Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites are a delicious and practical way to use up leftover sourdough discard while creating a warm, comforting treat. These bite-sized rolls capture everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls, including soft dough, rich cinnamon sugar filling, and a tender interior, but in a smaller, more snackable format. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or sharing with friends and family.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its balance of flavor and texture. The sourdough discard adds a subtle tang that enhances the sweetness without overpowering it. When I tested this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how light and fluffy the bites turned out, even without a long fermentation. They baked evenly, pulled apart easily, and filled the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. These cinnamon roll bites are simple, comforting, and an excellent way to reduce waste while baking something truly satisfying.
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites – Soft, Sweet, and Perfectly Bite-Sized
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy sourdough discard cinnamon roll bites coated in cinnamon sugar and baked until golden, perfect for using up discard in a quick, sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a mini muffin pan or baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add sourdough discard, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll dough into small bite-sized balls.
- Dip each ball into melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place the coated dough balls into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These are best served warm.
- You can drizzle with simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Discard does not need to be active for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sourdough discard adds moisture and a mild tang, giving the dough extra depth of flavor.
All-purpose flour forms the structure of the dough, keeping the bites soft yet sturdy.
Milk helps hydrate the dough and creates a tender crumb.
Butter adds richness and softness to both the dough and the filling.
Granulated sugar lightly sweetens the dough without making it overly rich.
Brown sugar is essential for the cinnamon filling, providing warmth and caramel-like sweetness.
Cinnamon delivers the classic spice flavor that defines cinnamon rolls.
Egg helps bind the dough and contributes to its soft texture.
Baking powder provides lift, allowing the bites to rise without long proofing.
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the dough or glaze.
Powdered sugar is optional and used for a simple glaze or finishing touch.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly greasing a baking dish or mini muffin pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined. Add the flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it into a rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle generously with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into small, even pieces. Arrange the pieces cut-side up in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bites are puffed and lightly golden. Allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with glaze or dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 20 to 24 cinnamon roll bites. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, baking time is 18 to 22 minutes, making the total time roughly 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to four days. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or oven until soft and fragrant. They can also be frozen and reheated as needed.
Variations and Customizations
These cinnamon roll bites are easy to adapt. You can add chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture or mix a small amount of cream cheese into the glaze for added richness.
For a festive twist, try adding orange zest to the dough or filling. You can also drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze for a more indulgent finish.
When I tested a version with a pinch of cardamom added to the cinnamon, the flavor became warmer and slightly more complex without overpowering the classic taste. These variations allow you to customize the recipe while keeping its comforting character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites provide carbohydrates for energy along with fats from butter and milk. While they are a sweet treat, portion size and ingredient choices can help tailor them to different dietary preferences.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
This helps the dough come together smoothly.
Roll Evenly
An even rectangle ensures uniform bites.
Do Not Overbake
Remove once lightly golden to keep them soft.
Serve Warm
These bites taste best slightly warm.
FAQs
What is sourdough discard?
It is unfed starter removed during regular sourdough maintenance.
Can I use active sourdough starter?
Yes, but discard works best for this recipe.
Do these taste sour?
No, the tang is very mild and balanced.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, bake and reheat before serving.
Can I freeze cinnamon roll bites?
Yes, they freeze well when wrapped tightly.
Do I need yeast?
No, baking powder provides the lift.
Can I add a glaze?
Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze works well.
Are these good for breakfast?
Yes, they are perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Plant-based milk and butter can be used.
How do I keep them soft?
Store them in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites are a delightful way to turn leftover sourdough discard into a sweet, comforting treat. Soft, warmly spiced, and easy to make, they are perfect for sharing, snacking, or enjoying with a cup of coffee. This recipe proves that sourdough discard can be just as exciting as a fresh loaf.
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