This recipe is my ultimate choice for cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, and more. The sourdough starter we utilize has been a cherished heirloom in my husband’s family for generations. Its distinctive sourdough tang perfectly complements the sweet filling and frosting.
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fed sourdough starter
- ¾ cup lukewarm milk
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ½ cup butter melted and cooled
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling:
- ½ cup butter melted and cooled
- 1 cup brown sugar, or more to taste
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Frosting:
- ½ pound confectioners’ sugar
- 1 (4 ounces) package of softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 cup flour, sourdough starter, milk, white sugar, and yeast. Let it stand until spongy and bubbling, around 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup butter, egg, and salt; mix to combine. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead until it comes together about 3 to 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let it rest until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Punch the dough down and transfer it back to the floured surface. Roll it into a square 1/4-inch to 1/3-inch thick. Spread 1/2 cup butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough tightly and pinch the seams together.
- Trim the edges and cut the log into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife. Place the rolls in the prepared baking pan, cover them with plastic wrap, and let them rise until not quite doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix confectioners’ sugar, cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Top each cooled roll with an equal amount of frosting.
Enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of these delightful sourdough cinnamon rolls!