These sourdough discard cinnamon sugar knots are the cozy, soft treat your kitchen needs. Using your sourdough discard, you’ll create pillowy knots coated in warm cinnamon sugar, turning your leftover starter into a sweet, comforting dessert or breakfast option. They’re easy enough for a weekend baking project while feeling special enough to share with friends over coffee. If you’ve been looking for a beginner-friendly way to use your discard, these knots offer a delicious solution that reduces waste while adding warmth and sweetness to your table. Let’s transform your sourdough routine into something golden and comforting.
Table of Contents
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots recipe
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12 knots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, sweet sourdough discard cinnamon sugar knots made with leftover starter, perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
1 cup sourdough discard (100% hydration)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
1/2 tsp salt
For filling: 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, 2 tbsp melted butter
Optional: extra sugar for dusting after baking
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine milk, egg, sourdough discard, and softened butter.
2. Add flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, mixing to form a soft dough.
3. Knead until smooth, about 5–7 minutes, then cover and let rise until doubled.
4. Mix cinnamon and sugar for filling.
5. Roll dough into a rectangle, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly.
6. Fold or roll, slice into strips, and tie each strip into a knot.
7. Place knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush knots with melted butter.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden.
10. Brush warm knots with butter and sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar if desired.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Warm in the oven to refresh.
Add cardamom or nutmeg for flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 35
Keywords: sourdough discard cinnamon sugar knots, discard recipe, sweet breakfast
PART 1: The Story & Intro
Baking Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots in My Kitchen
One quiet morning in West Lafayette, I found myself with a jar of sourdough discard and a craving for something warm and comforting. Instead of tossing the discard, I decided to let it work in a sweet, soft dough, folding in cinnamon sugar for that nostalgic scent that reminds me of cozy mornings and slow weekends.
As these sourdough discard cinnamon sugar knots baked, my kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon, sugar, and gently browning dough, making the house feel warm and inviting. Much like the first time I made sourdough discard lemon blueberry muffins or sourdough discard cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, I was reminded how using discard isn’t just practical but can also bring comfort and joy into the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Knots
These knots are soft, slightly tangy from the discard, and coated with a crisp layer of cinnamon sugar that caramelizes slightly in the oven. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack with tea or coffee. Using your sourdough discard in this way transforms what could be waste into a beautiful, sharable treat that’s simple yet special, making these knots a recipe you’ll return to whenever your discard jar is full.
Using Discard and Adding Cinnamon
Can I Use Sourdough Discard for Cinnamon Rolls?
Many bakers ask, can I use sourdough discard for cinnamon rolls? Yes, and it’s exactly why these sourdough discard cinnamon sugar knots are so delightful. Sourdough discard adds a gentle tang and softness to enriched dough, creating tender, pillowy knots similar to cinnamon rolls without the long fermentation. The discard’s acidity helps develop structure and depth of flavor while reducing waste, making your baking routine more sustainable and rewarding.
Using discard in sweet bakes like these knots or your sourdough discard coffee cake ensures you’re creating treats that bring warmth to your kitchen while keeping your starter active and purposeful.
When to Add Cinnamon Sugar to Sourdough?
When should you add cinnamon sugar to sourdough? For enriched recipes like these knots, it’s best to add the cinnamon sugar after the dough has been mixed, proofed, and rolled out. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough before folding or twisting to create layers of cinnamon sweetness without disrupting the dough’s structure.
Adding cinnamon sugar too early in the dough can slow yeast activity since cinnamon has antimicrobial properties. By adding it just before shaping, you preserve the dough’s rise while ensuring every bite is infused with warm cinnamon flavor.
For these knots, you’ll roll the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle it generously with cinnamon sugar, fold or roll it up, slice into strips, and tie into knots. This method creates beautiful swirls of cinnamon throughout while allowing the knots to remain soft and airy during baking.
Fermentation and Flavor
Does Cinnamon Affect Sourdough Fermentation?
