Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

Sharing is caring!

These sourdough discard cinnamon sugar muffins are soft, moist, and warmly spiced just the way muffins should be. When I first started baking with sourdough, I had no idea what to do with the discard. That’s when I stumbled on the idea of making cinnamon sugar muffins with sourdough discard, and it changed everything.

Now, every time I open the fridge and see that jar of tangy starter, I know exactly what I’m making. These muffins with sourdough discard are the perfect combination of practicality and indulgence.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Print

The Story & Intro

A warm kitchen, a spoonful of comfort

If you wandered into my kitchen on a Saturday morning in West Lafayette, you’d likely find a tray of warm muffins cooling by the window. That cinnamon-sugar aroma? It’s my favorite kind of alarm clock. As a kid, I loved cinnamon toast the kind made with white bread, melted butter, and more sugar than my mom probably approved of. As an adult, sourdough became my obsession. When I realized I could merge the two nostalgic cinnamon sugar and tangy sourdough discard I knew I’d landed on something special.

These sourdough discard cinnamon sugar muffins hit every note: tender and fluffy from the discard, sweet and spiced from the cinnamon sugar, and just one bowl to clean when you’re done. It’s a recipe that came together not from perfection, but from practicality. Discard waiting in the fridge, a craving for something cozy, and a moment of kitchen curiosity. What came out of the oven was bakery-worthy bliss without the fuss.

This muffin recipe has become a staple in my home. They’re quick enough for a weekday breakfast, but feel indulgent enough for Sunday brunch. They’re also a fantastic way to use up that extra starter, which always feels good from both a budget and sustainability standpoint.

Whether you’re new to sourdough or have a jar of discard begging for attention, this is the place to start. These sourdough discard cinnamon sugar muffins are forgiving, flavorful, and full of homemade magic.

If you love cozy baking, don’t miss my Sourdough Discard Apple Muffins or these dreamy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists both perfect for breakfast or gifting.

Why sourdough discard transforms a muffin

You might be wondering what makes sourdough discard so great in muffins. After all, it’s just leftover starter, right? Y and no. Discard brings something really beautiful to baked goods: tender texture, subtle tang, and natural moisture.

In this recipe, it helps keep the crumb soft and springy without adding any noticeable sourness. It also adds structure, helping the muffins rise evenly without becoming dense. The mild acidity of sourdough discard reacts with baking powder to create lightness and lift. If you’ve struggled with dry or heavy muffins in the past, the discard just might be your secret weapon.

Another benefit? Sustainability. Throwing out discard every time you feed your starter feels wasteful, especially when it can make something as delicious as these cinnamon sugar muffins. Recipes like this help make your sourdough journey more enjoyable and less wasteful.

Plus, when paired with warm cinnamon and a buttery sugar topping, the tangy undertone balances all the sweetness beautifully.

These muffins are also a fun entry point if you’re just getting into sourdough. You don’t need to wait for peak fermentation or worry about rising times. Just scoop the discard and bake.

Ingredients you probably already have

One of the reasons I love these sourdough cinnamon muffins is how beautifully they come together using everyday pantry staples. There’s nothing fancy here just real, simple ingredients that make your kitchen smell like a dream.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Unfed sourdough discard	½ cup
Sugar	½ cup
Egg	1
Milk	½ cup
Melted butter or oil	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Baking powder	1 tsp
Ground cinnamon	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp

For the cinnamon sugar topping:

• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon mixed together

Substitution tips:

• Swap in almond milk or oat milk to keep these dairy-free.
• No egg? Try a flax egg or ¼ cup applesauce.
• Want a whole-grain boost? Sub ½ of the flour with white whole wheat.

This batter is so forgiving, which makes it perfect for beginners or spontaneous bakers. The sourdough discard keeps it naturally moist and flavorful.

Step-by-step for foolproof muffins

Here’s how to bring these sourdough cinnamon muffins to life with just one bowl, a whisk, and a muffin tin.

1. Prep your oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Whisk wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the egg, milk, sourdough discard, vanilla, and melted butter or oil until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt directly into the wet mix. Gently stir just until no streaks of flour remain don’t overmix.
4. Fill and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups (about ¾ full) and bake for 18–22 minutes. They should be golden and spring back when touched.
5. Add topping: While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter and roll or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

For that bakery-style muffin top, skip the liners and bake directly in the greased tin. The crust will be slightly crisp and perfect for holding onto that buttery cinnamon sugar finish.

These are just as good the next day but they’re rarely around that long.

