Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked sourdough cinnamon rolls in the morning! These pastries are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor, making them the perfect breakfast treat. Plus, they are made with a sourdough starter, adding a unique depth of flavor and a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Naturally Leavened – Made with a sourdough starter, which enhances both flavor and texture.
• Perfectly Fluffy – The long fermentation process results in a soft and airy dough.
• Irresistible Flavor – A blend of cinnamon, sugar, and butter makes for a deliciously gooey filling.
Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow sourdough cinnamon roll recipe!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
• ½ cup sourdough starter (active)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter (softened)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, active sourdough starter, sugar, and egg. Stir well.
2. Add flour, softened butter, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: First Rise
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise overnight (or 8-12 hours) until doubled in size.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
5. Once risen, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
6. Spread the softened butter over the surface.
7. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
8. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other.
9. Slice into equal rolls (about 1 to 1½ inches thick) and place them in a greased baking dish.
10. Cover and let them rise again for about 2 hours until puffy.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!
11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
12. Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Optional Topping: Cream Cheese Frosting
For an extra indulgent touch, top your sourdough cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting. Simply mix together:
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
Spread over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
• Use an active sourdough starter – This ensures a good rise and the best texture.
• Plan ahead – Since sourdough takes longer to rise, prep your dough the night before.
• Don’t skimp on the filling – A generous amount of cinnamon-sugar mix creates that perfect gooey center.
These sourdough cinnamon rolls are an absolute breakfast delight! Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of homemade sourdough pastries!
This was delicious! Thanks for sharing!