Cozy Morning Must-Have: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Tangy, Sweet, and Perfect with a Cup of Coffee ☕

There’s something magical about starting the morning with the warm scent of cinnamon, butter, and freshly baked bread in the air. Enter: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls—the cozy morning essential you didn’t know you needed.

Soft, swirled, and slightly tangy thanks to sourdough starter, these rolls bring homemade bakery goodness right to your breakfast table. Add a hot cup of coffee and a drizzle of cream cheese icing, and you’ve got a slow morning masterpiece.

This recipe is built for comfort—but also for flavor, texture, and just the right balance of sweetness. Whether you’re treating yourself or baking for loved ones, these cinnamon rolls are pure joy in every swirl.

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☕ Why Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Are the Ultimate Morning Treat

• 🥖 Naturally leavened with sourdough starter—no commercial yeast required.

• 🧈 Pillowy-soft texture with rich, buttery spirals and gooey cinnamon filling.

• 🍯 Tangy-sweet flavor that balances beautifully with icing.

• 🕒 Overnight friendly—prep the night before, bake in the morning.

• 🍵 Pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a cozy chai latte.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

• 1 cup (227g) active sourdough starter

• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 4 tbsp (57g) melted butter

• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional for extra flavor)

• 3–4 tbsp softened butter

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened

• 3 tbsp butter, softened

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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🧰 Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl

• Rolling pin

• 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish

• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap

• Sharp knife or dental floss for slicing rolls

• Hand mixer or whisk for icing

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🕰 Flexible Prep Timeline (Overnight Suggested)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Cozy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1 – Mix and Knead the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix together your active sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, egg, and melted butter.

2. Add the flour and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand (or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.

💡 The dough should be soft but not sticky. If needed, add 1 tbsp flour at a time until workable.

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Step 2 – Bulk Fermentation

1. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest at room temperature for 4–6 hours.

2. The dough should roughly double in size and feel pillowy to the touch.

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Step 3 – Roll and Fill

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12×16 inches.

2. Spread softened butter evenly across the surface.

3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon (and vanilla if using). Sprinkle over buttered dough.

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Step 4 – Shape the Rolls

1. Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log.

2. Slice into 9–12 even rolls, depending on how big you want them.

3. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each one.

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Step 5 – Refrigerate Overnight

1. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean towel.

2. Let it rest in the refrigerator overnight (8–12 hours) for flavor and convenience.

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Step 6 – Bake & Ice in the Morning

1. Remove the rolls from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 45–60 minutes.

2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

4. While the rolls bake, prepare the icing.

5. Once slightly cooled (10–15 minutes), spread the cream cheese icing generously over warm rolls.

💡 Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a coffee-shop finish!

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☁️ Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

• Raisins for a classic touch

• A pinch of cardamom or clove in the filling for fall flavor

❓ FAQ – Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls for Cozy Mornings

Can I make these the same day?

Yes! After shaping, let the rolls rise at room temperature for 2–3 hours, then bake. The overnight method adds more depth of flavor, but same-day works well too.

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Do I need a super strong starter?

Your starter should be active and bubbly, ideally fed within the last 4–6 hours. It doesn’t need to be perfect—this is a very forgiving recipe.

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What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can make a simple vanilla glaze with just powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Or try a maple glaze for a twist!

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Can I freeze these?

Yes! You can freeze:

• Unbaked, shaped rolls – Freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Thaw overnight and bake fresh.

• Baked rolls (unfrosted) – Let cool, wrap tightly, and reheat before adding icing.

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Can I make mini rolls instead?

Absolutely. Slice your log into smaller, thinner rolls (around 12–14 pieces) and reduce baking time by 5–7 minutes.

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🧡 Final Thoughts: Bake Your Morning Cozy

These Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort bake—warm, soft, and just sweet enough to balance the tang of sourdough. Whether you’re savoring them with coffee on a slow Sunday or surprising loved ones with a cozy breakfast, these rolls are a simple luxury worth making.

So go ahead: brew the coffee, grab a fork, and enjoy the magic of cinnamon, sugar, and sourdough—one swirl at a time.