a relaxed morning bake. The long fermentation process develops complex flavors and textures, making these cinnamon rolls tender and irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re preparing them for a special holiday breakfast or simply treating yourself on a quiet Sunday, these Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are bound to become a cherished tradition in your home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

4 cups (480g) bread flour
1 cup (240ml) warm milk
1 cup (200g) active sourdough starter
1/4 cup (50g) dark brown sugar
4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons (9g) salt

For the Filling:

5 tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (220g) dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Frosting:

4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, room temperature
4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, and brown sugar. Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Add Butter and Egg: Pour in the melted butter and crack in the egg. Mix until smooth. The mixture should be slightly thick but pourable.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the bread flour and salt, one cup at a time, until a sticky dough forms. Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 3-7 hours at room temperature. The dough should increase by about 50%.

Step 2: Shape the Rolls

Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough, reaching all the edges. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the buttered dough.
Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam closed. Use dental floss or a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 even pieces.
Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a bit of space between them. Cover and let rise for another 2-4 hours, or until puffy.

Step 3: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them during the last 5 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
Add Sugar and Flavoring: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls, letting it melt slightly into the crevices. Serve immediately and enjoy the soft, gooey perfection of homemade sourdough cinnamon rolls.

Notes

If you prefer a sweeter roll, increase the amount of brown sugar in the filling to 1 1/4 cups.
For extra decadence, drizzle a little caramel or honey over the frosting before serving.