Apple Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls: An Easy Classic!

I love that you are going to try these apple sourdough discard cinnamon rolls! They are so yummy and I hope your family loves them as much as mine!

These are so good! I am excited to share this recipe with you all. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of fall flavors with these irresistible apple sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. Made from scratch, these soft, fluffy rolls feature tangy sourdough, sweet cinnamon, and juicy apples for a seasonal treat you’ll love. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert during the fall season! They capture the warm, comforting taste of autumn in every bite.

Baking with sourdough has become a beloved hobby for many. This sourdough cinnamon roll recipe is a delicious way to enjoy homemade sourdough bread while embracing the art of fermentation. I am about 5 years behind the curve, but on it nonetheless. If you are wondering what to do with your sourdough discard—the extra starter that you remove when feeding your sourdough culture, give this delicious recipe a try. Instead of tossing it, why not transform that discard into something sweet and delightful? Try making apple sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. 

This delicious treat combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the warm spices of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of apples. You don’t have to worry about rise time or waiting until the next morning for these rolls. They are ready to go within thirty minutes due to the baking powder and baking soda acting as the leavening agent in this recipe. Let’s get to baking!

Why Use Sourdough Discard?

Using sourdough discard in recipes is an excellent way to reduce waste and maximize the potential of your sourdough culture. Every time you feed your starter, you create excess discard that often ends up in the compost bin. By incorporating this discard into your baking, you add a unique flavor and texture to your recipes while also making the most of what you have. Sourdough discard adds a subtle tanginess to baked goods, enhances their moisture, and is yummy!

The Perfect Combination: Apples and Cinnamon

When you think of comforting fall flavors, apples and cinnamon immediately come to mind. Well, they do for me. The combination evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, reminding us of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. Using fresh apples in your cinnamon rolls not only adds natural sweetness and moisture but also complements the tangy notes of the sourdough. The result? A delectable roll that satisfies sweet cravings while providing a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

To create your apple sourdough discard cinnamon rolls, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough Ingredients:

1 cup sourdough discard (you can also use an active sourdough starter for this recipe)

1 cup water 

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup butter, melted

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 ¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Filling:

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons cinnamon

½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened ( just sit it out at room temperature about an hour before baking)

2 cups diced apples ( about 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

For the Icing (optional):

4 cup powdered sugar

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sourdough Discard Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, water, melted butter, and honey. Mix until well blended.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Use your hands to mix it well. Don’t over mix.

3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed. You don’t have to let the dough rise. The baking soda and baking powder take care of that in this recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling: Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

1. Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples. You don’t really have to peel them if you don’t want to. I love my apple peeler that my brother got me for Christmas several years ago. We had one growing up and he got my sister and I each one as a gift. It is perfect for this.

Step 3: Roll and Assemble

1. Roll Out the Dough: Transfer it to a floured work surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Add the filling: Spread the softened filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.

3. Add the Diced Apples: Sprinkle the diced apples over the filling. Sprinkle some added cinnamon and sugar on top if you wish. 

4. Roll It Up: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.

5. Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 1-2 inch thick pieces. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for them to expand. You can use a cast iron skillet for baking if you like. For best results, I prefer to use dental floss. It just works better for me.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

2. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

3. Cool Slightly: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for  a good ten to 15 minutes before icing.

Step 5: Prepare the Icing-Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are cooling, prepare the icing. In a large bowl, use a mixer to blend together the butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spread the icing over the cooled cinnamon rolls before serving. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, paired with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate fall treat! Cover the remaining icing with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Tips for Perfect Apple Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture. Opt for firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of sweetness and tartness.

• Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dough, mix just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can lead to tough rolls.

• Adjust for Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter rolls, increase the amount of brown sugar in the filling or icing to your taste.

• Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftover rolls (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container. I store ours in the refrigerator because of the icing. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 20 seconds until warmed through.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Apple sourdough discard cinnamon rolls are the perfect blend of cozy and comfort. They allow us to enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors of cinnamon rolls while making use of the sourdough starter discard that often goes to waste. Each bite delivers a delicious combination of tender dough, warm spices, and sweet apple chunks, all while being a slightly healthier alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls.

Also, you don’t have to use yeast or an active starter for this recipe. That means that you aren’t waiting on it to rise or having to make sure it is in a warm place. These are so good and your family will love them. They also heat up nicely so that you can enjoy them for the next few days. You can make them for special occasions, but why not turn a regular day into something special by serving up a warm cinnamon roll to whoever is nearby. 

And, oh my goodness, baking these rolls fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma that just smells like the essence of fall. Whether you serve them at brunch, enjoy them as an afternoon treat, or savor them for breakfast, these cinnamon rolls never fail to impress.

Embrace the Sourdough Lifestyle

Embracing the sourdough lifestyle opens up a world of delicious possibilities. Apple sourdough discard cinnamon rolls serve as a perfect example of how to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary. They are so fun to make!  Plus, sharing homemade treats with family and friends will put a smile on your face! 

Next time you find yourself with sourdough discard, don’t toss it away. Instead, turn it into a batch of apple sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. Your taste buds will thank you and your family will be thrilled. Happy baking!

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