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KeepItSimpleAnnaSue

Festive Cranberry Orange Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls: Easy!

These festive Cranberry Orange Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect holiday treat! Combining the tangy flavor of sourdough discard with the bright orange zest and chewy dried cranberries, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, homemade delight. Soft, rolls are filled with a spiced brown sugar mixture and topped with creamy frosting, making them ideal for family gatherings or cozy mornings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Roll Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1½ tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey
Cinnamon Roll Filling
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 ¼ tbsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
  • 1/2 tsp. grated orange zest
Cream Cheese Icing
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
  • 2 tbsp. whole-berry cranberry sauce

Equipment

  • Measuring Bowls & Spoons
  • large mixing bowl
  • dental floss (for cutting rolls)
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

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.
    sourdough-discard-cinnamon-rolls-dough-in-bowl-and-rolling-pin.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.  Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped dried cranberries, orange zest, and softened butter. Set aside.
    upclose-image-of-cranberry-orange-sourdough-cinnamon-rolls-filling-with-red-cranberries-and-bright-orange-zest
Step 3: Roll and Assemble
  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. Add the filling: Spread the softened filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
    cranberry-orange-filling-spread-onto-rolled-out-sourdough-dough
  3. 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-
  4. 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 gives it a cleaner cut.
    cranberry-orange-rolls-sliced-and-grouped-together-ready-to-be-put-into-the-pan-for-baking-
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are barely brown.
    baked-cranberry-orange-wourdough-cinnamon-rolls-in-a-worn-out-stone-pan-with-a-read-and-green-hand-towel-on-the-side-
  3. Cool Slightly: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for a good 10 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, 2 tablespoons or whole-berry cranberry sauce, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
    cranberry-orange-sourdough-cinnamon-roll-icing-in-a-bowl-with-a-clump-on-the-end-of-a-womans-finger-above-the-bowl-
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 seasonal treat!
    one-iced-cranberry-orange-sourdough-cinnamon-roll-on-a-small-dessert-plate-over-top-of-the-pan-of-rolls