sourdough discard cinnamon rolls without frosting

As the new year approaches, consider 10 of the best sourdough cinnamon recipes. All recipes contain cinnamon, bringing the warming notes to every dish during an otherwise cold time of year.

four recipes with text in middle

Sourdough cinnamon recipes are one of the best ways to ring in the holiday season. Whether you enjoy sweet sourdough recipes or savory sourdough recipes, cinnamon can be implemented in each dish to bring warmth, color and spice to a dish.

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice – often times paired with other warming spices like ginger, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper, turmeric and allspice. Cinnamon also compliments sweeteners like maple syrup, molasses and sugar well.

When including cinnamon within a sourdough recipe, consider timing. Cinnamon can prohibit fermentation from occurring which can impact overall rise and the outcome of baked goods.

Often, sourdough recipes with cinnamon will add the spice in after the bulk fermentation period. It can be mixed directly into the dough (like bagels) or spread on top (like cinnamon rolls).

These cinnamon recipes can be served on their own or in conjunction with other side dishes. They are good served at any time of day and any holiday party (Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years Eve).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What spices pair well with cinnamon?
    • Warming spices like ginger, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper and turmeric are spices which mix well with cinnamon. Traditional pumpkin pie spice and gingerbread spice both rely heavily on cinnamon to provide the flavor we have come to know and recognize within sweet baked goods.r
  • What is the best type of cinnamon?
    • We find the most flavorful cinnamon is ceylon cinnamon – which has citrus and floral notes. It is considered ‘true’ cinnamon and is often the most prominent cinnamon flavor when used within a recipe. Saigon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon are also two types of cinnamon.
  • Does cinnamon slow down fermentation?
    • The short answer is yes. Cinnamon impacts the speed at which yeast rises, which impacts the speed of fermentation. While it does not impact the flavor, it can reduce the speed of fermentation which means a longer bulk fermentation period is required.
  • Why do cinnamon and water not mix?
    • Cinnamon has chemicals which do not mix with water. However, if you mix cinnamon into other liquids like maple syrup or honey (or a fat like butter or oil), you can easily disperse the cinnamon within a recipe.

1. Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Bagels

With apple cinnamon pieces in every bite, these sourdough apple cinnamon bagels are a delight. The cinnamon is kneaded into the dough along with the apples after the dough rests. Top the bagels with cinnamon crunch for extra cinnamon goodness.

2. Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

sourdough discard cinnamon rolls without frosting

Classic sourdough cinnamon rolls are a hit for every holiday. Whether you enjoy cinnamon rolls with our without frosting, these are a treat for breakfast or with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. The cinnamon sugar filling creates a caramel-like flavor on the bottom of every cinnamon roll.

3. Sourdough French Toast Casserole (With cream cheese)

This is the perfect overnight sourdough recipe. Combining leftover sourdough bread, eggs, milk and spices (including cinnamon), allow them to soak overnight. Top with cream cheese dollops and a crumble before placing in the oven when you are ready to bake. This is the ultimate mom-hack for a great breakfast with little preparation.

4. Cinnamon Crunch Sourdough Bagels

This panera bagel dupe is amazing. The cinnamon crunch topping makes a delicious layer on every bagel. Cinnamon is included within the dough (post bulk fermentation) and on top of the bagels.

5. Sourdough Sticky Buns

Hand holding sticky bun with pecans. Black wristwatch.

If you enjoy sourdough cinnamon rolls, these sticky buns are sure to follow. The sourdough brioche dough is rolled tight with cinnamon, brown sugar and butter.

Place the sourdough sticky buns in a caramel sauce (with pecans too, if you please), before baking. Invert the pan and enjoy the sticky buns warm from the oven with a dollop of butter.

6. Sourdough Discard Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

sourdough banana muffins on cooling rack close up

If you have leftover ripe bananas, use them within this recipe. Almond flour provides a nutty flavor in each bite. Cinnamon is used within the dough to create a traditional ‘banana bread’ flavor in every bite.

Add chocolate chips if you desire. Great for school lunches or breakfast straight from the freezer.

7. Pumpkin Cheesecake Sourdough Brownies

This dessert comes with two layers – pumpkin cheesecake and sourdough brownies. The brownies are fudge and pack a powerful chocolate punch.

The pumpkin cheesecake is light and creamy – made with pumpkin, maple syrup and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger and cloves. This is the perfect fall dessert.

8. Sourdough Apple Dutch Baby

If you enjoy a sourdough dutch baby, try this version with apples. The apples are sliced thin and baked until fork tender in butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.

The sourdough dutch baby batter is placed over top and cooked until fluffy and golden brown in the oven. Top with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar or maple syrup. And for fast clean up – make the dutch baby in a cast iron skillet.

9. Sourdough Pumpkin Donuts

These sourdough pumpkin donuts are baked, not fried. Not only are these flavorful and moist, they can be made vegan thanks to pumpkin! These pumpkin donuts are made with sourdough and all the warming spices for a fall treat. Top with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or a cream cheese glaze if you desire.

10. White Chocolate Cranberry Sourdough Muffins

white chocolate cranberry sourdough muffins stacks

Made with white chocolate and cranberries, these sourdough muffins are a holiday delight. There is a bit of spice in every bite thanks to cinnamon, as well.

11. Sourdough Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread

pull apart bread with cream cheese frosting glaze

Sourdough cinnamon pull apart bread is like having cinnamon rolls in bread form. The bread is light and airy, thanks to wild yeast found in the sourdough starter.

Each bite has cinnamon sugar and cream cheese frosting. This pull apart bread is best enjoyed warm with a smear of butter.

11. Sourdough S’mores Bars

Stack of 3 sourdough s'mores bars

Use cinnamon graham crackers within this recipe to enjoy a twist on s’mores bars. These sourdough s’mores bars have three indulgent layers – a sourdough graham cracker cookie crust, marshmallow fluff and chocolate chips. Enjoy more s’mores any time of year.

11. Apple Butter Cheesecake (With Sourdough Graham Cracker Crust)

apple butter cheesecake with whipped cream and on a blue plate

Enjoy this homemade apple butter cheesecake complete with three layers – sourdough graham cracker crust, cheesecake and apple butter. If you have leftover apples, make this dessert this season. Swap pumpkin butter for the apple butter and enjoy this recipe (including cinnamon) either way.

cinnamon rolls with text up front

What is your favorite sourdough cinnamon recipe? We bring cinnamon rolls to every family gathering where want to prep something in advance. Let us know in the comments below!

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