Can I use sourdough discard for cinnamon rolls?

Yes! Sourdough discard brings a pleasant tang and softness to cinnamon roll dough. In recipes like this one that use baking powder, it acts as a flavor booster and a moisture enhancer without needing extra rise time. Just make sure your discard is unfed but not spoiled.

Is sourdough discard still gut healthy?

Sourdough discard may retain some of the beneficial acids and enzymes created during fermentation, but it’s less probiotic than fully fermented sourdough. While not as active, it’s still easier to digest than traditional flour for many people. For gut-friendly options, consider longer fermentation recipes like sourdough sandwich bread.

What is the biggest mistake you can make with your sourdough starter?

Neglecting your starter is the most common issue—especially letting it go moldy or underfeeding it during warmer weather. Another mistake is over-discarding without using it! Recipes like these cinnamon roll bites are perfect to keep that discard purposeful and prevent waste. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls in our starter care guide.

What uses a lot of sourdough discard?

Anything with batter or bulk dough is great—think sourdough discard muffins, crackers, or pancakes. But cinnamon roll bites are ideal when you want to use up ½ to 1 cup of discard fast with no rise time required.

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites: A Cozy, Waste-Free Treat

Name: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites: A Cozy, Waste-Free Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sourdough discard; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup milk or buttermilk; 2 tbsp softened butter; 2 tbsp melted butter; ⅓ cup brown sugar; 2 tsp cinnamon; ½ cup powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1–2 tbsp milk

Description

Quick, cozy, and made with zero waste—these sourdough discard cinnamon roll bites are soft, golden, and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

1 cup sourdough discard
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup milk or buttermilk
2 tbsp softened butter

Filling :

2 tbsp melted butter
⅓ cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Optional Glaze :

½ cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease or line a baking dish.

Mix discard, milk, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Turn dough out on floured surface, knead lightly, then roll into rectangle.

Spread melted butter, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.

Roll up into a log and slice into 1 to 1.5 inch pieces.

Place slices in dish, close together but not tight.

Bake 20–22 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes.

You can prep dough the night before and bake in the morning.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 22 mins
Category: Sourdough Discard Recipes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American