If you’ve been searching for a bakery-worthy treat that marries the tangy depth of sourdough with the irresistible sweetness of cinnamon and the creamy indulgence of frosting, the Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe takes the humble cinnamon roll to an entirely new level by incorporating a lively sourdough starter, giving each bite a subtle complexity and lightness that is simply unforgettable. Whether you’re making these for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion, their pillowy texture and luscious cream cheese frosting promise a smile with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the tangy sourdough starter lending character, the dark brown sugar adding rich sweetness, or the butter bringing that luxurious moisture and softness that define great cinnamon rolls.
- 100g active sourdough starter: This natural leavening adds a tangy depth and keeps your rolls wonderfully tender.
- 175g warm milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast in the starter and creates a smooth, pliable dough.
- 30g dark brown sugar: Used in the dough for a hint of caramel flavor and beautiful color.
- 57g unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a soft crumb.
- 1 large egg: Enhances the dough’s structure and color, making rolls fluffy and golden.
- 370g bread flour: Provides the strength needed for a chewy, yet tender roll.
- 150g dark brown sugar (for filling): The sweet base of the cinnamon sugar filling creating that iconic gooey center.
- 12g ground cinnamon: Warm spice that gives the rolls their signature flavor.
- 28g unsalted butter (for frosting): Softened butter balances the tang of the cream cheese.
- 55g cream cheese: Makes the frosting ultra creamy and slightly tangy, perfect for cinnamon rolls.
- 90g powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to smooth perfection.
How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough Ingredients
Start by combining your active sourdough starter, dark brown sugar, and warm milk in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix these together until just combined—this is where your dough’s subtle tang and moisture begin to develop beautifully. Then add the melted butter, a pinch of salt, and the egg; mix thoroughly. Gradually add your bread flour while using the dough hook attachment, blending everything into a smooth, elastic dough that’s soft to the touch but not sticky.
Step 2: First Rise
Cover your dough and place it in a warm spot for about 6 to 7 hours. This longer rise allows the natural yeast in the sourdough starter to do its magic, doubling the dough’s size and developing those complex flavors sourdough fans adore. Patience here is key—you’ll be rewarded with a light, airy roll base.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Roll Out the Dough
Once your dough has doubled, gently roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread a generous layer of softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon and dark brown sugar filling evenly over the top. This sweet spice layer promises those signature gooey pockets in every bite.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Roll your dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges as you go to keep all that cinnamon sugar inside. Slice the log into equal-sized rolls for even baking. Lay them out in a baking dish and cover again, letting them rise for an additional 3 to 4 hours. This second rise creates fluffy, soft rolls that will bake up beautifully golden.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once your rolls have puffed up, bake them for 30 to 35 minutes until they’re a gorgeous golden brown on top. The warm aroma wafting from your oven will literally be irresistible by this point.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, prepare the luscious frosting by blending softened butter and cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, whipping until the mixture is fluffy, sweet, and ready to be slathered on your fresh rolls. This frosting balances creamy richness with just the right touch of sweetness and tang.
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy
Slather the warm rolls with the cream cheese frosting as soon as they come out of the oven. The heat slightly melts the frosting into the swirls, completing each roll with irresistible decadence. Now, take a moment, savor the first bite, and let the magic of your homemade Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe shine through.
How to Serve Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pizazz, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of pure maple syrup can also elevate the flavor and presentation beautifully. These simple touches add texture and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a vibrant berry compote to balance the richness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai tea complements the warm spices and creamy frosting perfectly, creating a full sensory breakfast or brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a classic round pan, try baking the rolls in individual ramekins or muffin tins to create perfectly portioned, personal treats. For special occasions, drizzle extra cream cheese frosting in artistic swirls or add edible flowers for a whimsical touch that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is ideal, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before enjoying to revive their softness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked shaped cinnamon rolls after the second rise or fully baked, unfrosted rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake or reheat accordingly.
Reheating
To bring your cinnamon rolls back to life, microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. Add fresh frosting if needed to restore that creamy, dreamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a regular yeast starter instead of sourdough?
Absolutely, but the unique tang and flavor that sourdough imparts will be missing. If you substitute commercial yeast, expect a slightly different texture and taste. Adjust rising times accordingly.
How do I know if my sourdough starter is active enough?
Your starter should be bubbly and have doubled in size within 4-6 hours after feeding—this indicates it’s strong and ready to leaven your dough effectively.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough after mixing it to slow fermentation, then allow it to rise at room temperature the next day before shaping. This can help develop flavor and fit your schedule.
What if my cinnamon rolls aren’t rising enough?
Makesure your sourdough starter is active and your environment is warm enough for rising. Sometimes a slightly longer fermentation time is needed depending on your kitchen temperature.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Rolling the dough to about ¼ inch thickness is ideal. This thickness ensures enough layers and filling without making the rolls too dense or thin.
Final Thoughts
This Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a delightful way to elevate a classic comfort food with a touch of artisanal magic. The combination of tangy sourdough, spiced cinnamon sugar, and creamy frosting make these rolls truly unforgettable. I encourage you to dive in and bake these rolls—it’s one of those recipes that fills your home with love, warmth, and an irresistible aroma that’s simply impossible not to share.
Print
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these tender, flavorful sourdough cinnamon rolls that combine the tangy depth of a sourdough starter with the warm sweetness of cinnamon and brown sugar. With a luscious cream cheese frosting, this recipe delivers soft, fluffy rolls with a perfectly balanced sweetness, ideal for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Dough
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 175g warm milk
- 30g dark brown sugar
- 57g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 370g bread flour
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- 150g dark brown sugar
- 12g ground cinnamon
- Softened unsalted butter (for spreading)
Frosting
- 28g unsalted butter, softened
- 55g cream cheese, softened
- 90g powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine Starter, Sugar, and Milk: In a stand mixer bowl, mix together the active sourdough starter, dark brown sugar, and warm milk until the sugar dissolves and mixture is well combined.
- Add Butter, Salt, and Egg: Pour in the melted butter, add salt, and crack in the egg. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients smoothly.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add bread flour using the dough hook attachment, mixing until a smooth and elastic dough forms without any dry flour remaining.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and leave it in a warm spot to rise for 6-7 hours, or until it has doubled in size and shows bubbles from fermentation.
- Prepare Filling and Roll Dough: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon and dark brown sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Form Rolls: Tightly roll the dough from one edge into a log shape. Cut the log into equal sized pieces (about 9 rolls). Place them cut side up in a baking dish or on a lined baking tray.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again in a warm area for 3-4 hours, until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, blend softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the rolls are warm out of the oven, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over them. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before starting for optimal rise.
- Warm milk should be about 100-110°F (38-43°C) to help activate the yeast without killing it.
- If needed, you can speed up the rising by placing dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or a warm spot in your kitchen.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- These rolls can be frozen after the second rise; thaw and bake as directed.