A common question is, does cinnamon affect sourdough fermentation? Cinnamon contains antimicrobial compounds that can slow down yeast activity if added directly into the dough too early. This is why it’s best to avoid mixing large amounts of cinnamon into the initial dough of your sourdough discard cinnamon sugar knots. Instead, add the cinnamon sugar filling after your dough has been mixed and proofed, ensuring the yeast has time to do its work, resulting in a soft, fluffy crumb with the perfect rise.
When using discard, the acid already present helps create structure, and by layering the cinnamon sugar just before shaping, you get that warm, sweet swirl without impacting fermentation. This technique applies similarly to recipes like your sourdough discard raspberry cream cheese danishes or sourdough discard waffles, where layering or timing ingredients keeps flavors vibrant while maintaining proper rise.
Shaping and Baking Your Cinnamon Sugar Knots
After your dough has rested and doubled in size, roll it out into a rectangle, sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar, and fold or roll up tightly. Cut the dough into even strips, twist them gently, and tie each into a knot, tucking the ends underneath for a neat shape.
Arrange your knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space for them to puff during baking. Brush with a touch of melted butter or milk for a golden finish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant. While warm, brush with additional butter and dust with cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet crunch on top.
These steps will give you beautiful, soft knots with swirls of cinnamon sugar and a crisp, sweet coating that makes them irresistible.
Storage, Safety, and Serving
When to Not Use Sourdough Discard?
It’s important to know when to not use sourdough discard. Avoid using discard if it has:
- Pink or orange streaks
- Fuzzy mold on top
- An unpleasant, rotten, or cheesy odor
Healthy discard should smell pleasantly tangy, indicating it’s safe and active for your recipes. If your discard has been sitting in the fridge for more than two weeks without a refresh, it’s better to compost it and feed your starter again before baking. Using safe, fresh discard ensures your sourdough discard cinnamon sugar knots and other bakes turn out soft, flavorful, and safe to share.
Storage, Serving, and Cozy Variations
Storage: Keep your baked cinnamon sugar knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To refresh, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. You can also freeze the knots for up to 2 months, reheating before serving for a just-baked softness.
Serving ideas:
- Enjoy warm with a drizzle of maple glaze or cream cheese icing.
- Serve with morning coffee for a cozy breakfast.
- Pair with a fruit compote for a comforting dessert.
Cozy variations:
- Add cardamom or pumpkin spice to your cinnamon sugar mix for seasonal warmth.
- Incorporate finely chopped nuts for a crunchy surprise inside.
- Brush with browned butter post-bake for an extra layer of flavor.
Much like your sourdough discard apple fritters and sourdough discard coffee cake, these knots are versatile, easy to adapt, and sure to become a cozy favorite in your sourdough baking routine.
FAQS
VIEW ALL
Can I use sourdough discard for cinnamon rolls?
Yes, sourdough discard adds gentle tang and softness to enriched dough, making it perfect for cinnamon rolls and cinnamon sugar knots while reducing waste in your kitchen.
When to add cinnamon sugar to sourdough?
Add cinnamon sugar after the dough has proofed and before shaping. This ensures the dough rises well while creating sweet, even swirls throughout your knots.
Does cinnamon affect sourdough fermentation?
Cinnamon can slow fermentation if added directly into the dough. Adding it later as a filling prevents this, ensuring your sourdough discard cinnamon sugar knots remain soft and fluffy.
When to not use sourdough discard?
Don’t use discard if it has pink streaks, fuzzy mold, or a rotten smell. Fresh, tangy-smelling discard is best for safe and flavorful baking.
Conclusion
Turning your sourdough discard into these cinnamon sugar knots is a cozy, satisfying way to transform leftovers into something comforting and delicious. These knots bring together the warmth of cinnamon, the softness of enriched dough, and the gentle tang of your starter in a treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying with your morning coffee. They’re easy, flexible, and a beautiful reminder that sourdough baking is about joy as much as it is about nourishment. More recipes? Follow me: Facebook – Pinterest.