Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re anything like me and adore the idea of traditional cinnamon rolls but with a tangy twist and an irresistibly soft texture, then you’re going to absolutely love this Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy, and each bite is like a warm hug in the morning. Trust me, once you try these rolls, you’ll be making them again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together brilliantly—simple pantry staples that you might already have with the magic addition of a lively sourdough starter which really brings this recipe to life. A reliable kitchen scale makes a huge difference here to get the dough just right.

• Active sourdough starter: Make sure your starter is bubbly and active for best rise and flavor.
• Warm milk: It should be comfortably warm, around 100-120°F, to activate your starter without killing it.
• Dark brown sugar: I love the deeper molasses notes this gives compared to light brown sugar. It adds richness to both dough and filling.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for dough, softened for filling and frosting—quality butter is key for that creamy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Large egg: Room temperature for better incorporation and loft.
• Bread flour: Extra protein helps build good gluten structure for a chewy, fluffy roll.
• Heavy cream: Warmed just before baking to keep rolls super moist.
• Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground if possible, for the most fragrant, punchy flavor.
• Cream cheese: Soften to room temp so your frosting is smooth and silky.
• Powdered sugar: For the frosting’s perfect sweetness and smooth texture.

Variations

I love making these rolls as written, but honestly, part of the fun is customizing them however you like at home! You’ll find that small swaps can make this recipe your signature.

• Flavor twists: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for some crunch—my family goes crazy for the extra texture.
• Fruit additions: Mix in some raisins or chopped dried apricots with the cinnamon sugar for a fruity surprise.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream and use a plant-based butter alternative.
• Extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a cozy, warming flavor that’s perfect in cooler months.

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Activate the Dough

Start by adding your active sourdough starter, warm milk (make sure it’s not hot, ideally below 120°F), and dark brown sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mixing these on low lets the starter wake up gently and start feeding on that sugar. This step is crucial because if the milk’s too hot, it can kill the starter and your rolls won’t rise properly, which I’ve learned the hard way!

Step 2: Add Butter, Salt, and Egg

Next, pour in melted butter, sprinkle salt, and crack in a large room temperature egg. Mixing these on low speed helps the dough gain richness and structure. This is where your rolls start getting that buttery softness and flavor that makes them so comforting.

Step 3: Incorporate the Bread Flour

Swap the paddle for a dough hook, and add the bread flour in batches—about half a cup at a time. Scrape down the bowl between additions to make sure everything gets fully mixed. Keep kneading at medium speed until the dough pulls cleanly from the sides of the bowl and feels tacky but not sticky. I always use a kitchen scale because measuring flour by cups can be so inconsistent, and you want your dough perfect for rising.

Step 4: Let Your Dough Rise

Cover your bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let your dough rest in a warm spot—ideally around 70°F—for 6 to 7 hours or until it doubles. The timing varies with room temperature; cooler kitchens take longer and warmer ones less. This is where the magic happens and your dough develops its signature flavor and airiness.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once your dough has doubled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter generously across the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over. Starting from the long edge nearest you, roll it up tightly. Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut into nine equal pieces—dental floss is my secret here for neat, squished-down cuts without squashing the rolls.

Step 6: Arrange and Proof Again

Butter a 9-inch square pan or cast iron skillet, place the rolls about 1/2 to 1 inch apart, and cover with a damp towel. Let them rise again for 3 to 4 hours at room temperature until puffy and noticeably risen. If you’re short on time, pop them in the fridge overnight at this stage and rise them the next day in a warm spot before baking; I like using my oven light for a cozy rising environment.

Step 7: Bake with Heavy Cream

Just before baking, warm heavy cream and pour it evenly over the rolls—this trick seals in moisture and gives you that soft, tender crumb I love. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer hits 190°F. Set the rolls on a wire rack to cool just a little while you whip up the frosting.

Step 8: Cream Cheese Frosting

In your mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and heavy cream, then mix until silky. Spread this frosting generously over your warm rolls so it melts into every nook and cranny. I always find that this melting frosting is the best part—such a dreamy finish!

How to Serve Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—powdered sugar dusted lightly on top adds a charming look, but sometimes I sprinkle a few toasted chopped pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt on the frosting for a subtle contrast. The balance of sweet and a touch of crunch just elevates these rolls nicely.

Side Dishes

These sourdough cinnamon rolls are wonderful paired with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chai latte. For brunch, I like serving them with a side of fresh fruit or scrambled eggs to balance the indulgence with something light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve rolled them tighter and sliced into smaller bite-sized rolls, perfect for individual servings at brunch parties. Another idea is baking them in a bundt pan to create a pull-apart cinnamon roll cake—such a showstopper! Wrapping individual rolls in parchment and tying with a ribbon makes a thoughtful edible gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To bring them back to life, let the rolls sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving. This step revives their soft texture without the need to reheat.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing both shaped and baked rolls works great. For unbaked rolls, freeze them covered in the pan overnight, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, give the rolls a good 3-4 hour warm rise, then bake. Baked rolls freeze beautifully too—just freeze without frosting, thaw, reheat gently, and then top with cream cheese frosting fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, covering loosely with foil if needed to prevent over-browning. This keeps them soft and toasty. Microwaving works in a pinch but can affect texture. Adding fresh frosting after warming always brings that fresh-baked feeling back.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe turns out every time. There’s something so satisfying about the slow rise, the tangy starter flavor, and that luscious cream cheese frosting melting over warm rolls. It makes weekend mornings feel extra special and cozy. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do. Trust me, once you’ve mastered these rolls, they’re going to be a staple in your baking repertoire—and your family will thank you endlessly for it!

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