Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Delight

Baking has always felt like a warm hug for me, and these Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate expression of that love. There’s something magical about the combination of sourdough and the comforting sweetness of cinnamon that makes these rolls stand out from the crowd. Each bite is a delightful experience; the tangy notes from the sourdough perfectly balance the rich, gooey filling and the creamy frosting. I remember the first time I pulled a batch out of the oven, the smell wrapping around me like a cozy blanket. My family couldn’t wait for them to cool, and we ended up devouring them warm, frosting dripping into all the nooks and crannies. It’s a recipe that brings us together, and I can’t help but smile thinking about those mornings filled with laughter and sweet rolls. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll have a new favorite in your baking repertoire!

Ingredients List

To create these heavenly Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need a blend of simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s the breakdown:

• 100 g (1/3 cup) active sourdough starter: Make sure it’s bubbly and fresh! This is what gives our rolls that lovely tang and texture.
• 175 g (3/4 cup) warm milk: Warm the milk to about body temperature; this helps activate the yeast in your starter.
• 30 g (2 Tbsp) dark brown sugar: This adds a rich sweetness and depth to the dough.
• 57 g (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter, melted: Let it cool slightly before adding it to the mix—no one wants to scramble the egg!
• 5 g (3/4 tsp) salt: A crucial ingredient for flavor; don’t skip this step!
• 1 large egg, room temperature: Bring the egg to room temp beforehand. It helps everything blend more smoothly.
• 370 g (2 1/2 cups + 2 Tbsp) bread flour: This flour gives our rolls that soft and chewy texture. You could use all-purpose, but bread flour is the way to go!
• 120 g (1/2 cup) heavy cream, warm: This will be poured over the rolls before baking, making them extra moist and delicious.
• For the filling:
• 57 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure this is soft enough to spread easily, but not melted.
• 150 g (2/3 cup) dark brown sugar: This gives that gooey sweetness to the filling.
• 12 g (5 tsp) ground cinnamon: The star of the show! Make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor.
• For the frosting:
• 28 g (2 Tbsp) unsalted butter, room temperature: This helps create a creamy, dreamy frosting.
• 55 g (2 oz) cream cheese, room temperature: Let this soften to really blend smoothly into the frosting.
• 15 g (1 Tbsp) heavy cream: Just enough to help achieve that perfect frosting consistency.
• 90 g (3/4 cup) powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting beautifully, so it’s not too tangy.

With these ingredients prepped and ready, you’re on your way to making some of the best cinnamon rolls around! Remember, the little details matter, so take your time with the butter and eggs to ensure everything comes together perfectly.

How to Prepare Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, each step is worth it for that warm, gooey goodness. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

Preparing the Dough

First things first, we’ll mix our dough. Start by adding your active sourdough starter, warm milk, and dark brown sugar to the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix it up until everything is combined. Then, add the melted butter, salt, and room temperature egg. I can’t stress enough how important it is for that egg to be at room temp; it helps everything meld together beautifully!

Next, switch to the dough hook and gradually mix in the bread flour, adding about 70 g at a time. This method keeps things smooth and ensures there are no lumps. Once all the flour is in, knead the dough for about 5 minutes on medium speed until it’s smooth and elastic. You want it to feel soft and a little tacky, but not sticky. Now, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this usually takes about 6 to 7 hours. I like to place mine near the oven while it’s preheating for another dish!

Rolling and Filling

Once your dough has risen, it’s time for the fun part! Gently punch it down to release some air, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 16 × 12 inches. Don’t stress about perfection; just aim for a nice, even thickness!

Now, spread the softened butter over the entire surface of the dough. This is where that gooey filling magic starts! In a separate bowl, mix the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon together. Sprinkle this delicious mixture evenly over the buttered dough. The smell is already heavenly, isn’t it?

Shaping the Rolls

Next, it’s time to roll everything up! Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. This is where you can get a little fancy with it—just be sure to roll tightly to keep that filling inside. After you’ve rolled it up, trim the edges to make a clean cut. Now, slice the log into 9 equal rolls. I find that using a sharp knife or dental floss works wonders for a clean cut!

Final Rise and Baking

Place your rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving about ½ to 1 inch between them. Cover them again with a clean towel and let them rise until they’re puffy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 hours. This is a great time to preheat your oven to 350°F.

