Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: A Weekend Baking Project You'll Love
Are you ready to elevate your weekend baking game? These sourdough cinnamon rolls are not your average cinnamon rolls. The tangy sourdough adds a depth of flavor that will leave you craving more. This recipe delivers unbelievably soft, fluffy rolls with a perfectly spiced cinnamon filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Get ready for a baking adventure that's worth every minute!
What Makes This Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Recipe Special?
This recipe isn't just about throwing together ingredients; it's about crafting a truly exceptional experience. Here's what sets it apart:
- Sourdough Starter: The star of the show! Our sourdough starter contributes a unique tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon filling beautifully. It also creates a lighter, airier crumb structure.
- Overnight Rise: This allows for a slow fermentation, developing complex flavors and a supremely tender texture. No need to rush – let the dough do its thing!
- Easy-to-Follow Instructions: We break down the process into manageable steps, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Irresistible Flavor Combinations: The classic cinnamon sugar filling is enhanced by the sourdough, creating a flavor profile you won't find anywhere else. The creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Sourdough Starter:
- 50g active sourdough starter (fed 4-6 hours prior)
For the Dough:
- 300g bread flour
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 50g granulated sugar
- 5g salt
- 10g instant yeast
- 150ml lukewarm milk (or water)
- 50g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 100g cream cheese, softened
- 50g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flours, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add the lukewarm milk (or water), softened butter, and egg.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add the sourdough starter and knead for another 2 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Preparing the Filling:
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
3. Assembling the Rolls:
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (approximately 12x18 inches).
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Cover and let rise for another 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Baking the Rolls:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before frosting.
5. Making the Frosting:
- Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until light and fluffy.
6. Frosting and Serving:
- Once the rolls are slightly cooled, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Use a good quality sourdough starter: This will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your rolls.
- Don't over-knead the dough: This can lead to tough rolls.
- Let the dough rise properly: This is crucial for achieving soft and fluffy rolls.
- Don't overcrowd the baking pan: This will prevent the rolls from rising properly.
Keywords: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Sourdough Bread, Baking Recipe, Weekend Baking, Easy Cinnamon Rolls, Delicious Cinnamon Rolls, Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls, Sourdough Starter, Cinnamon Roll Recipe
This SEO-optimized blog post incorporates relevant keywords, uses headers for organization, and provides a detailed and engaging recipe. Remember to also promote your post on social media and other platforms to maximize its reach.