Mini Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Last Updated on May 2, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

Mini Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are small, flavorful pastries made from sourdough rolled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, baked until golden brown, and drizzled with icing for an extra touch of sweetness. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime snacking.

Mornings can often feel like a whirlwind of activity. Trying to get everyone ready for the day, pack lunches, and leave on time can be tiring and often leaves no time for breakfast. However, I’ve recently discovered a delicious solution that has saved me time in the mornings – mini sourdough cinnamon rolls. They are tasty, easy to make, and have become a favorite in our family. My kids and my husband both love them. 

What are sourdough cinnamon rolls?

Mini sourdough cinnamon rolls are one of my favorite variations of traditional cinnamon rolls. They are made using sourdough starter, giving them a unique tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the cinnamon filling. The fermentation process of the sourdough also results in a softer texture and more intense flavor. Sourdough cinnamon rolls are perfect for those who love the combination of tangy and sweet flavors and a soft, fluffy texture.

Making mini sourdough cinnamon rolls for breakfast is one of my go-to recipes because they can be prepared in advance, making busy mornings a little bit easier. I can easily make a batch of dough the night before, let it ferment and rise overnight, and then shape and bake the rolls in the morning. It’s a simple way to enjoy a warm, homemade, easy breakfast.

When making these mini sourdough cinnamon rolls, I like to involve my kids in the process. They help measure the ingredients, roll out the dough, and spread the cinnamon filling. This gives them a sense of accomplishment and allows us to spend quality time together in the kitchen.

Mini sourdough cinnamon rolls have become a breakfast favorite for our family. They’re quick, easy, and delicious, making them the perfect solution for busy mornings. Plus, getting my kids involved in the baking process adds an extra layer of enjoyment to making this recipe. So whether it’s a weekday or a lazy weekend morning, you can bet that mini sourdough cinnamon rolls will be on the menu in our house.

What do I need to make Mini Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls?

Dough Ingredients: 

All Purpose Flour: provides the structure of the dough. You can use all-purpose flour or “bread” flour. 

Sourdough Starter: is a mixture of flour and water containing natural yeast and bacteria. It adds flavor and helps the dough rise.

Butter: adds a rich flavor to your sourdough cinnamon rolls. 

Sugar: adds to the sweetness and helps feed the yeast. 

Salt: enhances the flavor and helps regulate the fermentation process. 

Vanilla Extract: adds a warm flavor to your cinnamon rolls and pairs well with the sugar and cinnamon. 

Milk: helps create a soft texture in your finished rolls and adds to the flavor. 

Filling Ingredients: 

Butter: is added to the dough to keep the brown sugar and cinnamon stuck to the dough while rolling. 

Light Brown Sugar: melts into a gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the ground cinnamon. 

Ground Cinnamon: adds a comforting, warm flavor to your mini sourdough cinnamon rolls while also adding a touch of sweetness.

How do I make Mini Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls?

1. Cut butter into small pieces.
2. Add flour & salt, and combine with butter by hand or using a stand mixer for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Add sourdough starter, milk & vanilla to a separate large bowl. Combine well.
4. Slowly mix dry ingredients in with wet ingredients.
5. Knead for 5-10 minutes or until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It may be slightly sticky. You’ll notice my dough in my bowl looks a tad sticky but isn’t super wet or watery. If your dough is too sticky, mix it a bit longer or add in additional flour, 1/4 of a cup at a time until it’s less sticky. Be careful though, too much flour will make dense cinnamon rolls!
6. Cover with a damp towel and let it rest on the counter for 8-10 hours. The dough should have almost doubled in size. Rise time will depend on how warm your kitchen is. My kitchen is normally 68-72 degrees and the first rise takes about 8 hours. You want your dough to spring back when you gently push your thumb into it.
7. You can place it in the fridge overnight if you want, or proceed to the next step if you prefer to bake right away.
8. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
9. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and roll into about a 1/2″ thick rectangle.
10. Brush the top of the dough with the melted butter.
11. Spread the brown sugar on top of the mini sourdough cinnamon rolls dough and press gently into the dough.
12. Sprinkle the cinnamon across the entire surface of the dough and gently press it into the dough. Make sure to cover the entire dough rectangle with cinnamon.
13. Roll the dough into a tube. Be sure to keep your roll tight as you roll so you don’t lose any filling.
14. Let the dough rest on the counter for 10 minutes while your oven preheats.
15. Slice using a bench scraper, knife, or floss into 1/2″ portions. Place in a lightly greased 9×11″ baking dish or 9″ round baking dishes (I prefer these disposable ones if I’m giving away the rolls). Spritz the top of the rolls with water to keep them moist during baking.
16. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown on top.
17. Brush the tops with melted butter right after removing them from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
18. Drizzle with your favorite frosting or glaze recipe; this is my favorite one to use!

