Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

These Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls feature a fluffy texture and are topped with creamy icing. Their unique preparation method highlights the beauty of sourdough baking, making them a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Soft: These cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy thanks to the sourdough base.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy them warm for breakfast or as an afternoon snack; they fit any time of day!
• Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch with simple ingredients, you know exactly what’s in them.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful swirls and icing make these rolls a showstopper for gatherings.
• Perfectly Sweetened: The balance of cinnamon and sugar creates a heavenly flavor that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Digital food scale
• Mixing bowl
• Dough hook or spatula
• Rolling pin
• Dough scraper
• Cinnamon roll pan (9 x 13 inches)
• Roasting pan (for steam)

Importance of Each Tool

• Digital food scale: Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results every time.
• Dough hook or spatula: Helps mix and knead the dough efficiently without tiring your arms.
• Cinnamon roll pan: Perfectly shapes your rolls while allowing them to rise together beautifully.

Ingredients

These Beautifully swirled buns are made of our delicate soft sourdough bread rolled with butter and cinnamon sugar. It’s all topped off with a yummy icing.

For the Dough

• 150 grams starter-freshly fed and active (2/3 Cups)
• 325 grams warm water (1 1/3 Cups)
• 25 grams honey (1 1/2 Tablespoon)
• 20 grams avocado oil (or any flavorless vegetable oil) (1 Tablespoon)
• 500 grams White bread flour (high protein) (4 Cups)
• 10 grams Salt (1/2 Tablespoon)

For the Filling

• 78 grams melted butter-(1/3 cup use the amount of butter it takes to cover your dough evenly)
• 2 Tablespoons cinnamon
• 99 grams sugar- (either brown sugar or cane sugar works)-1(/2 Cup)
• 150 grams dried raisins (1 cup)
• 150 grams water (for plumping raisins) (2/3 Cups) – Plump for 1 to 2 hours.

For the Icing

• 225 grams Powdered sugar (2 Cups)
• 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon (optional)
• 75 Grams melted butter- (1/3 Cup)
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla
• 4 Tablespoons (as needed) water or milk

How to Make Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Starter

Begin with a very active recently fed starter. It should pass the float test.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Set a large bowl on a digital food scale set to grams and press the tare button. The scale should read zero.
Pour in the water to weight of 325 g. Press tare.
Pour in 150 grams of starter. Press tare until it forms a floating mass on the water.
Add the oil and honey, pressing tare after each addition. Whisk together until mixed.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Add in 500 grams of flour and mix using a dough hook, spatula, or your wet hands until you form a shaggy ball of dough.

Step 4: Autolyse

Let the dough rest on your counter in the bowl for about one hour.

Step 5: Add Salt

Sprinkle salt across dough. Spritz with water bottle and work in the salt with wet hands before resting for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Stretch and Fold

Begin Stretch and Folds; perform four rounds spaced 30 minutes apart. The dough is ready when it passes the window pane test.

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

Dump the dough onto an oiled or bare work surface without flouring it. Spray your rolling pin with either water or oil, then roll out into a rectangle about 12 inches wide by 15 inches long.

Step 8: Prepare Filling

Mix cinnamon and sugar together while spreading melted butter over the entire surface of the dough top. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mix evenly over this layer followed by soaked plumped raisins.

Step 9: Roll Up Dough

Release the dough from the counter along one narrow edge slowly while rolling it up tightly into a jelly roll shape. Pull gently until it forms an even tube before measuring and cutting into evenly sized rounds.

Step 10: Arrange Rolls

Oil your cinnamon roll pan, placing rounds face up so that they touch slightly. Allow them to rise until they swell together in a warm place for about 60 to 90 minutes.

Continue following these steps as outlined, ensuring each phase is done accurately for perfectly baked Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are versatile and sure to please everyone.

With Cream Cheese Icing

• A generous drizzle of cream cheese icing adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon flavor.

Served Warm

• Enjoy your rolls warm from the oven to enhance their soft texture and aromatic spices.

Topped with Fresh Fruits

• Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas on the side for a refreshing contrast to the sweet rolls.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the richness of the rolls, making for a cozy pairing.

As a Dessert with Ice Cream

• Serve these rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that takes them to another level.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that balances out the richness of the rolls.

How to Perfect Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

To achieve the best results with your Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls, follow these essential tips. These will help you create a batch that’s fluffy and flavorful every time.

• Use an Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is freshly fed and has passed the float test for optimal rise and flavor.

• Measure Accurately: Use a digital scale to measure ingredients precisely, ensuring consistent results in texture and taste.

• Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow adequate time for dough rising; this enhances flavor development and creates airy rolls.

• Roll Evenly: Roll out your dough uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent swirls in each roll.

• Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating shaped rolls before baking helps maintain their structure while contributing to their unique texture.

• Bake Until Done: Use a thermometer to check internal temperature; aim for 195-200°F for perfectly cooked rolls.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

While Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are delicious on their own, they pair well with several side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to the meal.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, nutritious complement that contrasts beautifully with sweet rolls.

3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein that balances out the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.

4. Bacon or Sausage Links: Crispy bacon or savory sausage links add a salty crunch that pairs well with sweet flavors.

5. Smoothie Bowl: Blend up your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds as a refreshing side dish option.

6. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns deliver satisfying texture while offering a savory counterpoint to sweet cinnamon rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using inactive starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is freshly fed and active. An inactive starter will not provide the rise you need.
• Skipping the autolyse: This step helps develop gluten and improve dough texture. Don’t rush it; allow the dough to rest for an hour after mixing.
• Overproofing the dough: Keep an eye on the rising time. Overproofed dough can collapse, resulting in dense rolls. Aim for a warm, draft-free area during proofing.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and water.
• Neglecting the icing consistency: The icing should be thick yet pourable. Adjust with water or milk until it can flow over the rolls without being too runny.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm rolls for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a covered skillet with a splash of water to create steam, heat on low for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls different from regular cinnamon rolls?

Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls use sourdough starter instead of yeast, giving them a unique flavor and texture that’s both soft and chewy.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before proceeding.

How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are fully baked?

Check with a digital thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 195°F to 200°F (90°C to 93°C) when done.

Can I customize my Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Add nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices like nutmeg for variety in flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are not just delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. With options for customization, you can make them uniquely yours. Try this recipe today and enjoy the cozy comfort they bring!