Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Sourdough cinnamon rolls are a delicious twist on the classic breakfast favorite. The unique tang from the sourdough starter pairs beautifully with the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar, creating a treat that’s soft, fluffy, and simply irresistible. Perfect for brunch or as a special dessert, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 12 rolls. Preparation time is approximately 2 hours (including rising), and cooking time is around 25-30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 roll) contains approximately 250 calories, 8g of fat, 38g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein. This is based on one roll, making it a delightful treat to enjoy in moderation.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, milk, and melted butter.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth.
- Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter evenly over it.
- Sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly and drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Additionally, coconut sugar can be used instead of regular sugar for a lower glycemic index choice.
Serving and Pairings
These sourdough cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be served with fresh fruit or yogurt for a delightful breakfast experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not letting the dough rise long enough can result in dense rolls.
- Overbaking can dry out the rolls, so keep an eye on them.
- Using inactive sourdough starter will affect the texture and flavor.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent results.
- Skipping the glaze will result in less sweetness; don’t skip this step!
Helpful Tips
- Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active.
- For an extra flavor kick, add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg for added depth.
- Let the rolls cool before adding glaze for better adherence.

FAQs
Can I use store-bought sourdough starter?
Yes, store-bought sourdough starter works well for this recipe. Just ensure it’s active and bubbly before use.
How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and let it rise in the morning before baking.
What can I use instead of milk in the recipe?
You can substitute milk with almond milk or any non-dairy milk for a lactose-free version.
How should I store leftover rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for freshness.
Conclusion
Sourdough cinnamon rolls offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are hard to resist. With a bit of time and love, you can create these soft, fluffy rolls that will become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a sweet treat any time of day!

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter active
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, milk, and melted butter.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth.
- Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter evenly over it.
- Sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly and drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.