Mini Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Recipe Variations

Orange Zest and Cranberry: Add freshly grated orange zest to your dough and a handful of dried cranberries to your filling. The citrusy and tart flavors pair well together. 

Nutty and Crunchy: Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor. You can also sprinkle just a bit on top of the glaze for extra texture and presentation! 

Chocolate Swirl: Replace just a bit of cinnamon sugar filling with a layer of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Roll it up and enjoy a decadent flavor of chocolate and cinnamon. 

Apple Pie: Spread a thin layer of apple butter over your dough before adding your cinnamon sugar filling. Toss in a few diced apples for extra texture and crunch. Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce. 

Maple Pecan: This delicious classic can easily be added to your cinnamon rolls. Add maple syrup instead of brown sugar to your cinnamon filling and sprinkle just a little bit of chopped pecans on top. 

Tips for Perfecting Easy Mini Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

• Having a healthy and active starter is essential for any sourdough recipe. Before incorporating your starter into your cinnamon roll dough, make sure it is well-fed and bubbly. This will give your cinnamon rolls their famous tangy flavor and help achieve a light and airy texture.
• Achieving the perfect dough consistency is important for making fluffy cinnamon rolls. You need to balance the levels of flour and hydration in your dough to get the perfect soft, slightly tacky texture. Too much flour can lead to dense rolls, while too little can make the dough difficult to work with. 
• Rolling the dough tightly is important for achieving the perfect spiral shape in your cinnamon rolls. Take your time and use a gentle yet firm touch to make sure that the layers remain intact. You can use a sharp knife or dental floss to make clean cuts without squishing the rolls.
• To get soft and tender mini sourdough cinnamon rolls, allowing the dough to rest before baking is incredibly important. During this time, the dough relaxes and becomes softer. To prevent the rolls from drying out, cover them loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen tea towel.
• Although classic cream cheese icing is a common topping choice for cinnamon rolls, it’s worth trying out different glazes and toppings to enhance their taste. You can experiment with a basic vanilla glaze, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to take your cinnamon rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness.

FAQs about Mini Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

How long does it take to make Mini Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls? 

The time can vary depending on things like the temperature of the room and the activity of the starter you’re using. The entire process, from mixing the dough to baking the rolls, typically takes about 10-12 hours.

Why are my cinnamon rolls so dense?

If your cinnamon rolls are a bit too dense, make sure that you aren’t overworking the dough or skipping the rising process. To make sure that your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly, only knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, and then allow it enough time to rise until it doubles in size before you roll and bake it.

Can I prepare the Mini Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls dough ahead of time? 

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the initial rise to slow down the fermentation process. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap or place it to an airtight container, then put it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

How long can I store leftover cinnamon rolls? 

Cinnamon rolls are best when freshly baked. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They will keep in the fridge for a few more days beyond that. Before serving, reheat the cinnamon rolls in the oven or microwave to restore their softness.

Can I freeze unbaked Mini Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls for later?

Of course! After rolling and cutting the dough, place the individual unbaked rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe Ziploc or an airtight container. When you are ready to bake, let them thaw and rise at room temperature before baking as usual.