Can I use sourdough discard for cinnamon rolls?

Yes, absolutely. Sourdough discard works wonderfully in cinnamon rolls. It adds a tangy depth of flavor and helps tenderize the dough. Even unfed or “inactive” discard can be used, as long as it’s not overly sour or neglected. It’s a smart way to avoid waste while elevating the taste and texture of your baked goods.

Is sourdough good for cinnamon rolls?

It’s better than good—it’s outstanding. Sourdough adds complexity and softness that yeast alone can’t match. The natural fermentation process improves the dough’s structure and gives it that signature chew and lightness. Plus, sourdough cinnamon rolls stay fresher longer and are easier to digest for many folks.

When can I bake with my sourdough discard?

You can bake with sourdough discard any time after a feeding cycle—ideally when it’s still relatively fresh. If it’s been sitting more than a few days, give it a sniff; a sharp, unpleasant smell means it’s time to toss. Otherwise, discard can be used cold from the fridge or at room temperature. It’s very flexible for baked recipes like these cinnamon rolls.

What should I make with my sourdough discard?

Aside from cinnamon rolls, sourdough discard is amazing in pancakes, waffles, crackers, muffins, and even pizza dough.

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls – 1 Easy Recipe With Amazing Results

Name: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls: The Best Way to Use Leftover Starter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons (113 g) butter (cold); 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup (100 g) sourdough starter discard; 1 cup (240 g) buttermilk; 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon (25 g) honey (or granulated sugar); ¾ teaspoon (4 g) fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons (56 g) butter (melted); Cinnamon Roll Glaze; 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter (melted); 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon (5 g) vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons (30 g) milk

Description

Soft, fluffy, and delightfully tangy, these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect use for your leftover starter. No yeast required—just rich buttery dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a smooth vanilla glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

8 tablespoons (113 g) butter (cold)
2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
⅓ cup (100 g) sourdough starter discard
1 cup (240 g) buttermilk
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon (25 g) honey (or granulated sugar)
¾ teaspoon (4 g) fine sea salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda

Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons (56 g) butter (melted)
Cinnamon Roll Glaze
1 tablespoon (14 g) butter (melted)
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon (5 g) vanilla extract
2 tablespoons (30 g) milk

Instructions

1. Grate cold butter into a large mixing bowl. Add flour, sourdough discard, buttermilk, honey, and salt. Mix just until shaggy dough forms.

2. Chill dough for 30 minutes, then gently fold in baking powder and baking soda.

3. Roll dough into a 12×15 inch rectangle on a floured surface.

4. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for filling. Spread melted butter on dough, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mix evenly.

5. Roll tightly from long end. Slice into 9 even pieces and place in a greased 8×8 baking pan.

6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.

7. Mix melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to make glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Use cold butter and chill the dough to ensure flaky, biscuit-like layers.

If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 320
Sugar: 20
Sodium: 290
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 9
Unsaturated Fat: 4
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4
Cholesterol: 40

Keywords: sourdough discard cinnamon rolls, sourdough cinnamon rolls, no yeast cinnamon rolls