Rory’s Guaranteed Rise Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re a fan of baking, you already know the magic that happens when sourdough meets cinnamon rolls. The subtle tang of the sourdough perfectly complements the sweetness of cinnamon sugar, creating a treat that’s irresistible. But what if your sourdough struggles to rise? Not anymore! Rory’s Guaranteed Rise Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are foolproof, thanks to a few essential tricks that ensure a perfect rise every time—no more dense rolls!

Follow this recipe, and you’ll enjoy light, fluffy, and delicious cinnamon rolls with the depth of sourdough flavor. Ready to bake? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Dough

• ½ cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
• 1 cup whole milk, warm (not hot)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk (or more for desired consistency)

5 Simple Steps to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and egg.
2. Add the salt and gradually incorporate the flour until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.

Pro Tip: If your dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise Overnight

1. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise overnight at room temperature (8-12 hours).
2. In the morning, the dough should be doubled in size, fluffy, and ready to roll.

Rory’s Secret: If you live in a cold climate, place the dough in the oven with the light on—it creates a perfect, slightly warm environment for the dough to rise.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

1. Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface.
3. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the butter.
4. Add a drizzle of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
5. Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log.

Step 4: Slice and Proof

1. Slice the dough log into 12 equal rolls.
2. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each roll to allow for expansion.
3. Cover with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for 1-2 hours, until they puff up.

Rory’s Tip for Guaranteed Rise: If the dough is slow to rise, place it in a warm spot (like near a sunny window or the oven set to 100°F/38°C) to encourage proofing.

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown on top.
3. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by mixing the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
4. Let the rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling the glaze generously over the top.

Pro Tip: For an extra gooey experience, serve the rolls warm with additional glaze on the side.

FAQs About Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

1. What if my dough doesn’t rise overnight?

Don’t panic! Try placing it in a warmer spot, such as the oven with the light on, and give it a couple more hours. Sourdough can be slow but persistent.

2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! After rolling and slicing, place the rolls in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before baking.

3. What makes sourdough cinnamon rolls different?

Sourdough adds a subtle tang and complexity to the rolls, making them less sweet and more flavorful than traditional cinnamon rolls. Plus, the natural fermentation makes them easier to digest.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly baked sourdough cinnamon rolls, especially when they rise to perfection. With Rory’s guaranteed rise method, you’ll never have to deal with dense or flat rolls again. The combination of tangy sourdough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze makes these rolls the ultimate breakfast or dessert treat. Bake a batch, and watch them disappear before your eyes!