Savory Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists

Posted on April 1, 2026

This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists comes together in about 30 minutes, baking up deliciously with just a quick and easy knead. Whether you’re looking for a cozy after-school snack or a fun dessert to share, your family will love these twists!

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s dive into the good stuff, what you’ll need to whip up these sourdough discard cinnamon sugar twists:

1 cup (240 ml) sourdough discard: This can be fed or unfed, whatever you have on hand!
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting.
1 tsp (4 g) baking powder: A little boost for fluffiness.
1/2 tsp (3 g) salt: Because, y’know, a couple pinches enhance the flavor magic!
4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled: This is the real flavor bomb in this recipe.
1/3 cup (67 g) brown sugar, packed: Get that sweet caramel-like goodness!
2 tsp (4 g) cinnamon powder: For a cozy, spiced warmth.
2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar: A little granulated contrast to our brown sugar.
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract (optional): I mean, who doesn’t love a hint of vanilla?
1 large egg, beaten: Works like a charm for sticking things together, plus the egg wash is just gorgeous!
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunch.
Optional: 1 tsp orange zest: Just when you think it can’t get better, this will make your twists pop with zing!

How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists

Ready to get your hands doughy? Here’s how we’ll craft these delicious treats!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell incredible.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a couple pinches of salt. Ah, that heavenly flour dust!
In a separate bowl, stir the sourdough discard, melted butter, vanilla (if using), and the beaten egg until it’s smooth and creamy, you want this mix to be like a lovely hug on a chilly day.
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. This might take a little elbow grease, but it’s totally worth it.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 3 minutes. You’re looking for a slightly sticky but manageable dough that feels good to work with.
Now comes the fun part! Roll the dough into a 12 by 8 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. The more even, the better, but perfection is overrated, remember, we’re here to have fun!
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and granulated sugar. That scent? Pure joy!
Use the reserved beaten egg to brush the rolled dough and then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface, that nice golden sheen is what you’re after!
Cut the dough into 1 inch strips and twist each strip 3 to 5 times. This is where your inner baker can really shine, play with those twists! Then, place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly brush the twists with the egg wash for that beautiful, shiny finish and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like a sweet bakery.
Once they’re done, cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before devouring them, though, I don’t judge if you snag one hot out of the oven!

If you loved this Savory Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists, be sure to check out my Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls, my Pumpkin Sourdough Bread, or my Brown Butter Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Honestly, this comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for when the kids come home from school and need a little something to tide them over until dinner.

Customizable

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can switch in different spices, use different types of sugar, or even toss in some chocolate chips or dried fruit. Seriously, get creative! Sourdough discard is like your best buddy in the kitchen, just use what you’ve got.

Kid-Friendly

It’s playful, it’s fun, and hey, who doesn’t love cinnamon sugar twists? These can easily become a homework reward, or a hit with your little ones during movie night. You might want to prepare double the recipe, though, trust me.

Comfort Food

These twists are loaded with tons of flavor that just reminds you of home. They provide that cozy, warm feeling that you only get from freshly baked goods.

Budget-Friendly

Every ingredient here is a staple in most homes, which makes this an easy way to use up that sourdough starter hanging out in your fridge without the fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to prevent waste!

Serving Suggestions

Now, let’s chat about how to serve these beauties. These delightful Savory Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists are perfect on their own, maybe with a cup of tea or your favorite hot beverage. But if you really want to wow your family, serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or a side of fruit preserves. Yum!

Storage

These twists will keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for about 2-3 days, if they last that long! They also freeze beautifully, just pop them in a freezer-safe bag once they’ve cooled down completely and they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds for that warm and gooey comfort.

And hey, if you forget they’re in there and get distracted, they’re still delicious at room temperature, trust me!

There you have it! Your delicious, homemade Savory Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists are ready to become a family favorite. Each twist is a cozy hug made with love, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe out. Whether you’re crafting a simple weeknight snack or celebrating, these sweet delights are sure to please.

So… are you ready to indulge? Let’s get cooking! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.