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Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 10-14 hours
  • Yield: 9-12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened sourdough cinnamon rolls are made with a naturally leavened dough, giving them a slightly tangy flavor. They’re filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dough

  • 1/2 cup (120g) active sourdough starter
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, warm
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt

Cinnamon Filling

  • 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp whole milk (if needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Feed the Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before starting. Feed it 4-6 hours ahead if needed.

  2. Make the Dough:

    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, sourdough starter, sugar, melted butter, and egg.
    • Add flour and salt, then mix until a rough dough forms.
    • Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):

    • Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours (overnight) until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the Filling:

    • In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  5. Roll and Fill the Dough:

    • On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
    • Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
  6. Shape the Rolls:

    • Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
    • Cut into 9-12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
  7. Second Rise:

    • Cover and let them rise at room temperature for 2-4 hours or until puffy.
    • (For a longer fermentation, place in the fridge overnight and bake in the morning.)
  8. Bake:

    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Make the Frosting:

    • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
    • Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
    • Add milk if needed for a thinner consistency.
  10. Frost and Serve:

  • Let the rolls cool slightly before spreading the frosting on top.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • If you want a tangier flavor, let the shaped rolls ferment in the fridge overnight.
  • You can replace whole milk with plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
  • For an extra gooey center, add a splash of heavy cream over the rolls before baking.