Before baking, pour the warm heavy cream over the rolls. This extra step ensures they’re extra moist and delicious. Bake them for about 30 to 35 minutes or until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F. Don’t forget to check for doneness; a kitchen thermometer is a handy tool here! Once they’re baked to perfection, let them cool slightly on a wire rack before frosting. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Tips for Success

Making the perfect Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls is all about the details. Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve the best results and avoid common pitfalls:

Use Fresh Ingredients

Always use fresh active sourdough starter! If it’s been sitting in your fridge for a while, give it a feeding a day or two before you bake. This ensures it’s bubbly and ready to work its magic. The same goes for your spices—fresh ground cinnamon makes a world of difference!

Temperature Matters

Keep an eye on the temperature of your ingredients! Room temperature eggs and melted butter are crucial for a smooth dough. If your kitchen is chilly, you can warm your bowl with hot water before mixing or let your dough rise in a slightly warmed oven (just turn it on for a minute and then turn it off!).

Don’t Rush the Rises

Patience is key! Allowing your dough to rise fully is essential for soft, fluffy rolls. If you find that your dough isn’t rising as expected, it might be too cold—try moving it to a warmer spot. I often place mine near the preheating oven, and it works like a charm!

Perfectly Measure Your Flour

Too much flour can lead to dense rolls. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. If you have a kitchen scale, it’s even better—weight measurements are the most reliable!

Experiment with Fillings

Feel free to get creative with your filling! You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra special twist. Just keep the proportions in mind so you don’t overwhelm the dough.

Frosting While Warm

For that melt-in-your-mouth experience, frost your rolls while they’re still warm. The heat will help the cream cheese frosting ooze into the cracks, creating a deliciously gooey treat. Just don’t wait too long—they’re best enjoyed fresh!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a batch of cinnamon rolls that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Each Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Roll is not only a treat for the taste buds but also comes with a bit of information to keep in mind. Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one roll:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, when you’re indulging in something as delicious as these cinnamon rolls, a little flexibility never hurts, right? Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

FAQs About Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I hear about making these Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls, along with my best tips to help you succeed.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Just shape the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take them out and let them rise for about 3 to 4 hours before baking. It’s a great way to have fresh rolls ready for brunch without the early morning rush!

What’s the best way to store leftover rolls?

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bring them to room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh out of the oven!

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour?

You can use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have, but keep in mind that it may result in slightly denser rolls. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which contributes to that lovely, chewy texture. If you want the best results, I recommend sticking with bread flour if possible!

What if I don’t have sourdough starter?

No worries! If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can use instant yeast instead. Just mix about 2 teaspoons of instant yeast with your dry ingredients and skip the sourdough starter. You might lose some of that tangy flavor, but your rolls will still be delicious!

How can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. For the frosting, try using dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free milk option. You won’t lose any of that delightful flavor!

What’s the best way to reheat the rolls?

The best way to reheat these rolls is in the oven. Just wrap them in foil and warm them at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will help them stay soft and fluffy. If you’re in a rush, a quick 20-30 seconds in the microwave works too, but be careful not to dry them out!

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you create the best cinnamon rolls ever!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Soft and Fluffy: Each roll is a cloud of delight, making every bite a soft, pillowy experience.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of tangy sourdough and sweet cinnamon creates a flavor explosion that’s simply unforgettable.
• Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting: The creamy frosting melts into the warm rolls, adding an extra level of richness that you won’t be able to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a sweet treat for an afternoon, these rolls fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare them the night before, allowing you to wake up to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
• Versatile Filling Options: Feel free to mix things up! Add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate for a twist on the classic.
• Great for Family Bonding: Baking these rolls together creates wonderful memories in the kitchen, making it a family affair everyone will enjoy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls properly will help keep them delicious and fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to do it:

Once your rolls have cooled slightly, place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend letting them come to room temperature before serving, as this helps restore their delightful softness. If you’re anything like me, you might not be able to resist having one (or two!) straight from the fridge, though!

If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, then let them rise for about 3 to 4 hours at room temperature before baking. You’ll have fresh, warm rolls in no time!

As for reheating, the best method is to pop them in the oven. Wrap your rolls in foil to keep them moist and warm them at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will help them regain that soft, fluffy texture we love. If you’re in a hurry, a quick spin in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds works too, but be careful not to overdo it or they might dry out. Trust me, you want to enjoy these rolls at their very best!

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