Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites

Are you looking for a way to make use of that sourdough discard sitting in your fridge? If you’re tired of tossing it out, we have a delicious and creative solution for you: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites. These bite-sized treats combine the tangy flavor of sourdough with the irresistible sweetness of cinnamon rolls, resulting in a perfect dessert or snack. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also help reduce waste—something every home baker can get behind!

Why Should You Use Sourdough Discard?

• Reduces Waste: Instead of discarding the extra sourdough starter, you’re putting it to good use in your baking.
• Flavor Boost: Sourdough discard brings a mild tanginess to your cinnamon roll bites that’s hard to beat.
• Nutritional Value: Sourdough is rich in beneficial bacteria, and by using discard, you’re adding a bit of extra nutrition to your baked goods.

Now that we understand what sourdough discard is and why it’s worth using, let’s talk about the star of the show: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites.

What Makes Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Bites Special?

What’s better than a gooey cinnamon roll? A gooey cinnamon roll bite! These little morsels are perfectly sized for snacking and are packed with all the flavors of a traditional cinnamon roll, but with the added benefit of sourdough discard. They’re light, soft, and bursting with cinnamon sugar, and the best part? You can dip them in a glaze that takes them over the top.

Key Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites

Before you start, make sure you’ve got the following ingredients on hand:

• Sourdough discard: The star ingredient that adds depth and tang.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe.
• Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar for the dough and cinnamon-sugar for the filling.
• Butter: Adds richness to the dough and keeps the bites tender.
• Cinnamon: The key spice for that signature flavor.
• Milk and yeast: For activating the dough and giving it that perfect rise.

You can also swap ingredients for dairy-free or gluten-free alternatives, depending on your dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites

Let’s get to the fun part—baking! Follow these easy steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of warm cinnamon roll bites fresh out of the oven.

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing your sourdough discard with milk, sugar, yeast, and melted butter. Stir in the flour until the dough comes together. Once it’s mixed, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface. You’ll want a rectangle shape about 12 inches by 8 inches. Be sure to roll it evenly to ensure uniform bites.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Spread a generous amount of softened butter over the dough, and then sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the buttered surface. Don’t be shy here; you want these bites to be packed with flavor.

5. Cut the Bites

Now, roll the dough tightly into a log starting from one of the long edges. Once rolled, cut the dough into 1-inch pieces—these are your cinnamon roll bites. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.

6. Let the Dough Rest

Allow the dough to rest for about 30 minutes before baking. This gives the rolls time to rise and puff up, ensuring they are soft and pillowy when baked.

7. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cinnamon roll bites for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.

8. Make the Glaze

While your cinnamon roll bites are baking, prepare a simple glaze by whisking powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of milk together. Once the bites are done, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm.

How to Shape Cinnamon Roll Bites

Shaping these cinnamon roll bites is a breeze, and the best part is they don’t need to be perfect! Simply roll the dough into a log and cut it into small bite-sized pieces. For uniformity, use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough without squishing it. The key is to keep the pieces bite-sized—big enough to savor, but small enough to pop into your mouth!

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Baking Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bites

• Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Too high, and the bites may burn; too low, and they might not cook through properly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give each bite some room to expand. Overcrowding will prevent them from rising and baking evenly.
• Golden Brown: Look for a rich, golden color on the tops of your bites, a sure sign they’re ready to come out of the oven.

How to Make the Glaze for Cinnamon Roll Bites

A simple glaze is the perfect finishing touch for these cinnamon roll bites. Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, pourable glaze. For added flavor, try substituting vanilla with maple extract or adding a touch of cream cheese for a tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Sourdough discard cinnamon roll bites are best served warm, straight out of the oven. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. If you’re looking for a decadent dessert, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra glaze for a mouthwatering treat.

Common Issues with Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites

• Dough Too Sticky? If your dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour until it’s manageable. Be careful not to add too much, though, as this can make your bites dense.
• Under-Proofing? If your dough hasn’t risen as expected, try letting it rest for a little longer. Warm environments will help the dough rise more effectively.
• Overbaking? If the tops are browning too quickly, cover them with foil and continue baking until the centers are fully cooked.

How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Roll Bites

Leftover cinnamon roll bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them for longer, freeze them. To freeze, place the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Enhancing Flavor with Sourdough Discard

If you want your cinnamon roll bites to have more of a tangy flavor, consider increasing the amount of sourdough discard in the dough. You can also play around with spices like nutmeg or cardamom to add extra depth to the flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, you can! Store-bought sourdough starter works just as well as discard in this recipe.

How can I make these cinnamon roll bites without dairy?

Simply swap the butter and milk for dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Absolutely! Freeze the dough after shaping it into bites, then bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready.

How do I make a gluten-free version?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. You may need to adjust the liquid quantities slightly to get the right consistency.

Can I add fruit to the cinnamon roll bites?

Yes! Adding chopped apples or berries to the cinnamon roll filling

Final Thoughts

Sourdough discard cinnamon roll bites are an absolute game-changer for anyone with a sourdough starter on hand. Not only do they help reduce waste, but they also bring a delightful combination of flavors to the table, with the tangy kick from the sourdough and the sweet, comforting cinnamon filling. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even as part of your breakfast, these little bites are sure to please everyone in the family.

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