If you have some sourdough discard lying around and you’re wondering what to do with it, look no further than these Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls. This recipe turns that leftover starter into a flaky, tender, cinnamon-swirled breakfast treat that melts in your mouth. These cinnamon rolls are effortless to make, packed with layers of buttery goodness, and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you’re a sourdough fanatic or just want to try something new with your discard, these cinnamon rolls deliver cozy comfort and impressive flavor with minimal fuss.

Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every delicious recipe starts with the right ingredients, and these Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are no exception. The ingredients are simple but each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible texture, flavor depth, and mouthwatering aroma.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for your soft, fluffy dough that holds all the layers together.
Sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the dough itself and helps with browning.
Baking powder: Provides gentle lift and lightness without needing long fermentation.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Butter (cubed or grated): Creates those flaky layers and rich buttery flavor.
Sourdough starter or discard: Adds a subtle tang and tender crumb along with complexity.
Egg: Binds the dough and enriches its texture.
Milk: Moisturizes the dough for softness and helps enzymes activate for better rise.
Melted butter: For the cinnamon-sugar filling—key for richness and moist swirls.
Brown sugar: Gives the filling a deep molasses sweetness and sticky texture.
Cinnamon: The star warming spice that brings everything together in each bite.
Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic sweetness to the filling and frosting.
Softened cream cheese: The base for the classic, silky frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without graininess.
Whole milk (for frosting): Smooths the frosting to the perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re using a cast iron skillet, pop it into the oven now so it gets nice and hot. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Instead of the old-fashioned method of cutting in cold butter with a knife or pastry cutter, grate the butter on a cheese grater and toss it into the flour mixture—you’ll have beautiful, even flakes that make the dough wonderfully flaky. Then stir in the sourdough starter, egg, and milk until you get a shaggy dough that’s not kneaded but folded carefully to keep those butter pieces intact.

Step 2: Roll, Fold, and Layer

Once your dough holds together, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 6×9 inch rectangle. Give it a trifold by folding it like a letter into thirds, then repeat this process three times to build amazing layers that create that tender, flaky texture perfect for cinnamon rolls. After your tri-folds, roll the dough out gently to a larger 18×12 inch rectangle ready for the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling and Assemble

Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to make an irresistible cinnamon sugar spread. Slather it generously and evenly over your dough. If you’re using a skillet, take it out briefly, add a couple tablespoons of butter to melt and brown, enhancing the bottom crust with nutty flavor. Starting from the long edge, keep that roll tight and roll your dough toward you into a log without pulling the dough apart.

Step 4: Cut and Bake

Using a sharp knife or even dental floss, slice the dough into 1-inch thick rolls—usually yielding about 12 perfect cinnamon rolls. Place these snugly in your greased pan or skillet, then bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 18 minutes until the tops are just barely golden. This quick, high heat baking helps keep the layers flaky and the centers soft.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cinnamon rolls bake, whip your cream cheese smooth in a bowl or mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, whisking until the frosting is creamy, smooth, and luscious. Once the rolls come fresh from the oven, pour on the frosting while they’re still warm to let it melt slightly and add that perfect sweet tang.

How to Serve Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce also makes these cinnamon rolls look as good as they taste. Fresh berries on the side add a burst of bright color and tartness that pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your cinnamon rolls alongside a steaming mug of coffee or a frothy chai latte for the ultimate cozy breakfast experience. Fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt with a drizzle of honey can add balance and freshness to complement the richness of these Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, serve these cinnamon rolls on a rustic wooden board or in cute individual ramekins for portions. You can also cut them slightly smaller as bite-sized treats for brunch buffets or gatherings, making them perfect bite-sized pockets of cinnamon goodness that everyone can enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers fresh by storing the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, the refrigerator will keep them fresh up to five days but may slightly firm up the texture—easily remedied by reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls rolled and sliced in a baking dish, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for fresh-from-the-oven flavor anytime you want.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the microwave for about 20 seconds or reheat in a low oven (325 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 10 minutes. Adding a little extra cream cheese frosting or a dab of butter after reheating will refresh their gooey, tender appeal perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Absolutely! Active starter works just as well in this recipe and may give a slightly stronger tang, which balances beautifully with the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar.

Do I need to knead the dough?

No kneading is required here. Folding and rolling the dough gently with the chunks of butter intact creates the flaky layers and tender crumb we’re after.

Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, feel free to use almond, soy, or oat milk in the dough and frosting if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just keep it unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor balance.

Why bake at such a high temperature?

Baking at 425 degrees Fahrenheit gives the cinnamon rolls a beautifully soft inside with a lightly golden, slightly crisp exterior, locking in moisture and lovely flaky layers.

Can I make these gluten-free?

While this recipe isn’t designed for gluten-free flour, experimenting with a blend that mimics all-purpose flour’s elasticity might work. Keep in mind the texture and layering may differ without gluten development.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are seriously a game-changer, turning your sourdough starter discard into a warm, flaky, cinnamon-swirled delight that’s perfect for any morning or special occasion. With their buttery layers and rich cream cheese frosting, they bring so much homemade comfort to your kitchen without requiring complicated steps. I hope you give them a try and fall in love with this easy but extraordinary twist on a breakfast classic!