Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! Welcome back to my cozy kitchen, where the aroma of something sweet is always in the air. Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also helps you reduce waste in the kitchen, Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites. If you love gooey, warm, and fluffy treats, then these little bite-sized wonders are going to become your new favorite. With the tangy flavor of sourdough paired perfectly with cinnamon and a drizzle of creamy glaze, they are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend brunch or a cozy night in. So, grab your apron and let’s make some kitchen magic!
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
Let’s talk about why this recipe is simply irresistible. First off, we get to use sourdough discard, which is often overlooked but packed with flavor. You’re not just baking; you’re reducing waste and making the most out of your sourdough starter. These cinnamon roll bites are incredibly quick to prepare, allowing you to whip them up in no time when that sweet craving hits.
Moreover, they are versatile! You can enjoy them as they are or serve them with a luscious cream cheese glaze drizzled on top. Each bite is soft, gooey, and bursting with cinnamon goodness. Plus, with a beautiful golden-brown exterior, they look as good as they taste! You can even freeze them for later, a real lifesaver for those busy mornings.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the magic of baking! Here is your step-by-step guide on how to make these easy and delectable 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 filling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Mix It Up: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, melted butter, and warm milk. Stir until a dough starts to form.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s smooth. Let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
Shape It Right: Roll the dough into a rectangle that’s about 1/4 inch thick. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract evenly across.
Roll & Slice: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 1-inch pieces to create your cinnamon roll bites.
Bake or Air Fry: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the bites on a baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or air fry them at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant.
Glaze It: While the bites are baking, whisk together the ingredients for the glaze, cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Once the bites are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze on while they’re still warm.

Best Ways to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
Now that your kitchen is filled with blissful cinnamon aromas, let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy your cinnamon roll bites. These irresistible treats are fantastic on their own, but why not take it to the next level? Serve them warm with a side of fresh fruit, or pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a lovely breakfast or brunch spread. You can also plate the bites on a festive dish and sprinkle some chopped nuts or extra cinnamon for a delightful presentation.
For a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends, suggesting a cinnamon roll bite platter complete with various toppings like additional glaze, chocolate sauce, or even nuts will create a beautiful interaction around the dish!
Keeping Your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites Fresh
You just made a batch of delectable cinnamon roll bites, and now you’re wondering how to store them. After they’ve cooled down, place the bites in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just ensure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat the bites in the oven or microwave. A quick zap in the microwave will bring back that gooeyness you loved, while a short time in the oven will refresh their delightful crispness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
Want to make your cinnamon roll bites even better? Here are some expert tips to ensure your success:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Your baking powder should be fresh for the best rise and texture. Check the expiration date before using it.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the dough to rest makes it easier to roll out and gives you a better final product.
- Mix and Match Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the filling! You could add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a fun twist.
- Make This Ahead of Time: If you want to prep ahead, you can roll the dough and slice the bites the day before. Just cover them tightly in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Delicious Variations of Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
The beauty of these cinnamon roll bites is their adaptability! Here are a few variations to consider:
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add some pumpkin puree to the dough for an autumnal flavor. Swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin spice for an extra cozy treat.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Cocoa Goodness: For chocolate lovers, add cocoa powder to the dough and chocolate chips to the filling for rich chocolatey bites.
FAQs
1. Can I use fed sourdough starter instead of discard?
Absolutely! While discard is perfect for this recipe, a fed starter will work just as well. Just keep in mind it may affect the flavor slightly.
2. Can I make these cinnamon roll bites gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup.
3. How do I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and slice the rolls a day before. Keep them covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake the next day. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes!
Now, you’re fully equipped with a wonderful recipe for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites! They are not only delightful to eat but also a loving way to utilize your sourdough discard. Happy baking, friend!
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Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and gooey cinnamon roll bites made with sourdough discard, perfect for reducing waste while satisfying your sweet cravings.
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 filling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, melted butter, and warm milk. Stir until a dough starts to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle that’s about 1/4 inch thick. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract evenly across.
- Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 1-inch pieces.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the bites on a baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
- While the bites are baking, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Once the bites are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze on while still warm.
Notes
Serve warm with fresh fruit or coffee. Can be frozen for up to a month and reheated.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
