Name: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: PT-489517H34M6S
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 9 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup milk (2% or whole); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 large egg; ½ cup sourdough starter discard (100 g, fed within past 36 hours); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter (very soft); 2/3 cup dark brown sugar (packed); 4 teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon allspice; ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature); ½ teaspoon vanilla; Pinch salt; ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for topping if desired); 1-2 teaspoons milk

If you adore the comforting scent of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen and the tangy depth that sourdough brings to baked goods, you are in for an absolute treat with this Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These rolls perfectly combine the rustic charm of a sourdough starter with the warm, gooey sweetness of cinnamon and a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts delightfully over each tender swirl. It’s a recipe that feels like a cozy hug in pastry form and one that will have your friends and family asking for seconds—if you’re willing to share!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single cinnamon roll with a light golden-brown spiral base topped with a thick layer of white creamy frosting, sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar, sits in the center of a white plate. The cinnamon roll has a soft and fluffy texture with visible swirls of cinnamon inside. A silver fork rests on the plate touching the roll, with part of the roll missing as if a bite was taken. The background is a white marbled surface with a hint of a white cloth and a black wire rack in soft focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe requires simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role, from enriching the dough to layering the richly spiced filling and finishing with that irresistibly creamy frosting.

Milk (2/3 cup, 2% or whole): Gently warms to activate and moisten the dough, lending softness and richness.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons + ¼ cup + 4 tablespoons): Used at different stages for tender dough, luscious filling, and creamy frosting, delivering buttery goodness throughout.
Large egg (1): Adds structure and binding to make the dough perfectly tender but sturdy.
Sourdough starter discard (½ cup, about 100 g, fed within past 36 hours): The heart of the recipe, imparting that signature tang and depth unique to sourdough baking.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the dough just right, balancing the tang from the starter.
All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Forms the foundation of the dough, crucial for creating a soft yet elastic texture.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, rounding out the sweetness and spice.
Dark brown sugar (2/3 cup, packed): Gives a deep, molasses-like richness to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
Cinnamon (4 teaspoons): The star spice, infusing the rolls with warm, aromatic layers.
Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthy warmth that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Allspice (1/8 teaspoon): A hint of complexity that rounds out the spice mix perfectly.
Cream cheese (2 ounces, room temperature): Provides tangy creaminess in the frosting, making it irresistibly rich.
Vanilla (½ teaspoon): Brightens the frosting with sweet floral notes for extra indulgence.
Powdered sugar (½ cup plus more for topping): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting, creating that signature smooth glaze.
Milk (1–2 teaspoons for frosting): Adjusts frosting consistency for the perfect spreadability.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming milk and butter gently together until the butter melts and the mixture is comfortably warm to the touch. This cozy combo will infuse tenderness and richness into your dough. Then, mix the egg, sourdough starter discard, and sugar until everything is well combined. The warm milk blends in next, creating a beautiful base to hold the flour and salt you’ll add shortly.

Step 2: Form and Knead the Dough

Add all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture and stir on low speed until a rough dough begins to form. Cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes—this resting time helps the flour hydrate fully. Once rested, switch to a dough hook and knead on medium-low speed for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, shiny, elastic, and just slightly sticky. If you don’t have a mixer, kneading by hand on a floured surface until the same texture develops works just as well.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once so all sides get coated. Cover with plastic wrap and leave it in a warm spot to rise for 8 to 12 hours, or until it doubles in size. This slow rise gives the dough a wonderful sourdough tang and a tender crumb, key to the unique flavor of these rolls.

Step 4: Roll Out and Add Filling

After the long rise, gently transfer the dough to a floured surface and let it rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten. Roll it out into a rough 12×12 inch square. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough using a spatula, then sprinkle the rich cinnamon sugar mixture made of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice over that butter. It’s okay if the butter spreads unevenly; each bite will still carry that perfect blend of buttery, spicy sweetness.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Second Rise

Use floured hands to carefully roll the dough from one end to the other, keeping the roll tight but gentle enough not to tear the dough. Place the seam side down then slice the roll into 8 equal pieces with a sharp serrated knife. Line a 9-inch round baking pan with parchment paper and arrange the rolls cut side up with space around each. Cover and let them rise again until puffy, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until they are golden brown and baked through. Remove the pan and let the rolls cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Whip together softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt before gradually incorporating powdered sugar, until you achieve a luscious, spreadable frosting. Thin it with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk if necessary. Spread this velvety frosting generously over the warm rolls, finishing with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Serve Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A round white bowl lined with white parchment paper holds seven cinnamon rolls closely packed together. Each roll is thickly layered with soft light brown dough and swirled with cinnamon, topped with a smooth layer of white cream cheese frosting that covers most of the rolls unevenly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, next to a silver knife and a white cloth napkin, with a stack of small white bowls in the background. The lighting is soft and bright, highlighting the texture of the frosting and dough photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top adds a lovely crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft rolls. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey can also brighten the plate and provide bursts of freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a classic pair. If you’re making breakfast or brunch, a dollop of Greek yogurt or fresh fruit salad helps balance the richness with a light, tangy note.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, pull the rolls apart on a rustic wooden board or serve them stacked on a pretty cake stand. If you want to make them even more fun, cut the rolls in half horizontally and turn them into decadent cinnamon roll sandwiches with a little extra cream cheese frosting or sliced fresh fruit tucked inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover sourdough cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping by wrapping the pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then let warm and rise before baking. Alternatively, freeze baked rolls in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Gently warm leftover rolls in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil. Re-spread any extra cream cheese frosting if desired for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

FAQs

Can I use an active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, you can use an active starter, but you may want to adjust the flour and liquid slightly, as active starters are more hydrated. The discard is preferred here for its mild tang and convenience.

What if I don’t have allspice?

If allspice isn’t on hand, you can skip it or replace with a pinch of ground cloves or extra cinnamon for a similar warm depth.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute dairy butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg, and replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese for that luscious frosting.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise overnight?

Letting the dough rise overnight develops richer flavor and better texture, but if you’re short on time, a shorter warm rise can work—though the end result will have less sourdough tang.

How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?

Line your baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the sides as well. This makes transferring and cleaning up so much easier without losing any of those gooey edges.

Final Thoughts

This Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a showstopper. It brings together the rustic charm of sourdough and the indulgent delight of cinnamon rolls in a way that’s approachable yet incredibly satisfying. Once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re perfect for lazy weekend mornings or any special occasion. So don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, let your starter shine, and enjoy every warm, cinnamon-scented bite shared with those you love.