Introduction

Sourdough cinnamon rolls are one of the most comforting baked treats you can make at home. They bring together the soft and gentle texture of sourdough dough with the warm sweet flavor of cinnamon sugar. This recipe creates rolls that are fluffy tender and full of homemade goodness. The sourdough starter adds a light tang that makes the flavor deeper and more interesting. Many people enjoy this recipe because it feels like a warm hug in food form. Every bite melts softly in your mouth and fills your home with a cozy bakery style smell that makes everyone smile.

People love sourdough cinnamon rolls because they offer both comfort and flavor without being too heavy. Sourdough dough rises slowly which gives the rolls a special softness that you cannot get from quick baking methods. The cinnamon filling becomes warm gooey and rich as it bakes. Many people enjoy the slow process of making these rolls because it feels relaxing and calming. It is a wonderful way to use sourdough starter and create something sweet that everyone will love. Even people who do not bake often find joy in watching the dough rise and become soft and fluffy.

There are many perfect moments to make sourdough cinnamon rolls. They are wonderful for weekend mornings when you want to enjoy a slow and peaceful breakfast. They bring comfort on chilly days or during holidays when you want your home to smell sweet and inviting. They are also great for family gatherings or celebrations because they make everyone feel welcome and cared for. Some people bake them when they need emotional comfort because warm sweet rolls can make a day feel brighter. Others make them as part of their baking routine to use their sourdough starter and enjoy something soft and delicious. No matter the reason these rolls bring joy and beauty to your kitchen.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the dough

All purpose flour 420 grams
Sourdough starter active or discard 150 grams
Milk warm 240 milliliters
Butter softened 60 grams
Sugar 50 grams
Salt one teaspoon
Eggs 2 large

For the cinnamon filling

Brown sugar 150 grams
Cinnamon 2 tablespoons
Butter softened 80 grams

For the glaze

Powdered sugar 150 grams
Milk 2 to 3 tablespoons
Vanilla extract half teaspoon

Step by Step Method

Step One
Begin by preparing the dough. Warm the milk gently until it feels warm to the touch but not hot. Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl. Add the sourdough starter and whisk until the mixture becomes smooth. The starter may look lumpy at first but it will mix into the milk completely after a few moments of whisking.

Step Two
Add the sugar and the eggs to the milk mixture. Whisk until everything blends into a soft creamy liquid. The mixture should look pale and slightly bubbly. Add the softened butter and whisk once more. It is fine if the butter leaves tiny soft pieces since the dough will blend it fully as it kneads.

Step Three
In another bowl mix the flour and salt. Slowly add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Begin stirring with a spoon or spatula. As the mixture thickens place it on a clean surface and start kneading gently. The dough will feel sticky at first but it becomes smoother as you knead. Keep kneading for eight to ten minutes until the dough feels soft and stretchy.

Step Four
Place the dough in a lightly buttered bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Leave it in a warm place so it can rise slowly. Sourdough rises more gently than yeast dough so give it time. It may take four to six hours depending on the temperature in your kitchen. When the dough becomes puffy and almost doubles in size it is ready.

Step Five
While the dough rises prepare the cinnamon filling. Place the softened butter in a small bowl. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix until it becomes a thick soft paste. The filling should spread easily but not be too runny. Set it aside until the dough is ready to roll.

Step Six
Once the dough has risen place it on a lightly floured surface. Gently press it with your hands to release any air pockets. Use a rolling pin to shape the dough into a large rectangle. The dough should be even and not too thick. Rolling it gently helps keep the rolls fluffy and soft.

Step Seven
Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough. Use a spoon or a butter knife to cover the surface fully. Make sure the edges also get a light layer so every bite has flavor. The smell of cinnamon will already begin to rise and bring warmth to your kitchen.

Step Eight
Starting from one of the long sides roll the dough slowly into a long log. Use gentle pressure so the layers stay tight but not squished. Once the log is fully rolled use a sharp knife to cut it into even pieces. Each piece will become one cinnamon roll. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish with a little space between them so they have room to rise again.

Step Nine
Cover the baking dish with a clean cloth and let the rolls rise for one to two more hours. They will become larger softer and puffier. This second rise is important because it makes the rolls light and airy.

Step Ten
Once the rolls look big and soft place the dish in a warm oven. Bake until the tops turn golden and the rolls feel firm when gently touched. The cinnamon filling will bubble slightly which means the rolls are ready. The smell that fills the room will be sweet warm and comforting.

Step Eleven
While the rolls cool prepare the glaze. Mix the powdered sugar milk and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick but still easy to pour. If it is too thick add a tiny amount of milk. If it is too thin add a little more powdered sugar.

Step Twelve
Pour the glaze over the warm rolls. The glaze will melt slightly and create a shiny sweet topping. You can add more glaze for an extra sweet treat or use a lighter drizzle for a gentle finish. Serve the rolls warm. They will be soft fluffy and full of cinnamon flavor.

Why This Recipe Is Special

This recipe is special because it brings the joy of homemade sourdough into a sweet comforting treat. Many sourdough recipes focus on bread but this one shows how flexible sourdough can be. The natural tang of the starter adds depth to the flavor without making the rolls taste sour. Instead it creates a perfect balance with the sweet cinnamon filling.

The slow rise of the dough gives the rolls an incredibly soft and tender texture. This slow process also makes the recipe feel calming and peaceful. Many people enjoy the relaxing rhythm of mixing kneading waiting and baking. It feels like a moment of care both for yourself and for the people you share the rolls with.

Another reason this recipe is special is its beautiful smell. When the rolls bake the scent of cinnamon brown sugar and warm dough fills your home with a cozy smell that reminds people of holidays and family gatherings. It is the kind of smell that makes everyone come to the kitchen with a smile.

Finally this recipe is special because it brings people together. Whether you make it for morning breakfast or a sweet dessert it creates moments of connection. People enjoy gathering around the table sharing warm rolls and talking happily. Baking these rolls is a beautiful way to show love and create lasting memories.

Extra Tips for Better Taste

Use warm milk for the dough. Cold milk slows the rising process too much.

Make sure your butter is soft and not melted. Soft butter gives the best texture.

Use fresh cinnamon for a strong warm flavor.

Roll the dough gently to avoid squeezing out the filling.

Let the rolls rise fully before baking. This helps them become fluffy.

Brush the tops with a little melted butter before baking for a golden finish.

Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a deeper flavor.

Make a thicker glaze for a sweeter treat or a thinner one for a lighter taste.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough cinnamon rolls are a beautiful mix of comfort sweetness and simple joy. They bring together the warm flavor of cinnamon the gentle tang of sourdough and the soft texture of freshly baked dough. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. The steps are simple but the results feel fancy and special. These rolls are perfect for quiet mornings family gatherings holidays or moments when you need a little comfort food. Once you taste how soft and flavorful they are you may find yourself making them again and again. They remind us that homemade food can bring warmth and happiness to any day.

Nutrition Details

These numbers are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients you use.

Nutrition for the entire batch

Calories 3350
Protein 65 grams
Fat 120 grams
Carbohydrates 520 grams
Fiber 12 grams
Sugar 245 grams
Sodium 2150 milligrams

Nutrition per cinnamon roll

This recipe makes twelve rolls
Each roll contains approximately

Calories 279
Protein 5 grams
Fat 10 grams
Carbohydrates 43 grams
Fiber 1 gram
Sugar 20 grams
Sodium 179 milligrams

Disclaimer

Every person has unique dietary needs and may respond to ingredients in different ways. While this recipe can be enjoyed by many people it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have health concerns or special dietary requirements please speak with a health professional before making changes to your eating habits. Your experience and results may vary.