A Happy, Wiggly Dough
Let’s make some magic with that sourdough discard. It feels good to use it, doesn’t it? You just mix the flour, baking soda, and salt in a big bowl. Then add your discard, water, melted butter, and honey. Stir it all up until a soft ball forms. It might feel a bit sticky. That’s just fine.
I love how this dough comes together. It doesn’t need hours to rise. In just a few minutes, you’re ready to roll it out. This matters because you can have fresh cinnamon rolls any time a craving hits. What is your favorite way to use up sourdough discard? I’d love to hear your ideas.
The Sweet, Cinnamon Heart
Now for the best part. Mix that soft butter with brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread it all over your rolled-out dough. It will look like a sandy, sweet beach. I always sneak a little taste. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
Then you roll it up tightly. This creates all those lovely swirls inside. My grandson calls it a “cinnamon snake.” I still laugh at that. Be sure to seal the edge so all that goodness stays inside while it bakes.
A Neat Slicing Trick
Here’s a little trick for you. Slicing the roll can be messy. A sharp knife can squish the dough. But if you have some dental floss, you can use it to slice cleanly. Just slide the floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull. It gives you perfect little rounds.
Fun fact: This is called the “thread method.” People have been using it for years to slice delicate cakes and rolls. It works like a charm every single time. Have you ever tried this trick before?
Baking Up Cozy Memories
As they bake, your kitchen will fill with the most wonderful smell. It’s the smell of comfort. I remember one rainy Saturday. I made these rolls and the whole house felt warm and happy. That’s why this matters. It’s about creating a feeling, not just a treat.
Bake them until they’re a light golden brown. Let them cool for just a minute. You want them to be warm when you add the frosting. The warmth helps the frosting melt into all the nooks and crannies.
The Icing on the Roll
The frosting is so simple. Just warm the cream cheese, cream, honey, and vanilla together. Stir until it’s smooth and pourable. I like to use a little immersion blender to make it extra silky. It makes all the difference.
Drizzle it over your warm rolls. Watch how it pools in the center and drips down the sides. This matters because that final touch turns simple baked dough into a special celebration. Do you prefer your cinnamon rolls with frosting or without?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups | For the dough |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | For the dough |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | For the dough |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | For the dough |
| Sourdough discard | 1 cup | For the dough |
| Water | 1 cup | For the dough |
| Butter, melted | 1/2 cup | For the dough |
| Honey | 1/4 cup | For the dough |
| Butter, softened | 1/2 cup | For the filling |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup | For the filling |
| Cinnamon | 2 tablespoons | For the filling |
| Cream cheese | 6 ounces | For the topping |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup | For the topping |
| Honey or maple syrup | 1/2 cup | For the topping |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | For the topping |
A Little Story with Your Cinnamon Rolls
My grandson Leo calls these “magic buns.” He loves when I use my sourdough discard. It feels good not to waste a single bit. The dough comes together so quickly. It doesn’t need to rest for hours. I still laugh at that. The smell fills your whole kitchen with warmth. It reminds me of my own grandma’s house.
Let’s make some magic together. Follow these simple steps. You will have warm, gooey cinnamon rolls in no time. I promise it’s easier than it looks.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Butter
First, get your butter melting. Let it cool a little. Turn your oven on to 375°F. Grease your baking dish well. I love using my old cast iron skillet. It makes the bottoms so crispy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Now, mix all your dry things in a big bowl. Add the sourdough discard, water, honey, and cooled butter. Stir until it becomes a soft dough. It might take a few minutes. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t add more flour if it’s sticky. Just flour your hands later!)
Step 3: Roll the Dough
Sprinkle some flour on your counter. Roll the dough into a rectangle. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Mine never are! This is the fun part. You are making a blank canvas for the cinnamon sugar.
Step 4: Add the Filling and Roll
Mix the soft butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread it all over the dough. Roll it up from the long side. Press the edge to seal it. This is when it starts to look real. What’s your favorite cozy smell? Share below!
