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KeepItSimpleAnnaSue

Apple Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls: An Easy Classic!

Apple cinnamon discard cinnamon rolls offer a delightful twist on the classic treat, combining the tangy flavor of sourdough with the warm sweetness of apples and cinnamon. These indulgent rolls provide a delicious way to use sourdough discard while satisfying your cravings for a coat, homemade dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Roll Ingredients
  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ¼ cup honey
Cinnamon Roll Filling
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 ¼ tbsp cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing
  • ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt (optional)

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons:
  • dental floss (for cutting rolls)
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
  1. 1. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, water, melted butter, and honey. Mix until well blended.
  2. 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.
    sourdough-discard-cinnamon-rolls-dough-in-bowl-and-rolling-pin.
  3. 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.
    sourdough-discard-cinnamon-rolls-dough
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
  1. 1. Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Set aside.
  2. 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.
    overhead-shot-of-apple-cored-and-peeled-for-apple-sourdough-discard-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-
Step 3: Roll and Assemble
  1. 1. Roll Out the Dough: Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
    rolled-out-dough-for-sourdough-discard-cinnamon-rolls-recipe
  2. 2. Add the filling: Spread the softened filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
    rolled-out-sourdough-discard-dough-with-brown-sugar-cinnamon-filling-on-top-scaled
  3. 3. Add the Diced Apples: Sprinkle the diced apples over the filling. Sprinkle some added cinnamon and sugar on top if you wish.
    diced-apples-in-woman's-hands-to-go-into-apple-sourdough-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-
  4. 4. Roll It Up: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
    sealing-the-sourdough-discard-cinnamon-rolls-rolled-up-seam-
  5. 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. I prefer to use dental floss. It just works better for me.
    sliced-sourdough-discard-cinnamon-rolls-with-floss-cutting-them-apart-
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
  1. 1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
  2. 2. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
    up-close-of-overhead-shot-of-pear-sourdough-discard-cinnamon-rolls-in-cast-iron-skillet-before-baking.
  3. 3. Cool Slightly: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for a a good ten to 15 minutes before icing.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
  1. While the rolls are cooling, prepare the icing. Use a mixer to blend together the butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
    close-up-of-beaters-with-cream-cheese-frosting-for-sourdough-discard-cinnamon-rolls-
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, paired with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate fall treat!
    iced-apple-sourdough-discard-cinnamon-rolls-in-cast-iron-skillet

Notes

  • 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.