Introduction to 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
I often find myself searching for delightful treats that are quick to whip up and bring joy to family breakfasts. These 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls answer that call perfectly! They’re soft, gooey, and utterly irresistible. Not only can they brighten up your morning routine, but they also make for a cozy dessert after dinner. Plus, the cherry on top? You get to use that sourdough discard that’s often left languishing in the fridge. It’s a double win—deliciousness paired with eco-friendly cooking!
Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
These 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are a game-changer for anyone on the go! The easy preparation and quick baking time mean you can satisfy sweet cravings without sacrificing hours in the kitchen. The comforting, warm flavors are guaranteed to win over kids and adults alike. Whether it’s breakfast or a sweet treat after school, these rolls are a delightful choice for busy moms and professionals rushing through their day.
Ingredients for 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
To make these delightful 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need a few pantry staples that come together to create magic. First up, there’s the sourdough discard, which gives these rolls a unique flavor and texture, preventing waste in the process.
Next, all-purpose flour forms the backbone of the dough, providing structure and chewiness. A bit of sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, while baking powder acts as the leavening agent, ensuring those rolls rise beautifully. Don’t forget salt—it deepens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cubed cold butter gets worked into the dry ingredients, creating a tender, flaky texture. Milk and vanilla extract enhance the dough with creaminess and warmth, and then we have the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture—this is the heart of the filling, bringing that comforting sweetness! Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist. Exact quantities for printing are available at the bottom of the recipe.
How to Make 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Let’s kick off our baking adventure! Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This mix is like the canvas upon which your sweet masterpiece will be painted. Add those cold cubed butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut them in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should feel like soft sand, not too wet, not too dry.
Next, it’s time to introduce the star of the show: your sourdough discard. Mix it in along with the milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s workable. This is the secret to achieving perfect 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls!
Step 2: Knead Gently
Now for the gentle caress of kneading! Turn your dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it just 3 to 4 times—think of it as giving your dough a little loving pat. You want to bring it together without overworking it. The goal is a soft, supple dough that’s eager to rise.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Time to roll! Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle, about 10 by 14 inches. Don’t sweat the size too much; it’s more about the final shape. Once you’ve got it ready, spread that softened butter generously across the surface. This step adds that beautiful richness!
Now, mix together your brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this heavenly blend evenly over the buttered dough. Here’s where the magic happens—roll it up tightly from the long side into a log. Imagine wrapping a gift, except the present is a sweet treat for you and your family!
Step 4: Slice the Rolls
With your log rolled up, it’s time to slice. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 8 even rolls. If the dough feels a little sticky at this stage, don’t worry. It’s just a little excited to be baked! You can always place the sliced rolls on a baking tray and refrigerate them for 10 to 15 minutes. This makes handling easier and ensures they keep their lovely shape.
Step 5: Refrigerate if Necessary
If you’re in a hurry, go ahead and pop those slices right onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. But if you want to be extra cautious, this brief refrigeration is a pro tip. It makes those sweet rolls easier to manage when transferring them to the oven.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Now, let the magic unfold in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Set those beautiful rolls in a parchment-lined 9-inch round pan or on a small baking sheet. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are fully baked in the center. Be sure to check occasionally, as some ovens may require up to 25 minutes—they can be a tad temperamental.
Step 7: Drizzle with Icing
While your rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in another bowl until smooth. This icing is like the cherry on top of an already delightful sundae! As soon as your rolls are out of the oven, drizzle this sweet goodness over them. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Enjoy these warm, tender rolls while they’re still gooey, and relish the look of joy on everyone’s faces as they take the first bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Be gentle when kneading; overworking the dough can lead to tough rolls.
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking but don’t overdo it.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add flour sparingly, just a tablespoon at a time.
- Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before baking for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure your oven is preheated for even baking results.
Equipment Needed
Getting your kitchen ready for these scrumptious 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls requires just a few handy tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Pastry cutter (or your fingers for mixing butter)
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife for slicing
- Baking tray or 9-inch round pan, lined with parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Variations
Get creative with your 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls! Here are some fun adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Incorporate dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for added sweetness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Experiment with spices—try nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls with delightful accompaniments to elevate the experience:
- A steaming cup of coffee or chai tea brings out the warmth of the cinnamon.
- Serve with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a burst of flavor.
- Drizzle some extra icing on top for those with a sweet tooth!
- For a fun twist, enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
FAQs about 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
As with any beloved recipe, questions often arise! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls and their answers to help guide you.
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard? Absolutely! If you have an active sourdough starter, you can use it here. Just remember, you’ll need to adjust the liquid slightly to ensure the dough remains soft.
How should I store the leftover cinnamon rolls? After enjoying these delightful rolls, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate them for extended freshness.
Can I freeze these rolls? Yes, you can freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls! After slicing, place them on a baking tray and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
What if my dough is too sticky? If your dough feels excessively sticky, add flour cautiously, one tablespoon at a time. It’s better to start with less and gradually add more until it’s manageable.
I hope these answers help you create your perfect batch of 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls!
Final Thoughts
Making 30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls is not just about baking; it’s about creating sweet moments with your loved ones. I can’t help but feel a rush of joy seeing the smiles on my family’s faces as they take that first gooey bite. There’s something incredibly rewarding about transforming sourdough discard into a warm treat that brightens up the day.
With this simple recipe, you’re not only minimizing waste but also crafting a delightful surprise that everyone will cherish. It’s these little moments of joy that make cooking such a fulfilling passion!
Print
30-Minute Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make cinnamon rolls using sourdough discard, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 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
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar (or more, to taste)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp (28g) softened unsalted butter
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the sourdough discard, milk, and vanilla until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to make the dough workable.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently knead 3–4 times—just enough to bring it together without overworking.
- Roll the dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 8 even rolls.
- If dough is still sticky, place the sliced rolls on a baking tray and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes for easier handling.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place rolls in a parchment-lined 9-inch round pan or on a small baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and fully baked in the center. Some ovens may require up to 25 minutes.
- While rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls right out of the oven.
- Enjoy immediately while warm, soft, and gooey!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, let the dough sit for a few minutes before rolling it out.
- Feel free to customize the filling with nuts or dried fruits.
- The rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
