The Ultimate Cinnamon Sourdough Rolls Recipe for Perfect Mornings

Nothing beats the aroma of this freshly baked cinnamon sourdough rolls recipe wafting through the kitchen. Combining the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweet, warming spice of cinnamon, these rolls are a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to sourdough, this recipe is a rewarding challenge with a rich, flavorful payoff.

If you’ve already tried and loved the classic sourdough rolls recipe, you’ll be excited to take it up a notch with this cinnamon variation. It builds on the same soft, airy texture of the original, but with a sweet cinnamon filling that adds an indulgent twist. The steps are familiar, so if you’re comfortable with making the traditional rolls, you’ll have no trouble creating this flavorful version.

Cinnamon Sourdough Rolls Recipe

Recipe by kenzaDifficulty: Medium

Servings

rolls

Prep time

hours

Cooking time

minutes

Calories per roll

290

kcal

These cinnamon sourdough rolls combine the tangy flavor of sourdough with the warmth of cinnamon sugar, creating a soft and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Dough:
1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp salt
Filling:
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk or cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Mix the dough: In a large bowl, mix your active sourdough starter, flour, sugar, milk, egg, butter, and salt until a dough forms.
Knead: Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Bulk fermentation (first rise): Cover and let it rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours or overnight, until doubled in size.
Prepare filling: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about ¼ inch thick) and spread the melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix on top.
Roll and cut: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a log. Cut the log into 12 even rolls.
Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for 1-2 hours, until puffy.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Optional glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla to create a glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls once they’re out of the oven.

Notes

Make sure your sourdough starter is active before beginning the recipe.
If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon in the filling.
You can add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Be careful not to overbake the rolls, as they can dry out quickly.

Tips for Cinnamon Sourdough Rolls recipe:

Feed your starter: To ensure your rolls rise properly, make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active.
Make-ahead: Prepare the dough and filling the night before for fresh rolls in the morning. Let them do their second rise in the fridge overnight, then bake in the morning.
Cut evenly: Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut your rolls cleanly and evenly.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls in the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking can make them dry.

How to Store Sourdough Rolls :

Room temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Store the rolls for up to a week
Freezer: Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.

Ferquenlty asked questions :

Can I use a different flour?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or bread flour for a heartier texture.

Do I need to let the dough rise overnight?

Yes, the long fermentation time is essential for the flavor and texture of sourdough.

Can I make this recipe without sourdough?

This recipe is specifically for sourdough, but you can adapt it by using yeast instead if you’re in a pinch.

Cinnamon sourdough rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy the tangy goodness of sourdough paired with the sweetness of cinnamon. With some time and patience, you’ll be rewarded with soft, fluffy rolls that are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your sourdough journey, these rolls are a must-try for anyone looking to explore new flavors in baking.

Here is a homemade Sourdough Starter Recipe; and if you want to try our sweet glaze to accompany the rolls, check out the recipe here!