Cinnamon rolls are a quintessential comfort food, and when made with sourdough discard, they reach new heights of flavor and texture. Incorporating sourdough discard into the dough adds a subtle tang that perfectly complements the sweet, gooey cinnamon filling and rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker looking for creative ways to use up discard or a beginner intrigued by sourdough baking, these cinnamon rolls are the perfect recipe to try.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sourdough discard cinnamon rolls, from the science of sourdough discard to step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, and even how to make them ahead of time. We’ll also cover the health benefits of using sourdough in your baking, plus provide answers to common FAQs. By the end of this article, you’ll not only know how to make perfect cinnamon rolls but also understand why sourdough discard adds so much value to your baking.
What is Sourdough Discard?
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to understand what sourdough discard is. Sourdough discard is the portion of the sourdough starter that is removed before feeding the starter with fresh flour and water. Every time you feed your sourdough starter, you need to discard about half of it to maintain a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria. Instead of throwing this portion away, many bakers have found ingenious ways to use it in recipes.
Sourdough discard is full of flavor and tanginess, although it’s not as bubbly or active as a fully fed starter. It can be incorporated into a wide variety of baked goods, including pancakes, waffles, crackers, and, of course, cinnamon rolls. Using sourdough discard not only helps reduce food waste but also adds depth of flavor to your recipes.
If you’re interested in more ways to use discard, you might enjoy this prune cupcake recipe or banana zucchini bread recipe for a moist and flavorful treat.
Why Use Sourdough Discard for Cinnamon Rolls?
There are several reasons why using sourdough discard in cinnamon rolls is a fantastic idea:
- Enhanced Flavor: The natural fermentation process of sourdough adds a tangy note to the dough, which balances the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar filling. This gives the cinnamon rolls a more complex flavor than traditional recipes.
- Moisture and Texture: Sourdough discard helps make the dough softer and more tender, resulting in a perfectly fluffy cinnamon roll. The dough’s structure improves with the addition of discard, creating a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Nutritional Benefits: Sourdough is easier to digest than other types of dough because the fermentation process breaks down gluten and makes the grains more bioavailable. Sourdough also contains prebiotics and probiotics, which can aid in digestion and promote gut health.
- Less Food Waste: If you’re an avid sourdough baker, you likely have more discard than you know what to do with. Incorporating it into recipes like cinnamon rolls means you’re reducing waste and getting the most out of your sourdough starter.
You can find other creative uses for sourdough discard in recipes like these pancake muffins, which are perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Now that you know why sourdough discard is so beneficial, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for these delectable cinnamon rolls:
For the Dough:
- Sourdough discard (1 cup): This is the unfed portion of your starter.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): Provides structure to the dough.
- Butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
- Honey or maple syrup (¼ cup): A natural sweetener that complements the tanginess of the sourdough.
- Water (1 cup): Helps hydrate the dough.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works as a leavening agent to give the dough a nice rise.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps ensure a soft, fluffy texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- Butter (½ cup, softened): Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and caramelizes as it bakes.
- Cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The key spice for the filling.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese (6 ounces): Adds creaminess and tang to the frosting.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Maple syrup or honey (½ cup): Adds sweetness to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds flavor and aroma.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps so that even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality cinnamon rolls.
1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients: Add the sourdough discard, melted butter, honey, and water to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 3-5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in more flour a little at a time.
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough rests, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling:
- Mix the filling ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
3: Roll and Fill the Dough
- Roll out the dough: Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Try to keep the dough even to ensure all the rolls bake at the same time.
- Spread the filling: Use a spatula to evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the entire surface of the dough.
- Roll the dough: Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, making sure to keep it as even as possible.
- Slice the dough: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the rolled-up dough into 12 equal pieces.
4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Arrange the rolls: Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll to allow them to expand.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Frost the rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. The warmth of the rolls will help the frosting melt into every nook and cranny.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
One of the best things about sourdough discard cinnamon rolls is that they can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy mornings, holiday breakfasts, or special occasions.
Make-Ahead Instructions:
- Refrigerate overnight: After preparing the cinnamon rolls up to the point where they are sliced and placed in the baking dish, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature while preheating the oven, then bake as directed.
