Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly); 1/2 cup whole milk (lukewarm); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting); 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp whole milk (more if needed for consistency)

Posted on March 27, 2026

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These sourdough cinnamon rolls come together in about 90 minutes and are perfect for a quick and cozy weekend treat your family will adore! Just imagine that warm, gooey goodness filling your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
1/2 cup whole milk (lukewarm)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temperature)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Filling Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional for extra warmth)

Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients

4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp whole milk (more if needed for consistency)

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine your active sourdough starter, lukewarm milk, softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until well combined, think creamy and smooth! Then, gradually add in the flour and sea salt. You’ll want to stir until the dough starts to come together. So, get your hands into it! Knead for about 5-7 minutes until it feels soft and elastic, ah, that’s the texture we want!

2. Make the Cinnamon Filling

In another bowl, soften your butter (either by setting it out early or microwaving it for about 15 seconds). Mix in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until it resembles a paste. The smell? Oh wow, it’s like an invitation to cinnamon paradise!

3. Assemble the Rolls

Once your dough has risen for about 30 minutes (check back, it should roughly double in size), roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Quickly spread your cinnamon filling over this beauty, making sure to get close to the edges. Gently roll it up starting from one long edge, and light pressure is key, rollback! Use a sharp knife (or unflavored dental floss for a nifty trick) to cut into 12 rolls, each should be about 1 inch thick.

4. Second Rise

Line a baking dish with parchment paper or cooking spray, then place your cut rolls in it, making sure they’re snug but not squished together. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

5. Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up nicely, pop them into the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly! I mean, truly, the smell alone is a major win!

6. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While those rolls are baking, let’s whip up the glaze! In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Prefer your glaze a bit runnier? Just add an extra tablespoon of milk until it reaches the consistency you desire.

7. Serve

Once your rolls are done baking, let them cool for about 10 minutes, then generously drizzle the glaze over the top. Serve warm, and watch your family swoon over them. Seriously, they might just lose their minds with the first bite!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Sourdough Discard Brownies, my Rye Sourdough Rolls, or my Carrot Cake Sourdough Bread!

What to Serve With These Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

I love serving these with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice. They’re perfect alongside a simple fruit salad or some crispy bacon for a truly indulgent breakfast spread. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with some homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist!

Storage and Reheating

These sourdough cinnamon rolls will last in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Honestly, they likely won’t last that long because everyone will be diving in! To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven for a bit. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll be good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the next rise and bake instructions.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

These sourdough cinnamon rolls come together in under 90 minutes. You won’t believe how simple they are!

Comfort Food

All rolled up, warm, and gooey, this recipe is loaded with tons of flavor and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Customizable

You can switch up the filling ingredients. Want to add pecans? Go for it! Craving chocolate chips? You do you!

Family-Friendly

This recipe is perfect for the whole family! It’s a great excuse to get the kids involved in the kitchen as they spread the gooey cinnamon filling and roll up those beautiful rolls.

As you can see, making these sourdough cinnamon rolls is an adventure, one every family should embark on together. So gather those ingredients, buckle up, and get ready for a sweet ride in your kitchen.

Happy baking! And for more recipes follow us on Pinterest.