Description
These soft and fluffy sourdough discard cinnamon rolls feature a subtle tang that perfectly complements the sweet cinnamon filling and rich cream cheese frosting. They are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
½ cup warm milk
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
⅓ cup granulated sugar
½ cup sourdough discard
1 large egg
¼ cup melted unsalted butter
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup softened unsalted butter (for filling)
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 ounces cream cheese
3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter (for frosting)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes active.
- Add the sourdough discard, egg, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 22–25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
Mix raisins or dried cranberries into the filling for added sweetness.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
Stir orange or lemon zest into the frosting for a citrus twist.
Replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple vanilla glaze for a lighter topping.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months and frost after reheating.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