- Make and freeze: You can also prepare the rolls, bake them, and freeze them unfrosted. To serve, simply reheat the rolls in the oven, then frost them before serving.
Freezing Baked Rolls:
If you want to freeze fully baked cinnamon rolls, here’s how:
- Allow the rolls to cool completely.
- Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store the rolls in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to serve, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight, then warm them in the oven and frost them before serving.
Tips for Perfect Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Achieving the perfect batch of cinnamon rolls requires a few key techniques. Here are some expert tips to ensure your rolls turn out beautifully every time:
1. Roll the Dough Evenly
Rolling the dough to an even thickness ensures that all the rolls bake uniformly. If some parts of the dough are thicker than others, certain rolls might overbake while others remain underdone.
2. Use Dental Floss for Clean Cuts
When slicing the dough into rolls, using unflavored dental floss or thread can help achieve clean, even cuts without flattening the rolls. Simply slide the floss under the dough, cross it over the top, and pull to slice.
3. Space Rolls Closely for Softer Edges
If you prefer cinnamon rolls with soft edges, place the rolls closely together in the baking dish. This way, they will touch as they rise and bake, creating soft, pull-apart edges. If you prefer crispier edges, space the rolls further apart.
4. Let the Frosting Melt
Wait until the rolls have cooled slightly before adding the cream cheese frosting. The warmth of the rolls will cause the frosting to melt slightly, making it easier to spread and allowing it to soak into the rolls.
Variations and Add-Ons for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
One of the beauties of this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas for taking your cinnamon rolls to the next level:
1. Add Nuts or Dried Fruit
For extra texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon filling. Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries also make a delicious addition.
2. Try Different Frostings
While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, there are many other frosting options to try. For example:
- Vanilla Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a simple, sweet glaze.
- Maple Glaze: Swap the honey or sugar for maple syrup to create a glaze with a rich, caramel-like flavor.
3. Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re a chocolate lover, add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar filling. This will create a rich, chocolatey twist on the traditional cinnamon roll.
4. Caramel Topping
For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cinnamon rolls before or after frosting them. The caramel adds a buttery sweetness that complements the tanginess of the sourdough discard.
Nutritional Benefits of Using Sourdough Discard
Sourdough discard isn’t just a delicious addition to your cinnamon rolls—it also offers several nutritional benefits:
1. Easier to Digest
The fermentation process that sourdough undergoes helps break down gluten, which can make sourdough-based baked goods easier to digest for those who are sensitive to gluten.
2. Rich in Nutrients
Sourdough contains higher levels of vitamins and minerals compared to regular bread. These include iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, which are more easily absorbed due to the fermentation process.
3. Supports Gut Health
Sourdough is rich in prebiotics and probiotics, which can support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system.
4. Lower Glycemic Index
Sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index than traditional bread, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels. This makes sourdough a better choice for those who are managing their blood sugar.
FAQ Section
Why is sourdough discard popular in recipes?
Sourdough discard is popular because it adds flavor, moisture, and nutritional benefits to recipes. It also helps reduce food waste, as bakers can use the discard portion that would otherwise be thrown away.
Can you eat raw sourdough discard?
No, raw sourdough discard contains uncooked flour, which can harbor harmful bacteria. It’s best to cook or bake the discard in recipes like cinnamon rolls, pancakes, or waffles.
How long is sourdough discard good for?
Sourdough discard can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for several months.
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, you can use active sourdough starter in place of discard in this recipe. The texture and flavor may be slightly different, but it will still result in delicious cinnamon rolls.
What is the difference between cinnamon buns and cinnamon rolls?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, cinnamon buns traditionally include nuts or raisins in the filling, while cinnamon rolls are usually just filled with cinnamon and sugar. Both are delicious and can be customized to your preference.
Conclusion
Sourdough discard cinnamon rolls are a delightful way to elevate a classic recipe, combining the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of cinnamon sugar and cream cheese frosting. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also make good use of sourdough discard, reducing waste and adding nutritional benefits to your baking.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations like adding nuts, chocolate, or caramel for an extra indulgent twist. And if you’re looking for more ways to use sourdough discard, check out these bread flour recipes for more inspiration.