Naturally Sweet Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls (No Refined Sugar!)

Sweetened with Honey and Maple Syrup, These Are Guilt-Free & Totally Indulgent

If you love sourdough cinnamon rolls but want a better-for-you version, meet your new favorite bake: Naturally Sweet Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls—no refined sugar needed! Sweetened with honey and maple syrup, these rolls are every bit as tender, gooey, and satisfying as the classic version, but with a wholesome twist.

Perfect for anyone cutting back on processed sugar or simply looking to add more natural sweetness to their baking, these cinnamon rolls combine the depth of sourdough with earthy maple and floral honey notes in every bite.

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🍯 Why You’ll Love These Naturally Sweet Cinnamon Rolls

• 🌿 No refined sugar – Only maple syrup and honey, including in the glaze.

• 🥖 Sourdough-based – Naturally leavened, with incredible flavor and texture.

• 💪 Better-for-you baking – A wholesome treat without sacrificing indulgence.

• 🕒 Overnight-friendly – Easy to prepare in advance and bake fresh in the morning.

• 🍁 Fall-friendly flavor – Maple, cinnamon, and sourdough = cozy perfection.

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🛒 Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup (227g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)

• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)

• 1 large egg

• 3 tbsp honey

• 3 tbsp melted coconut oil or unsalted butter

• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

Filling

• 4 tbsp softened butter or coconut oil

• ⅓ cup maple syrup

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• Optional: ¼ tsp ground cardamom or nutmeg

Natural Glaze

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2–3 tbsp warm milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

🍂 Make-Ahead Timeline (Recommended)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Naturally Sweet Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1 – Mix the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together active sourdough starter, warm milk, egg, honey, and melted coconut oil.

2. Add flour and salt. Stir to combine, then knead for 8–10 minutes by hand (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.

3. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours, or until nearly doubled.

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Step 2 – Roll, Fill, and Shape

1. On a floured surface, roll out dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle.

2. Spread softened butter or coconut oil over the dough.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and cinnamon. Drizzle or brush this over the dough evenly.

4. Starting from the long edge, roll into a tight log. Slice into 9 even pieces.

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Step 3 – Refrigerate Overnight

Place rolls in a greased or parchment-lined 9×9” baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).

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Step 4 – Bake Fresh in the Morning

1. In the morning, let rolls sit at room temperature for 60–90 minutes until puffy.

2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Bake for 25–28 minutes, until golden brown and fully baked.

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Step 5 – Glaze and Serve

1. Whisk together maple syrup, honey, warm milk, and vanilla extract.

2. Pour glaze over warm rolls and let it sink into the swirls.

3. Serve warm, optionally with an extra drizzle of honey or crushed nuts on top.

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🍴 How to Store + Reheat

• Room Temp: Store in a covered container for 2 days.

• Fridge: Keeps up to 5 days. Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

• Freezer: Freeze baked (unfrosted) rolls for up to 1 month. Reheat and glaze just before serving.

❓ FAQs – Naturally Sweet Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Can I use sourdough discard instead of active starter?

You’ll need active starter for this recipe, as the dough relies entirely on natural fermentation. Discard doesn’t provide the lift needed unless you add yeast.

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What’s the difference between refined and unrefined sugar?

Refined sugar is highly processed (like white sugar). Unrefined sugars like honey and maple syrup retain some nutrients and offer more complex flavor.

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Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), plant-based milk, and coconut oil instead of butter. They’ll still be rich and flavorful.

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What’s the texture like with no refined sugar?

They’re soft, fluffy, and slightly moist—not dry or dense. Maple syrup adds subtle caramel-like notes, while honey keeps the crumb tender and naturally sweet.

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Can I make these rolls without the overnight step?

Yes. After shaping, let them rise at room temperature for 1.5–2 hours, then bake. The overnight method deepens flavor and fits better into busy schedules.

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🧁 Final Thoughts

These Naturally Sweet Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls strike the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. With no refined sugar, they’re a treat you can feel good about—and they don’t compromise on flavor, texture, or satisfaction.

Whether you’re embracing a healthier lifestyle or simply love the deep, earthy sweetness of maple and honey, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your fall (and year-round) baking lineup.