Hey there, fellow home bakers! Are you looking for a fantastic way to use up that bubbly sourdough discard sitting in your fridge? You are in for a real treat today. We are talking about making warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that are surprisingly simple and oh so satisfying.
Forget complicated baking projects. This sourdough starter easy recipe is designed for everyone, even if you are just starting your baking journey. It is a perfect example of what can I make with sourdough starter when you want something quick and comforting without all the fuss. Let us get those hands a little floury!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, who does not adore a warm cinnamon roll, fresh from the oven? This recipe takes that classic comfort and makes it incredibly accessible. You do not need any special equipment, just a few basic kitchen tools and your trusty sourdough discard.
One of the biggest wins here is how it tackles the age old question: what can I make with my sourdough discard? Instead of tossing it, you transform it into something truly delicious. It is a smart way to reduce waste and get more mileage out of your sourdough passion.
This is truly a sourdough starter easy recipe. We are talking minimal kneading and a straightforward process. It is perfect for a lazy weekend morning or even a busy weeknight when you crave a homemade treat. You will be amazed at how quickly these come together.
The subtle tang from the sourdough discard adds a lovely depth of flavor that sets these cinnamon rolls apart from your typical batch. It is not overpowering; just a little something extra that makes them incredibly special and keeps you coming back for more.
Plus, this recipe is super customizable. Want more cinnamon? Go for it! Prefer a cream cheese frosting over a vanilla glaze? Absolutely! It is your kitchen, your rules. This flexibility makes it one of the best easy sour dough discard recipes out there.
So, if you are searching for recipes with sour dough starter that are both fun to make and incredibly tasty to eat, look no further. This recipe is a keeper, guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed, cold from fridge is fine)
- 1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour (plus up to ½ cup extra, as needed)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ⅓ cup (80ml) milk (plus more if needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar (or more if you like them extra gooey)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp (28g) softened butter
For the Vanilla Glaze
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
Grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the 1½ cups of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. Now, add your cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your clean fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients.
You want the mixture to look like coarse crumbs, almost like wet sand. This step helps create those tender, flaky layers we all love in a good roll. Next, stir in your sourdough discard, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
If the dough feels too sticky to handle, add a bit more flour, just one tablespoon at a time, until it is workable. Remember, we are aiming for a pliable dough, not a stiff one. This is a key part of making a truly sourdough starter easy recipe.
Step 2: Knead Gently
Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out onto it. Now, the magic trick for tender rolls: knead gently. We are talking just 3 to 4 times, enough to bring the dough together into a cohesive ball.
Do not overwork it! Over kneading can lead to tough rolls, and we want soft, comforting goodness. This gentle approach is what makes this one of the best quick recipes with sourdough starter.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Using a rolling pin, roll your dough into a rectangle, roughly 10 by 14 inches. Try to keep the thickness as even as possible for uniform rolls. Spread the softened butter generously over the entire surface of the dough.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for your filling. Sprinkle this delicious mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Now, carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a snug log.
Once you have your log, use a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss to slice it into 8 even rolls. This ensures each one gets a good share of that irresistible filling.
Step 4: Optional Chill
If your dough feels a bit too soft or sticky after slicing, no worries at all! This is a common occurrence, especially in warmer kitchens. Simply place the sliced rolls onto a small baking tray.
Pop them into the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes. This quick chill will firm up the butter and the dough, making them much easier to transfer to your baking pan without losing their shape. It is a clever little trick for any sourdough easy discard recipes.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9 inch round baking pan or a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange your rolls in the prepared pan, giving them a little space to expand as they bake.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You are looking for them to be golden brown on top and fully baked through in the center. Keep an eye on them; some ovens might need a little extra time, up to 25 minutes. The smell alone will tell you they are almost ready!
Step 6: Glaze
While your scrumptious rolls are baking away, it is time to whip up that simple vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it is perfectly smooth and pourable.
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, while they are still wonderfully warm, drizzle that luscious glaze all over them. The warmth helps the glaze melt slightly and seep into all those nooks and crannies. This really elevates this sourdough starter easy recipe.
Step 7: Serve
This is the best part! Serve your cinnamon rolls immediately. There is nothing quite like a warm, soft, and gooey cinnamon roll right out of the oven. The aroma alone is enough to make anyone happy.
