If you’re looking for the perfect way to use up your sourdough discard, these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are an absolute must-try! They’re soft, gooey, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor—all while being a great zero-waste baking option.
Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require yeast and hours of proofing, this quick sourdough discard cinnamon roll recipe comes together in about 35 minutes—perfect for a last-minute breakfast treat or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ No yeast required – Uses baking soda and baking powder for a faster rise.
✔️ Zero-waste baking – A great way to use up sourdough discard.
✔️ Soft, fluffy texture – Buttery layers with a delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl.
✔️ Easy & beginner-friendly – No complicated techniques required!
What is Sourdough Discard?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s briefly talk about sourdough discard and why it’s such an amazing ingredient.
Sourdough discard is the portion of the sourdough starter that gets removed during feeding. While it’s often thrown away, it can be used in many recipes, including pancakes, waffles, muffins, biscuits, and of course, cinnamon rolls!
Using sourdough discard in baked goods adds:
✅ A hint of tangy flavor that balances out sweetness.
✅ A softer, fluffier texture due to its slight acidity.
✅ Enhanced depth of flavor, making your baked goods taste gourmet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sourdough discard (or active starter)
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons cream (or milk/half & half)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix together:
✔️ Melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Set it aside—this will be spread over the dough later!
2. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the sourdough discard, melted butter, honey, and water.
- Stir everything together until it forms a dough, then knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft.
👉 Pro Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Lightly flour your work surface.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle (¼ to ½ inch thick).
- The thinner you roll it, the more cinnamon-sugar layers you’ll get!
4. Spread the Cinnamon Filling & Roll
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll it tightly from the long edge.
- Pinch the seams together to keep the rolls from unraveling.
5. Slice & Arrange
- Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place the rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13 baking dish or cast iron skillet.
6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25–35 minutes or until golden brown.
👉 Pro Tip: If the tops are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Melt butter, cream cheese, and cream/milk in a saucepan over low heat.
- Whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and lump-free.
- Drizzle over the warm cinnamon rolls.
8. Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy these soft, gooey sourdough discard cinnamon rolls with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Overnight
Want to prep these the night before? Here’s how:
1️⃣ Make the dough and roll it out as instructed.
2️⃣ Shape the rolls and place them in the baking dish.
3️⃣ Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
4️⃣ The next morning, let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
This makes them perfect for holiday mornings or busy weekends!
Dairy-Free & Other Substitutions
🌱 Dairy-Free Version:
- Use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- Swap almond, oat, or coconut milk for cream in the frosting.
💛 Whole Wheat Option:
- Replace up to 1 cup of flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
🥜 Nut-Free Variation:
- Add raisins or dried cranberries instead of nuts for a fruity twist.
🍫 Chocolate Lover’s Twist:
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the filling for a chocolate-cinnamon fusion.
Storage & Reheating Tips
How to Store
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
How to Reheat
- Microwave for 15–20 seconds for a soft, warm roll.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
👉 Pro Tip: Store extra frosting separately and drizzle over reheated rolls!
Why You Should Make These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
✔️ Quick & Easy – No waiting for dough to rise!
✔️ Zero-Waste – Uses up sourdough discard.
✔️ Perfect Texture – Soft, fluffy, and buttery.
✔️ Customizable – Make them dairy-free, whole wheat, or chocolate-filled!
If you’re looking for the BEST way to use sourdough discard, this cinnamon roll recipe is the perfect choice. Sweet, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—these will become your new favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I freeze sourdough discard cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Bake them first, let them cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy!
2. Can I use sourdough discard from the fridge?
Absolutely! Just bring it to room temperature before using it in the dough.
3. Why didn’t my cinnamon rolls rise?
Since this is a no-yeast recipe, the rolls rely on baking soda and baking powder. Make sure your ingredients are fresh!
Final Thoughts
These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate easy, waste-free, and utterly delicious treat. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Try them today and experience the perfect combination of sourdough tang, cinnamon sweetness, and creamy frosting—all in a soft, buttery roll!