Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Fluffy, sweet, and unbelievably quick to make, these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls bring together the tang of sourdough with the comforting swirl of cinnamon sugar. Using up your discard has never tasted this good and they’re ready in just 30 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or spontaneous dessert cravings, these rolls skip the rise time while still delivering pillowy softness. Topped with a classic vanilla glaze, they’re the ultimate way to elevate your baking game without the wait or hassle. Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast or just want a fast and flavorful bake, this is the recipe to keep on repeat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature)

• 1/2 cup milk (warmed slightly)

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling:

• 1/4 cup softened butter

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Icing:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch round or square baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together sourdough discard, warm milk, egg, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.

3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead gently on a floured surface until smooth (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Roll dough into a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches.

5. Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.

6. Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 8 equal pieces.

7. Arrange rolls in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until golden and set.

8. While rolls bake, whisk icing ingredients together until smooth.

9. Drizzle icing over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 8 rolls

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls: A Quick, Flavorful Treat You’ll Love

There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. It’s the kind of aroma that calls everyone to the table with warm smiles and expectant taste buds. But what if you could achieve that cozy, comforting experience without waiting hours for dough to rise? Even better, what if you could use that jar of sourdough discard sitting in your fridge to do it?

Say hello to Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls – ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe transforms sourdough discard, often thrown away, into fluffy, tender cinnamon rolls that hit all the right notes of sweet, buttery, and spiced. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or new to using discard in creative ways, this recipe will become a go-to favorite for quick brunches, afternoon snacks, or impromptu dessert cravings.

Why Use Sourdough Discard in Baking?

If you’re new to sourdough baking, let’s start with what sourdough discard actually is. It’s the portion of your sourdough starter that you remove during feedings to keep the balance of yeast and bacteria in check. Many people discard it, hence the name, but it’s actually a versatile, flavor-packed ingredient that can enhance a wide variety of recipes from crackers and pancakes to waffles and now, cinnamon rolls.

Sourdough discard adds a slight tang, a boost of natural leavening, and a depth of flavor that’s often missing in quick breads. It also contributes to the dough’s tenderness without requiring long fermentation times, making it the perfect base for fast, flavorful baked goods.

The Benefits of No-Rise Cinnamon Rolls

Traditional cinnamon rolls, while undeniably delicious, are notoriously time-consuming. They typically require hours of rising time, sometimes even overnight fermentation, before you can bake and enjoy them. This recipe offers a faster alternative without compromising texture or taste.

Here’s what makes these rolls a standout:

• No waiting for the dough to rise — they go straight from mixing to the oven.

• No yeast required — baking powder does the leavening, making them ideal for those avoiding commercial yeast or working on a tight timeline.

• Ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for busy mornings, last-minute gatherings, or late-night cravings.

• Still soft and fluffy — thanks to the balance of ingredients and the moisture from sourdough discard, the final texture is delightfully tender.

The Secret to Fluffy Texture Without Yeast

You might wonder how these cinnamon rolls achieve such a soft, fluffy texture without yeast or long proofing. The key lies in the combination of sourdough discard, baking powder, and just the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients. Sourdough discard already contains natural acids and residual wild yeast that gently tenderize the dough. Baking powder gives it an instant lift during baking, resulting in a texture that’s surprisingly close to traditional yeast rolls.

Plus, the enriched dough includes egg, milk, and melted butter, all of which contribute moisture and softness. The result? Rolls that are light yet satisfying, with just enough chew to remind you of a well-made homemade bake.

Cinnamon Filling: Rich, Sweet, and Comforting

No cinnamon roll is complete without that iconic swirl of cinnamon-sugar filling. In this recipe, softened butter is spread generously over rolled-out dough before being topped with a blend of brown sugar and cinnamon. As the rolls bake, the filling melts into the dough, creating gooey, fragrant layers that make every bite a pleasure.

You can even customize the filling if you want to:

• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.

• Sprinkle in raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy burst of sweetness.

• Use cardamom or nutmeg alongside cinnamon for a more complex flavor.

The beauty of these quick cinnamon rolls is how adaptable they are, whether you prefer the classic cinnamon-brown sugar combo or want to experiment with new add-ins.

Icing That Brings It All Together

After a brief 20-minute bake, the cinnamon rolls emerge golden and puffed, just begging for a final flourish. The icing is a simple vanilla glaze, made from powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a hint of vanilla extract. Drizzle it over warm rolls and watch it melt into the crevices.

This step is optional but let’s be honest, who can resist a cinnamon roll with icing?

If you’re feeling indulgent, you can:

• Make a cream cheese frosting instead.

• Add maple syrup or almond extract for a flavor twist.

• Leave it off entirely for a less-sweet, more breakfast-appropriate version.

Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert

What makes these cinnamon rolls even more appealing is their versatility. You can enjoy them:

• Fresh out of the oven for breakfast or brunch.

• Cooled and reheated the next day just pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

• Served with ice cream or whipped cream for dessert.

• Packed in lunch boxes as a sweet mid-day treat.

They also make an excellent offering for potlucks, family gatherings, holiday mornings, or bake sales. Because the recipe is fast and doesn’t require yeast, it’s perfect for spontaneous baking with kids, or for when you need to whip something up without a trip to the store.

Sustainability and Waste Reduction

One of the most satisfying aspects of using sourdough discard is reducing food waste. Instead of throwing away a perfectly good ingredient, you’re repurposing it into something enjoyable. It’s a small but meaningful way to practice sustainability in your home kitchen.

Every time you bake with sourdough discard, you not only save money, but also give new life to something that would otherwise go to waste. Over time, these little changes add up both in your pantry and on the planet.

Pro Tips for Success

Here are a few tried-and-true tips to make sure your cinnamon rolls come out perfect every time:

1. Use room-temperature discard — Cold discard can make the dough stiffer and harder to work with.

2. Don’t over-knead — A light hand ensures the dough stays tender.

3. Use a sharp knife or floss to cut rolls — This helps maintain their shape.

4. Bake until just golden — Overbaking will dry them out, so keep a close eye.

5. Let them cool slightly before icing — This gives the icing time to settle without completely melting away.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re a sourdough pro with jars of discard piling up or someone new to the magic of homemade baked goods, these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are the kind of recipe that delivers every time. Fast, flavorful, and full of homemade charm, they’re perfect for busy mornings or when you need a comforting treat without the wait.

What’s most rewarding is knowing you can make something so satisfying with just a few pantry staples and a bit of kitchen creativity. These cinnamon rolls aren’t just quick and easy they’re a celebration of good food, sustainability, and the joy of baking from scratch.