Go Back
+ servings
Sourdough cinnamon roll dough rolled into a log and being cut into individual rolls using dental floss for a clean cut.
FL Recipes

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Recipe for Soft, Fluffy Buns

The ultimate recipe for soft, fluffy, and tangy sourdough cinnamon rolls. This step-by-step guide delivers bakery-quality results with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and a rich cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup active sourdough starter bubbly and recently fed
  • 1 cup whole milk warmed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 4.5 cups bread flour
  • 1 tsp salt
For the Filling
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened, block style
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 1 Stand Mixer with dough hook
  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
Share with WhatsApp

Method
 

Make the Dough
  1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine active starter, milk, melted butter, sugar, and egg. Add bread flour and salt. Knead with the dough hook for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 4-6 hours, or until it has increased in size by about 50% (bulk fermentation).
  3. Optional: For better flavor, refrigerate the dough for 12-24 hours after the bulk fermentation for a cold proof.
Assemble and Bake the Rolls
  1. Roll the dough into an 18x12 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
  2. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the butter. Roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seam to seal.
  3. Cut the log into 12 rolls and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them proof for 1-2 hours (or 2-4 hours if dough was cold) until puffy.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Frosting
  1. While rolls cool slightly, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy.
  2. Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalProtein: 8gFat: 22gFiber: 2g

Notes

Tip 1: For the softest rolls, be careful not to add too much extra flour when rolling out the dough.
Tip 2: The overnight cold proof is optional but highly recommended as it develops a much deeper and more complex flavor in the rolls.
Keyword overnight cinnamon rolls,sourdough cinnamon rolls,sourdough discard

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!