Sort:  

Part 1/7:

The Ultimate Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Cinnamon rolls have long been a cherished family treat, and there's something particularly special about the combination of sourdough with classic flavors. This recipe promises to yield the best soft, cinnamony, buttery sourdough cinnamon rolls - perfect for any holiday gathering. Today, we will walk through the process step by step, ensuring that you can create this delicious family favorite in your own kitchen.

Ingredients and Preparation

To start your journey towards the best cinnamon rolls, gather the following ingredients:

  • Room temperature milk

  • Active sourdough starter

  • Melted, cooled butter

  • Room temperature eggs

  • Vanilla extract

  • Sugar

  • Salt

  • Flour (either all-purpose or bread flour)

Part 2/7:

With your ingredients ready, you can either use a stand mixer or knead the dough by hand. For ease, the stand mixer is recommended.

Mixing the Dough

In the mixing bowl, combine the room temperature milk and the active sourdough starter. Next, add the cooled melted butter, followed by the eggs, which should be cracked into a separate bowl to prevent any eggshells from contaminating the mixture. Whisk in the vanilla extract, sugar, and salt until you achieve a cohesive mixture.

Gradually add the flour while mixing on low to medium speed, ensuring that you measure accurately to prevent overly dense cinnamon rolls. Once the flour is fully incorporated, increase your mixture speed and knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it is soft and no longer sticking to the sides of the bowl.

Part 3/7:

If kneading by hand, this process should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once ready, transfer the dough to a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for about two hours. For optimal flavor and texture, transfer the covered dough to the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours. While this step can be skipped, the overnight refrigeration is highly advisable.

Rolling and Shaping the Rolls

When ready to roll out your dough, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about two hours. Preheat your oven and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish while lightly flouring your work surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 17 by 10 inches.

Part 4/7:

Spread softened butter across the top of the dough, a crucial step as it helps the filling adhere. Sprinkle a generous mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the butter. To ensure a visually appealing result, cut the dough into strips (using a pizza cutter works best) before rolling them up tightly. Pinch the ends of each roll to prevent them from unraveling during the proofing phase.

Proofing and Baking

Arrange the prepared rolls in the buttered baking dish and cover them with a damp kitchen towel. Let them proof in a warm area for 2 to 3 hours, or until they've puffed up significantly. A common method is placing them in an oven with just the light on, since the gentle heat can encourage rising.

Part 5/7:

Once proofed, bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 18 to 20 minutes. It’s important to monitor them closely and remove them when the edges begin to turn golden. If you own a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach between 190°F and 200°F for optimal doneness.

Preparing the Icing

While the cinnamon rolls are baking, it’s time to whip up the icing. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese, adding vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Begin mixing on low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar, then switch to high for 2 to 3 minutes until airy and light.

Part 6/7:

Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, allow them to rest for 5 minutes before spreading on your homemade icing. The light warmth of the rolls will cause some of the icing to melt, making for a delicious glaze.

The Final Taste Test

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. With the rolls baked and iced, it’s time for the all-important taste test. As you take your first bite, you’ll experience the delightful fluffiness, the richness of butter, and the perfect sweetness of the icing. The layers will peel apart beautifully, revealing the luxurious cinnamon-sugar filling within.

Part 7/7:

This recipe not only showcases robust flavors but brings the warmth and joy of family traditions into your kitchen. You might just find that these sourdough cinnamon rolls become your new favorite holiday treat, bringing smiles to everyone around the table.

Conclusion

Baking these sourdough cinnamon rolls is an engaging experience that yields incredibly satisfying results. It’s an excellent option for weekend brunches or festive occasions, and the delicious aroma wafting through your home will surely evoke the spirit of holiday gatherings. Don’t forget to enjoy every moment of this culinary adventure; after all, treating yourself and your family to such a delicious dessert is what makes baking worthwhile.