Gather your family or friends, or just enjoy a moment of pure bliss by yourself. These are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and this amazing recipe for sourdough discard!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any of these delightful cinnamon rolls left over, which is a big if, storing them properly will keep them fresh for longer. First, make sure they have cooled completely before you try to store them. This prevents condensation from making them soggy.
Place the cooled rolls in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can pop them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. This makes them a great option for same day sourdough starter recipes that you want to enjoy over a few days.
To reheat, simply microwave individual rolls for 15 to 20 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. This brings back that warm, gooey texture that everyone loves. It is a fantastic way to enjoy your sourdough easy discard recipes again and again.
Tips
Using cold butter is crucial for the dough. Just like with pie crusts, cold butter creates little pockets of steam as it bakes, which results in a wonderfully tender and flaky texture. Do not skip this step!
Do not over mix the dough. The less you handle it, the more tender your rolls will be. A few gentle kneads are all it takes to bring it together. This is a common tip for many quick recipes with sourdough starter.
If you do not have a pastry cutter, your fingers work just fine for cutting in the butter. Just work quickly to prevent the butter from getting too warm. You want those distinct little pieces of butter throughout the flour.
For extra rich flavor, try browning your butter before adding it to the filling. Just melt the butter in a pan over medium heat until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty. Let it cool slightly before mixing with the sugar and cinnamon. It is a game changer!
Feel free to experiment with the filling. A sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch. You could also add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for a different spice profile. This makes the sourdough starter easy recipe your own.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add less milk or a little more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add milk a tiny bit at a time until you reach your desired consistency. It is all about personal preference.
Using parchment paper in your baking pan makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, it ensures your rolls do not stick to the bottom, making them easy to lift out and serve. It is a simple trick that saves a lot of hassle.
Remember that oven temperatures can vary. Keep a close eye on your rolls during the last few minutes of baking. They should be golden brown and smell absolutely incredible when they are done. This ensures you get perfect results every time with your recipes with sour dough starter.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! A truly delightful and genuinely sourdough starter easy recipe for cinnamon rolls that will bring joy to your kitchen and your taste buds. It is amazing how a little bit of sourdough discard can create such a comforting and delicious treat.
Whether you are a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of sourdough, this recipe is a fantastic way to utilize your discard and make something truly special. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your baking efforts. Happy baking!
FAQ
Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter Instead of Discard?
While this recipe is specifically designed for sourdough discard, you can use active starter. Just know that the texture might be slightly different. Active starter can make the rolls a bit chewier. It is still a great way to use what can I make with sourdough starter.
How Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Healthier?
To make them a bit healthier, you could reduce the sugar slightly in both the dough and the filling. You could also use whole wheat flour for a portion of the all purpose flour. Try a touch of applesauce in the dough for moisture. These are still great easy sour dough discard recipes.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it is manageable. Remember that some stickiness is normal for a soft dough. The optional chill step in the instructions also helps firm it up. This is a common question for any sourdough starter easy recipe.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! After slicing the rolls in Step 3, place them in your baking pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed. This makes for super convenient same day sourdough starter recipes.
What Other Things You Can Make With Sourdough Starter?
Oh, there are tons of things you can make with sourdough starter! Think pancakes, waffles, crackers, biscuits, flatbreads, and even savory scones. The possibilities for sourdough easy discard recipes are endless once you start exploring. Get creative!
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Hey bakers! These sourdough discard cinnamon rolls are a family-friendly way to enjoy warm, gooey comfort without the long wait. Perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a lazy weekend morning.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use your fingertips to cut in the cold, cubed butter until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the sourdough discard, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms, adding a tablespoon of flour if it’s too sticky.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently 3 to 4 times just until it comes together.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 10×14 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface and sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon mix.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 8 even rolls. If the dough is too soft, chill the rolls on a tray for 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper, arrange the rolls, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
Using cold butter is essential for a tender, flaky texture. Do not let it warm up before mixing!
Don’t over-knead the dough; 3-4 gentle turns are enough to keep the rolls soft and no-fuss.
For an extra flavor boost, try adding chopped pecans or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
Cleanup is a breeze when you use parchment paper to line your baking pan.
Nutrition
Calories
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Fat
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