Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Golden Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Brunch Joy

Crafting delectable overnight sourdough cinnamon rolls can transform your weekend breakfast into a magical experience.

Soft, pillowy dough rises slowly through the night, developing rich complex flavors.

Wild fermentation creates an incredible depth that commercial yeasted versions cannot match.

Each roll promises a delightful blend of tangy sourdough and warm cinnamon sweetness.

Minimal ingredients and patient technique unlock extraordinary results in your home kitchen.

Precise steps and careful temperature control ensure perfect texture and irresistible aroma.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these incredible homemade treats.

Why Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Make Mornings Special

Why Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Make Mornings Special
  • Simplify Breakfast Routine: Prepare the dough the night before and wake up to a delightful morning treat without the morning hassle.
  • Master Sourdough Skills: Learn to transform your sourdough starter into a delicious breakfast pastry, expanding your baking expertise with a fun and approachable recipe.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a warm, gooey breakfast that brings family and friends together, offering a nostalgic and satisfying morning experience.
  • Flexible Baking Adventure: Customize the rolls with different spices or add-ins like nuts or dried fruits to make the recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients For Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Flour Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary foundation for creating the soft and tender texture of the cinnamon rolls.
  • Bread Flour: Provides additional protein to help develop a strong and elastic dough structure.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and creates a rich, tender crumb in the rolls.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
  • Sourdough Starter: Provides a tangy flavor and helps with fermentation and rise.
  • Melted Butter, Vanilla Extract: Enhance the overall flavor and moisture of the rolls.
Flavor and Filling Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create the classic sweet and spicy filling that defines cinnamon rolls.
  • Instant Yeast, Salt: Support the dough's rising process and balance the overall flavor.
  • Softened Butter, Powdered Sugar, Milk: Essential for creating the delicious filling and creamy icing topping.

Steps To Prep Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Overnight

Step 1: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add active sourdough starter and blend thoroughly. Incorporate the egg and mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Instant yeast
  • Ground cinnamon

Whisk these dry ingredients in a separate bowl until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create Dough

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, creating a soft, slightly sticky dough. If the dough feels too wet, sprinkle additional flour. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Allow First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Punch down the risen dough and roll into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick. Spread softened butter across the entire surface. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 6: Shape and Slice Rolls

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a compact log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving slight spacing between each roll. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 7: Bake Morning Rolls

Remove rolls from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and perfectly risen.

Step 8: Create Creamy Icing

  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle warm icing over freshly baked rolls immediately after removing from oven. Serve and enjoy the delectable sourdough cinnamon rolls!

Pro Tips For Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

  • Control Dough Stickiness: Add flour gradually to manage the dough's texture without making it too dry, ensuring a perfect elastic consistency.
  • Optimize Overnight Rise: Let rolls rest in the refrigerator to develop deeper sourdough flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Perfect Butter Distribution: Spread softened butter evenly across the dough to guarantee a rich, consistent filling in every roll.
  • Adjust Baking Time: Watch rolls carefully during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a soft, tender texture.
  • Temperature Matters: Allow refrigerated rolls to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even rising and consistent baking results.

Tasty Variations For Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Dough

  • Gluten-Free Sourdough Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using rice, almond, and tapioca flour. Add xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap milk with almond or oat milk. Use coconut oil instead of butter for filling and icing. Ensure plant-based ingredients match original recipe's consistency.
  • Whole Wheat Healthy Version: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Add ground flaxseed for extra nutrition. Reduce sugar content and use coconut sugar for a healthier sweetener.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Roll Option: Replace egg with mashed banana or flax egg. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter alternative. Modify icing with powdered sugar and non-dairy milk for creamy texture.

Pairing Tips For Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

  • Pair Warm Coffee with Cinnamon Rolls: Bold, freshly brewed coffee cuts through the sweetness of the rolls, creating a perfect morning balance. The robust coffee flavor complements the rich, buttery texture of the sourdough cinnamon rolls.
  • Serve with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting: Enhance the rolls' flavor by adding a tangy vanilla cream cheese spread. This creamy addition provides a smooth contrast to the warm, spicy cinnamon and adds an extra layer of decadence.
  • Complement with Spiced Chai Tea: Brew a warming chai tea that echoes the cinnamon notes in the rolls. The aromatic spices in chai will harmonize beautifully with the sweet, buttery pastry, creating a comforting and indulgent breakfast experience.

Storage Advice For Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Recipe

  • Seal completely cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.
  • Keep rolls at room temperature in a covered container for 1-2 days, ensuring they remain soft and fresh for quick snacking.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.

FAQs For Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Overnight

  • What is a sourdough starter, and why use it in this recipe?

A sourdough starter is a fermented mixture of flour and water containing wild yeast and bacteria. It adds a tangy flavor and helps create a softer, more complex texture in the cinnamon rolls compared to traditional yeast.

  • Can I make this recipe without a sourdough starter?

While the sourdough starter is key to the recipe’s unique flavor, you can substitute it with active dry yeast. However, you’ll lose the distinctive sourdough taste and texture that makes these rolls special.

  • How do I know when the dough has risen properly?

The dough is ready when it has roughly doubled in size and feels puffy when gently pressed. In a warm room, this typically takes about 1 hour, but it can vary depending on your kitchen temperature.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cinnamon Roll lovers rejoice as these delectable Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls weave magic with tangy sourdough and warm spices. Pillowy spirals of sweet comfort promise a breakfast experience that elevates morning moments with irresistible homemade charm you’ll savor to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Filling and Topping:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing vessel, whisk together warm milk, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until harmoniously blended. Incorporate sourdough starter, ensuring a smooth mixture.
  2. Gently fold in the egg, stirring until completely integrated.
  3. Sift flour, salt, instant yeast, and ground cinnamon in a separate container, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  4. Gradually merge dry ingredients into wet components, forming a cohesive yet slightly tacky dough. Adjust flour quantity if needed for optimal consistency.
  5. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead methodically for 5-7 minutes, developing a silky, elastic texture.
  6. Shape dough into a rounded form and nestle it in a greased bowl. Drape with a protective cover, allowing it to ferment at ambient temperature for approximately 1 hour until volume doubles.
  7. Deflate risen dough gently. Roll into a rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick on a lightly dusted work surface.
  8. Liberally spread softened butter across the dough’s expanse. Distribute brown sugar and cinnamon evenly, creating a fragrant layer.
  9. Commence rolling from the elongated edge, creating a tightly wound log. Slice into 1-inch segments, positioning rolls in a prepared baking dish with modest spacing.
  10. Refrigerate overnight, allowing flavor development and slow fermentation.
  11. Retrieve rolls from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  12. Bake for 25-30 minutes until achieving a golden, enticing complexion.
  13. Simultaneously prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  14. Immediately drizzle icing over freshly emerged rolls, serving while warm and decadent.

Notes

  • Fermentation Magic: Let your sourdough starter work its flavor-enhancing charm by allowing a longer, slower rise at room temperature, which develops deeper, more complex taste profiles.
  • Flour Power: Choose high-protein bread flour for extra chewiness and structure, ensuring your rolls have that perfect soft yet substantial texture that sourdough lovers crave.
  • Temperature Tricks: Keep ingredients around 70-75°F for optimal sourdough fermentation, helping the dough rise evenly and develop rich, tangy notes without overwhelming sourness.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a delightful vegan-friendly adaptation that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 292
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 173 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star