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Time to slice the roll. A sharp knife works fine. But I use dental floss. It gives you such clean slices. Place the rolls in your dish. Bake them until they are golden brown. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While they bake, make the frosting. Warm everything in a pot. Stir until it’s silky smooth. Pour it over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt into all the nooks. It’s the best part.
Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Yield: 12 delicious rolls
Category: Breakfast, Treat
Let’s Get Creative with Your Rolls
Once you know the basics, you can play. I love adding little twists. It makes the recipe feel new again. Here are a few of my favorite ideas. They are all simple and fun to try.
- Apple Pie Twist: Add tiny diced apples to the cinnamon filling. It tastes just like fall.
- Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle chocolate chips before you roll the dough. A treat for my sweet-toothed friends.
- Orange Zest Glow: Mix a little orange zest into the cream cheese frosting. It’s so bright and sunny.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Warm Masterpiece
These rolls are a meal all by themselves. But I like to make a little event of it. On slow weekends, we have a special breakfast. The whole house feels happy and warm.
I serve them right from the skillet. It keeps them warm for a long time. A little bowl of fresh berries on the side is perfect. The tart fruit balances the sweet roll. You could also add some crispy bacon. The salty crunch is wonderful.
For a drink, a cold glass of milk is classic. For the grown-ups, a hot coffee with cream is just right. It’s the perfect pairing for a cozy morning. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Cinnamon Rolls Happy
Fresh cinnamon rolls are the best treat. But you can save some for later. Let them cool completely first. Then wrap them tightly and pop them in the fridge.
They will be good for a few days. You can also freeze them for a month. I once froze a whole batch for my grandson’s visit. He was so happy to have a warm roll for breakfast.
To reheat, warm them in the oven. This keeps them soft and tasty. The microwave can make them a bit tough.
Batch cooking saves you time on busy mornings. It means a homemade treat is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Easy Fixes for Common Cinnamon Roll Troubles
Is your dough too sticky? Just add a little more flour. Sprinkle it on your hands and the counter. This makes the dough easier to handle.
I remember when my filling all leaked out. The butter was too melted. Using softened butter, not liquid, fixes this. It stays put when you roll the dough.
Are your rolls dry? You might have baked them too long. Check them at 25 minutes. A confident cook trusts their eyes and nose.
Getting the filling right makes the flavor perfect. And a soft roll is a joy to eat. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Cinnamon Roll Questions
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The results will be just as tasty.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: You can mix the dough the night before. Keep it covered in the fridge.
Q: What can I use instead of honey?
A: Maple syrup is a wonderful swap. It gives a lovely, warm taste.
Q: Can I make a half batch?
A: Of course. Just cut all the ingredients in half. Use a smaller baking dish.
Q: Is the frosting necessary?
A: No, but it is a special treat. A little drizzle makes them extra special. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these cinnamon rolls. They fill your home with a wonderful smell. That smell is the smell of love and care.
Fun fact: Cinnamon was once more valuable than gold! I think that makes our rolls feel extra special.
I would love to see your baking creations. Sharing food is a way to share joy. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Fiona Brooks.
Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Description
A quick and easy recipe for soft, gooey cinnamon rolls using your sourdough discard, topped with a creamy honey frosting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Begin by melting the butter and allowing it to cool. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a cast iron skillet or baking dish with butter or oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. To these dry ingredients, add the sourdough discard, water, the cooled melted butter, and honey. Stir the mixture until it comes together into a ball of dough, which should take 3 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and use a rolling pin to shape it into a rectangle roughly 1/4 inch thick.
- For the filling, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl until combined. Spread this mixture evenly across the surface of the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly. Seal the final edge by pressing it into the roll.
- Cut the roll into about 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife, dental floss, or thread. Arrange the rolls in your prepared dish, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until they are a light golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. Allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- To make the frosting, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring until everything is smooth. For an extra-smooth frosting, you can blend it with an immersion blender. Drizzle the finished frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure your melted butter has cooled before adding it to the dry ingredients to prevent cooking the flour.
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