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If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a tender, sweet, and perfectly spiced pastry that practically melts in your mouth, then this Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is about to become your new obsession. The magic here lies in the tangy richness of a naturally fermented sourdough starter combined with the warm, fragrant cinnamon sugar filling and that luxuriously smooth cream cheese frosting on top. Each bite is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures, making these cinnamon rolls irresistibly comforting and utterly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but play key roles in creating those soft, flavorful rolls with a luscious frosting finish. Every element—from the sourdough starter to the cinnamon sugar filling—works together to balance taste, texture, and color beautifully.
- 100g active sourdough starter: Your natural leavening agent that adds depth and gentle tang.
- 175g warm milk: Warms up the dough and helps activate the yeast in the starter.
- 30g dark brown sugar: Sweetens the dough and enriches it with molasses notes.
- 57g unsalted butter, melted: Brings tenderness and richness to the dough’s crumb.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder, adding structure and moisture.
- 370g bread flour: Provides the perfect protein content for a chewy yet soft texture.
- 150g dark brown sugar (for filling): The heart of the filling that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
- 12g ground cinnamon: Delivers that warm, aromatic spice we all love.
- 28g unsalted butter (for frosting): Gives the frosting a creamy base and rich flavor.
- 55g cream cheese: Adds tangy creaminess to balance the sweet and spicy rolls.
- 90g powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start with your active sourdough starter, dark brown sugar, and warm milk in a stand mixer bowl. Mix these together until well combined—the starter’s lively bubbles mixed with sugar and milk bring life to your dough.
Step 2: Add Butter, Salt, and Egg
Next, stir in melted butter, a pinch of salt, and the egg. These ingredients enhance flavor and help with the dough’s texture, making it tender yet resilient.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add bread flour while mixing with a dough hook attachment. Continue until your dough forms into a smooth, slightly sticky ball. This may take a little patience but the payoff is incredible softness.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the bowl and leave the dough in a warm spot for 6 to 7 hours or until it doubles in size. This slow fermentation is what sets these rolls apart, creating a subtle tang and airy crumb.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
Once risen, roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then generously sprinkle with the cinnamon and dark brown sugar mixture. This flavorful layer is what makes every bite so special!
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
Carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log, then slice it into equal pieces to form your rolls. Arrange them in your baking dish and cover again to proof for an additional 3 to 4 hours, allowing them to puff up beautifully.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they’re irresistibly golden brown and filling is bubbling slightly—your kitchen will smell like heaven.
Step 8: Prepare and Apply Frosting
While the rolls bake, blend together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. Slather the warm rolls generously with this frosting to achieve that classic, dreamy finish.
How to Serve Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
While the rich cream cheese frosting steals the show, you can elevate these cinnamon rolls by sprinkling a few toasted chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon powder on top. These simple touches add a delightful crunch and deepen the warmth of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or creamy hot chocolate to create a cozy breakfast or brunch experience. Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, can also cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these rolls on a rustic wooden board or a vintage ceramic plate for a charming, homey vibe. You can even stack them in a tiered serving tray at your next gathering, letting guests pick their favorite roll topped with a drizzle more frosting or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. This keeps them soft and moist without losing that fresh-baked flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, shaped rolls before their second rise by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw and let them proof for 3 to 4 hours before baking as usual.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, microwave individual rolls for about 20 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Add an extra dollop of cream cheese frosting to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought yeast instead of sourdough starter?
Yes, though the flavor will be different. The sourdough starter adds a unique tang and depth you won’t get with commercial yeast. If using yeast, you’ll bake the rolls sooner since you lose the slow fermentation process.
How do I know if my sourdough starter is active enough?
An active starter should be bubbly and double in size within 4 to 6 hours after feeding. This vigorous activity ensures your rolls will rise properly and have that characteristic sourdough flavor.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight for more convenient timing and even more developed flavor. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It just takes a bit more elbow grease and patience but the texture will be just as good if kneaded until smooth and elastic.
Is it okay to skip the frosting?
You can skip the cream cheese frosting if you prefer a less sweet option—these cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar makes a lovely, simple finish.
Final Thoughts
Making this Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is such a satisfying experience because the results are truly extraordinary. The tender, tangy dough combined with warm cinnamon sugar and that rich frosting will become a family favorite before you know it. So grab your starter, roll up those sleeves, and treat yourself to a batch of these incredible cinnamon rolls—you deserve every bite!
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Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 9-11 hours (including rising times)
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich, tangy flavor of sourdough with a classic cinnamon-sugar filling and creamy cream cheese frosting. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, these homemade rolls require a bit of patience with prolonged rising times but reward you with a deliciously tender texture and a depth of flavor that only sourdough can provide.
Ingredients
Dough
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 175g warm milk
- 30g dark brown sugar
- 57g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 370g bread flour
- ½ tsp salt
Filling
- 150g dark brown sugar
- 12g ground cinnamon
- Softened unsalted butter (for spreading, about 30-50g)
Frosting
- 28g unsalted butter, softened
- 55g cream cheese, softened
- 90g powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix wet ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, dark brown sugar, and warm milk and mix until fully combined.
- Add remaining dough ingredients: Add the melted butter, salt, and egg to the mixture. Using a dough hook, gradually incorporate the bread flour and knead until a smooth elastic dough forms.
- First rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm area for about 6 to 7 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This slow fermentation develops the sourdough flavor and gives the dough structure.
- Prepare the filling and roll dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Mix the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough.
- Shape and second rise: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log starting from one long edge, then cut the roll into equal-sized pieces to form the cinnamon rolls. Place the rolls in a baking dish and cover them. Let them rise again for about 3 to 4 hours until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Make the frosting: While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting by blending together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue blending to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Frost and serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are warm and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each roll. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of tangy sourdough and sweet cinnamon goodness.
Notes
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best rise and flavor.
- The long rising times are essential to develop the dough’s flavor and texture.
- Keep the dough covered during rising to prevent drying out.
- If your kitchen is cool, rising times may need to be extended.
- Roll the dough tightly to avoid gaps when baking and help the rolls hold their shape.
- Leftover cinnamon rolls can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
