Heavenly Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Warm, gooey sourdough cinnamon rolls have a magical way of filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

These homemade soft and fluffy sourdough cinnamon rolls promise a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy sourdough and sweet, spicy cinnamon.

The dough rises slowly, developing rich, complex flavors that store-bought rolls can never match.

Crafting these rolls requires patience but rewards you with a decadent pastry that melts in your mouth.

Each golden-brown spiral is packed with buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness that will make your morning extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of these incredible rolls.

Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Perks

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: These sourdough cinnamon rolls deliver mouthwatering flavor that makes everyone at the table cheer with delight.
• Master Baking Skills: Perfect for home bakers wanting to level up their pastry techniques with a slightly advanced yet totally doable recipe.
• Comfort Food Champion: Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls provide ultimate comfort and create instant happiness with their irresistible aroma and rich taste.
• Weekend Brunch Superstar: Impressive enough for special gatherings yet simple enough to become your go-to weekend breakfast treat that wows family and friends.

Ingredients for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Sourdough Starter: A fermented mixture that provides the signature tangy flavor and helps the dough rise.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary ingredient that creates the structure of the cinnamon rolls.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps activate the sourdough starter.

• Butter, Unsalted: Provides moisture and a rich, smooth texture to the dough and filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the dough and the filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: Creates the classic warm, spicy flavor of the rolls.
• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Essential for creating the creamy, sweet frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and richness when poured over the rolls before baking.

Steps for Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Kickstart the Dough

Grab your mixer and plop in the sourdough starter, sugar, and warm milk.

Use the paddle attachment to blend everything until smooth and well-combined.

Step 2: Enhance the Wet Ingredients

Drop in the melted butter, sprinkle in salt, and crack an egg into the mixture.

Mix thoroughly until everything looks completely incorporated.

Step 3: Build the Dough Structure

Switch to the dough hook and start adding flour bit by bit.

Watch for the perfect texture – you want the dough to feel tacky but not sticky.

This takes patience and careful attention.

Step 4: Develop Gluten Strength

Keep kneading the dough at medium speed for 5 full minutes.

This helps develop those beautiful gluten strands that make sourdough magical.

Step 5: First Fermentation

Let the dough rest and rise in a cozy spot.

You’re looking for about a 50% volume increase, which could take anywhere from 3 to 7 hours depending on your kitchen’s temperature.

Step 6: Create the Flavor Base

Roll out your dough into a large rectangle about 16×12 inches.

Generously spread softened butter across the surface, then sprinkle with a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 7: Form the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into 9 equal pieces.

Place these beautiful spirals into a well-greased baking dish.

Step 8: Final Rise

Allow the rolls to puff up and become irresistibly puffy.

This second rise typically takes 2 to 4 hours.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour heavy cream over the rolls, then slide into a preheated 350°F oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells incredible.

Step 10: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a mixing bowl, blend butter and cream cheese until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of cream, mixing until you achieve a dreamy, spreadable consistency.

Step 11: Final Touch

Once the rolls are just warm, generously spread the frosting over top.

Watch it melt slightly into all those delicious crevices.

Tips for Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Use active, bubbly starter at peak performance for maximum rise and tangy flavor.
• Adjust proofing duration based on kitchen temperature; warmer environments speed up fermentation.
• Add flour slowly to achieve tacky texture without becoming dry or tough.
• Pour cream before baking to create extra moisture and tender, rich rolls.
• Let rolls cool slightly before spreading cream cheese frosting to prevent melting and maintain smooth texture.

Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Variations

• Whole Wheat Wonder: Replace half white flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier version with added fiber and nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Guardian: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain soft texture for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Use almond milk instead of dairy milk and coconut oil in place of butter for lactose-intolerant bakers, keeping rich flavor intact.
• Low-Sugar Lifestyle: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet cinnamon roll essence.

Serving Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Breakfast Bliss: Pair these heavenly cinnamon rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Serve alongside fresh fruit salad and scrambled eggs to create a stunning weekend brunch spread that will impress guests.
• Dessert Transformation: Drizzle extra frosting and sprinkle chopped nuts on top for an elevated dessert experience after dinner.
• Sweet Gift Idea: Package cooled rolls in cute boxes with parchment paper for a homemade gift that shows you care about your loved ones.

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Storage Advice

• Store fully cooled sourdough cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm rolls in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small splash of water to prevent drying out when reheating.
• Keep unfrosted rolls at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with clean kitchen towel. Best consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness and texture.

FAQs

• How does sourdough starter affect the texture of cinnamon rolls?

Sourdough starter adds a tangy flavor and creates a softer, more tender crumb by breaking down gluten, resulting in lighter and fluffier rolls compared to traditional yeast-based recipes.

• Can I make these cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Use a wooden spoon to combine ingredients, then knead on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.

• Why do these rolls require such a long rising time?

The extended fermentation allows the sourdough starter to develop complex flavors, improve digestibility, and create a more developed gluten structure, which contributes to the rolls’ soft texture.

Soft And Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Heavenly Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls blend classic comfort with tangy sourdough magic, creating a breakfast pastry that dances between traditional warmth and contemporary culinary craft. Rich swirls of cinnamon and buttery dough invite you to savor each delectable bite of this homemade morning delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2½–3 cups bread flour (350-420g)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup active sourdough starter (100g)
• 3/4 cup warm milk (175ml)

Filling Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup dark brown sugar (150g)
• 5 teaspoons ground cinnamon (12g)
• 1/4 cup soft butter (30g)

Finishing and Icing Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons melted butter (57g)
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar (30g)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt (5g)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (120g)
• 2 tablespoons butter for icing (30g)
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream for icing (15g)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90g)

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Instructions

1. In a mixer bowl, blend sourdough starter with sugar and warm milk using the paddle attachment until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Incorporate melted butter, salt, and egg into the mixture, ensuring complete incorporation.
3. Gradually add flour while switching to the dough hook, creating a tacky yet manageable dough consistency.
4. Knead the dough at medium speed for 5 minutes to develop gluten structure and elasticity.
5. Allow dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature until volume increases by approximately 50%, which may take 3-7 hours depending on kitchen conditions.
6. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape measuring 16×12 inches, then generously spread with softened butter and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
7. Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight log, then slice into 9 equal portions.
8. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each for expansion.
9. Permit a second rise for 2-4 hours until rolls appear puffy and have nearly doubled in size.
10. Drizzle heavy cream over the rolls just before baking to enhance moisture and richness.
11. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and center rolls are cooked through.
12. Prepare cream cheese frosting by blending butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky and smooth.
13. Once rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread frosting over the warm surface, allowing it to melt slightly into the crevices.

Notes

• Starter Flexibility Choose active, bubbly sourdough starter at peak ripeness for maximum rise and tanginess.
• Temperature Control Warm ingredients help activate yeast and encourage soft, pillowy texture in rolls.
• Hydration Hack Adjust flour gradually to achieve perfect tacky dough consistency, preventing dry or overly wet results.
• Proofing Patience Allow extended rising times in warm, draft-free area for deeper sourdough flavor development.
• Dairy-Free Option Substitute milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Use gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain roll structure and softness.
• Make-Ahead Magic Prepare rolls night before, refrigerate overnight, then bring to room temperature before baking for convenient serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg