Same Day Cinnamon Rolls Light Flavor From Sourdough Discard

Cinnamon Rolls Light

These same-day cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly tangy thanks to sourdough discard just enough flavor to make them special, without needing an overnight rise. They’re cozy, sweet, and perfect when you want homemade rolls today, not tomorrow.

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
  • 1/3 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the filling:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • Optional: a pinch of nutmeg for warmth

For the glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Steps

  1. Make the dough. In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Add sourdough discard, egg, softened butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms don’t worry if it’s slightly sticky; it smooths out as you knead.
  2. Knead and rise. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 60–90 minutes, or until noticeably puffy (it doesn’t need to double).
  3. Roll it out. On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches.
  4. Add the filling. Spread softened butter, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
  5. Roll and slice. Roll up tightly from the long side. Slice into 9–12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
  6. Second rise. Let rolls rise 30–40 minutes until slightly puffy don’t worry if they look modest; they spring beautifully in the oven.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 20–22 minutes until lightly golden.
  8. Glaze. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over warm rolls.

Chef’s Tips

  • Use discard straight from the fridge: Cold discard still works because the instant yeast handles the lift.
  • Don’t over-flour: A slightly soft dough gives the most tender cinnamon rolls.
  • Let them cool 5 minutes before glazing: The icing melts just enough without disappearing.

Variations

  • Maple icing: Swap the vanilla for 1 tsp maple syrup.
  • Raisin swirl: Add 1/3 cup raisins to the filling for a classic touch.
  • Orange rolls: Add zest of 1 orange to the filling and glaze.