If you enjoy spiced bakes like this, you’ll also love my Pumpkin Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls and cozy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Cake. Both make amazing weekend treats!

Easy mix-ins & seasonal spins

One of the best things about cinnamon muffins with sourdough discard is how adaptable they are. The base recipe is deliciously reliable, but once you’ve nailed the texture and flavor, it’s time to play.

Here are some of my favorite twists:

• Add chopped apples or pears: About ½ cup of small diced fruit brings moisture and pockets of sweet, juicy flavor. Great in fall.
• Swirl in pumpkin puree: Replace 2 tablespoons of milk with pumpkin and add a dash of nutmeg. Hello, autumn.
• Toss in nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and balance the sweetness beautifully.
• Mini chocolate chips: For an unexpected (but delightful) combo of tangy starter, spice, and melty chocolate.
• Zest it up: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for a brighter profile.

Want to impress at brunch? Try baking the batter in a mini muffin tin and coating each one in cinnamon sugar like little donut holes. These bite-sized muffins disappear fast and are ideal for parties or gifting.

If you liked the sound of that, don’t miss the Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake for a streusel-topped spin or the super fun Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Donut Holes both turn discard into something crave-worthy.

Storing, freezing, and reheating tips

Muffins are best warm from the oven but that doesn’t mean they lose their magic after day one. These cinnamon muffins with sourdough discard stay soft and flavorful for days with the right storage.

Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture.
• Fridge: Not recommended it can dry them out faster unless the room is particularly warm.
• Freezing: Let them cool completely, then wrap each in plastic or foil and freeze in a zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating tips:

• Microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked warmth.
• For crisp muffin tops, reheat in the toaster oven at 300°F for 5–6 minutes.

If you’re freezing batches for later, skip the cinnamon sugar topping and add it fresh after reheating it’ll stick better to the warm muffin surface.

These tips also apply well to other recipes like Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Churro Bites, where texture really matters.

For a savory pivot, you can also try Sourdough Discard Biscuits a perfect example of how versatile discard baking can be.

Your top questions answered

When you start experimenting with muffins with sourdough discard, questions pop up especially if you’re new to baking with starter. Here’s what you need to know:

Can you add sourdough discard to a muffin recipe?
Absolutely. Sourdough discard adds moisture, flavor, and structure to muffins. It won’t cause them to rise on its own, but when paired with baking powder, it gives muffins a tender crumb and subtle tang.

When should you not use sourdough discard?
Avoid discard that smells strongly of alcohol, is pinkish or discolored, or has mold. A slightly tangy or yeasty aroma is fine, but signs of spoilage mean it’s time to toss and refresh your starter.

Is sourdough discard still healthy?
Yes discard still contains the beneficial bacteria and yeasts that develop during fermentation. It’s lower in gluten than traditional flour and can be easier on digestion for some people. It also adds a bit of fiber and natural sour flavor.

What does adding sourdough discard do to baked goods?
It helps retain moisture, enhances flavor, and improves texture. In muffins, this results in a fluffier crumb and more complex taste. It’s also a sustainable way to reduce food waste while adding nutritional value to your bakes.

If you’re new to discard baking, start with forgiving recipes like these muffins or my Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists and Sourdough Discard Apple Muffins both beginner-friendly and crowd-pleasing.

Expert tips for muffin perfection

Before you tie on your apron, here are a few bonus tips to make your muffins with sourdough discard bakery-worthy every single time:

• Don’t overmix: Stir just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing leads to dense, chewy muffins.
• Use room temp ingredients: Cold milk or eggs can “shock” the batter and mess with rise.
• Test your baking powder: Old leaveners = flat muffins. Make sure yours is fresh.
• Brush while warm: For cinnamon sugar toppings, apply melted butter and sugar mix when muffins are still warm so it sticks beautifully.
• Try brown sugar: For a deeper molasses-y flavor, swap half the white sugar with light brown sugar.

Want more discard ideas beyond sweet bakes? Sourdough Discard Biscuits are ultra-fluffy and great with soups or eggs. And if you’re craving dessert, Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites might just become your new favorite snack.

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking for comfort, creativity, or just to avoid wasting starter, these muffins deliver every time. They’re simple, versatile, and packed with the warmth of cinnamon sugar and the magic of sourdough. If this recipe has you excited about discard baking, don’t stop here there’s so much more to explore on the trail.

More recipes? Follow me here:
Facebook – Tasty Trails
Pinterest – @tastytrails55