Sourdough cinnamon rolls bring together the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweet, comforting taste of cinnamon. They’re a perfect treat that’s not only delicious but also benefits from the natural fermentation process, making the dough easier to digest and giving it a unique flavor that’s hard to resist.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to make these rolls from scratch. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll find these steps easy to follow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these tasty sourdough cinnamon rolls, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- Sourdough starter discard (or active starter)
- Cold, unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Buttermilk (or a milk substitute)
- Honey
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- For the Filling:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
- For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
Mixing the Dough the Night Before
To get the best results, start your dough the night before. This allows the dough to ferment overnight, which is key to getting that perfect tangy flavor and soft texture in your sourdough cinnamon rolls.
- Grate the Butter: Start by grating cold butter into a mixing bowl.
- Mix the Dough: Add flour to the butter and toss until the butter is coated. Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until you have pea-sized crumbs.
- Combine the Ingredients: Mix in the sourdough starter discard, buttermilk, honey, and salt until everything is well combined. Cover the bowl and let it rest on the counter for 10-12 hours.
Letting the Dough Rise Overnight
The overnight rise, or bulk fermentation, is a crucial step in making sourdough cinnamon rolls.
- Perfect Room Temperature: Leave the dough to ferment overnight in a room that’s around 68-70°F (20-21°C).
- Adjust for Warmer Kitchens: If your kitchen is warmer, reduce the fermenting time to 7-8 hours to avoid over-fermentation.
This slow rise gives your rolls that deep, complex flavor and a soft, fluffy texture.
Adding Leavening Agents in the Morning
In the morning, it’s time to get your sourdough cinnamon rolls ready for baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking dish. A cast iron skillet works well for even baking.
- Add the Baking Soda and Powder: Sprinkle baking soda and baking powder over the dough and mix it in until fully combined.
Rolling Out the Dough
This step is where the magic starts to happen as you prepare the dough for filling and rolling.
- Flour Your Surface: Generously flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Roll the Dough: Roll the dough into a 12” x 24” rectangle, keeping it about ¼” thick.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges.
Preparing the Filling and Assembling the Rolls
Now it’s time to fill and shape your sourdough cinnamon rolls.
- Make the Filling: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Assemble the Rolls: Starting at a long edge, roll the dough into a log. Use a bench scraper to cut the log into 12-13 equal pieces, each about 1 ½ inches wide.
- Place in the Pan: Arrange the rolls in your cast iron skillet, leaving a little space between each one.
Baking the Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Now that your rolls are assembled, it’s time to bake them.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, mix the glaze ingredients—powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk—until smooth.
Making the Glaze and Serving
The glaze is the final touch that makes these rolls truly irresistible.
- Glaze While Hot: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still hot so it melts into every layer.
- Serve: Serve the rolls warm for the best flavor and texture.
Storing and Freezing Your Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Storing: Keep any leftover rolls at room temperature, loosely covered, for 2-3 days.
- Freezing Baked Rolls: To freeze baked rolls, put them in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw and reheat in the oven.
- Freezing Unbaked Rolls: You can also freeze the rolls before baking. After cutting them, place them in a disposable baking pan, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, thaw and bake as usual.
Adjustments for Warmer Kitchens
During the warmer months, your dough may need a few tweaks to avoid getting too sticky.
- Reduce Buttermilk: Cut the buttermilk down to ¾ cup (180g).
- Increase Flour: Bump up the flour to 2 ¾ cups (330g) for better dough consistency.
These simple adjustments will help keep your dough easy to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the secret behind the sour of sourdough bread?
The secret to the sour flavor in sourdough bread lies in its fermentation process. This process, involving a sourdough starter, creates lactic acid, giving the bread its distinctive tangy taste.
Q: Why is sourdough a big deal?
Sourdough is a big deal because of its natural fermentation process. This not only enhances flavor but also makes the bread easier to digest. The long fermentation helps break down gluten, which is why many people with gluten sensitivities prefer it.
Q: What does the expression cinnamon rolls mean?
Beyond its literal meaning, “cinnamon rolls” is also a term used to describe someone who is sweet, kind, and gentle, much like the comforting nature of these baked goods.
Q: Why are my sourdough cinnamon rolls dense?
Dense sourdough cinnamon rolls can happen if the dough is under or over-fermented. To avoid this, make sure the dough has risen enough during the bulk fermentation stage. If it doesn’t rise properly, the rolls may turn out heavy instead of light and fluffy.
Conclusion
Sourdough cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that combines the unique flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of cinnamon. With the right ingredients, a bit of patience, and careful attention, you can bake a batch of rolls that are not only delicious but also impressive. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Now that you’ve got the steps down, it’s time to start baking. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share the delicious results with those around you!