Thank you for being here! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just someone trying to use up that ever-growing jar of sourdough discard, I’m truly grateful you’ve found your way to this cozy little corner of the internet. These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites are a heartfelt answer to that age-old dilemma: what do I do with all this discard?
Let me tell you, this recipe is anything but boring. These cinnamon roll bites are tender, golden, gooey with cinnamon sugar, and kissed with a touch of tang from the discard. I’ve made them three weekends in a row, and I can’t stop raving. They’re perfect for Easter brunch, but honestly? I’d eat them any day with my morning coffee.
Want recipes like this sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe below so you never miss a bite!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
Cinnamon rolls are one of life’s small luxuries—but let’s be honest, traditional ones can be time-consuming. These little bites, though? They’re quicker, easier, and still deliver all the rich, gooey flavor you crave.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
-
No yeast, no long rise – Thanks to baking powder and sourdough discard, there’s no waiting around for the dough to proof.
-
Zero waste – Finally, a sweet treat that puts your sourdough discard to delicious use.
-
Versatile baking options – Oven or air fryer, these bites come out beautifully golden.
-
Perfect for sharing – Serve them up for brunch, holidays, or a cozy Sunday morning.
What Do They Taste Like?
Think soft, fluffy mini cinnamon rolls—each bite buttery and swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling. The discard gives them a gentle tang that balances the sweetness just right, and the cream cheese glaze on top? Silky, sweet, and luscious. You’ll want to drizzle it on everything.
Benefits of Using Sourdough Discard in Baking
If you’ve been nurturing a sourdough starter, you know that discard tends to pile up quickly. Incorporating it into recipes like this:
-
Reduces food waste
-
Adds flavor complexity
-
Brings extra moisture and tenderness to baked goods
-
Is wonderfully forgiving in quick bakes like these
Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
For the Dough:
-
1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, 100% hydration)
-
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
-
2 tbsp sugar
-
1 tsp salt
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
¼ cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
-
⅓ cup warm milk (dairy or almond)
For the Filling:
-
¼ cup softened butter
-
½ cup brown sugar
-
1 tbsp cinnamon
-
½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
-
4 oz cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup powdered sugar
-
1 tbsp milk
-
½ tsp vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
-
Mixing bowls
-
Rolling pin
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
9-inch round baking pan or air fryer
-
Pastry brush (optional but helpful)
-
Whisk
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Customize away! I promised you versatile, and here’s proof:
-
Dairy-free? Use almond milk and coconut oil or vegan butter.
-
Extra spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling.
-
Nutty twist? Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts before rolling the dough.
-
Fruit lovers? A handful of finely chopped apples in the filling makes a cinnamon-apple dream.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, melted butter, and warm milk until a shaggy dough comes together. Knead lightly on a floured surface for 2–3 minutes. The dough should feel soft but not sticky. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Roll and Fill
Roll the dough into a ¼-inch-thick rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract on top. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch pieces.
3. Bake
Arrange the bites in a greased 9-inch round baking pan. If you’re using an air fryer, work in batches and place them in a lined basket.
-
Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes.
-
Air fryer: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
They’re done when golden brown and puffy.
4. Glaze and Serve
While the bites are baking, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Once the bites are warm (but not piping hot), drizzle the glaze generously over the top. A little extra cinnamon on top never hurts!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Bites
-
Fresh berries or citrus segments – They cut through the richness perfectly.
-
Hot coffee or spiced chai – Ideal for lazy mornings or mid-afternoon treats.
-
A simple fruit salad – Especially for Easter or Mother’s Day brunches.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bites
-
Don’t over-knead – A light touch keeps the dough tender.
-
Resting the dough is key – Even 30 minutes helps relax the gluten.
-
Watch the bake time – Especially in the air fryer, they can brown quickly.
-
Glaze while warm – So it sinks slightly into those cinnamon crevices.
How to Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (I doubt you will!), keep them in an airtight container:
-
Room temp: 1–2 days
-
Fridge: Up to 5 days
-
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and refrigerate the unbaked bites overnight. Bake fresh in the morning and glaze while warm.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. After slicing into bites, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add a few minutes to the bake time.
Is sourdough discard safe to eat?
Totally! Discard is just unfed starter. Since we’re baking it, it’s perfectly safe and gives a mild sour flavor that balances the sweetness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
I haven’t tested this with gluten-free flour, but a 1:1 GF blend might work. The dough texture may vary slightly.
In Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to These Bites
These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites are everything I want in a cozy, weekend bake: fast, foolproof, and impossibly delicious. Whether you’re making them for Easter brunch, a sweet afternoon treat, or just to use up discard, they’ll win hearts every time.
Craving more sourdough discard magic? Try these next:
-
The Best Sourdough Pizza Crust Recipe on the Planet – crisp, chewy, and endlessly versatile.
-
Sourdough Discard Breadsticks – crispy edges, soft centers, flavor-packed!
-
Sourdough Discard Naan – soft, fluffy, and the perfect companion to any meal.
Share Your Cinnamon Creations!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your cinnamon roll bites in action. Leave a review below and tag your photos on Pinterest—you might just inspire another baker!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per bite)
-
Calories: 120
-
Carbohydrates: 17g
-
Fat: 5g
-
Sugar: 9g
-
Protein: 2g
Let this be your new weekend tradition. Warm, buttery, perfectly sweet—with just a hint of tang—these little bites are the real deal.