Why Make This Recipe

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites are a delightful way to use leftover sourdough starter. They are gooey, quick to make, and impossible to resist. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these bites fill your kitchen with a warm cinnamon aroma. Plus, they offer a fun twist on traditional cinnamon rolls without requiring hours of rising time.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites

Ingredients

1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, 100% hydration)
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
1/3 cup warm milk (dairy or plant-based)
1/4 cup softened butter (for the filling)
1/2 cup brown sugar (for the filling)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for the filling)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for the glaze)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
1 tablespoon milk (for the glaze)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the glaze)

Directions

Mix the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, melted butter, and warm milk in a bowl to form a dough. Knead lightly for 2–3 minutes. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread the softened butter on top and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Roll the dough tightly and slice it into 1-inch pieces.
Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until the bites are golden.
Whisk together the glaze ingredients. Drizzle over the warm bites and serve.

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites

These bites are best enjoyed warm. You can serve them on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea. They are great for a brunch gathering or as a sweet treat any time of the day.

How to Store Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites

To store, place the leftover bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bite tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Tips to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites

Make sure your sourdough discard is at room temperature for the best results.
Dust your work surface generously with flour to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.
Experiment with extra toppings like chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel for added flavor.

Variation

Feel free to customize your filling by adding raisins, chopped apples, or nuts. You can also swap out the cinnamon for other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but this may change the texture slightly.

2. Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling, assemble them, and then refrigerate before baking. Just let them come to room temperature before cooking.

3. What can I use instead of cream cheese for the glaze?

You can replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or omit it entirely and just mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla for a simpler glaze.