Introduction
Every time I make this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Focaccia, it takes me back to cozy weekends filled with the warm, comforting smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. It’s a mashup of two favorites: the soft, chewy magic of focaccia and the sweet, buttery bliss of cinnamon rolls. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your kitchen will feel like a bakery, and your taste buds will do a happy dance!
Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this dreamy dish:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Warm Water | 2 cups |
| Granulated Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 ¼ teaspoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | 4 ½ cups |
| Sourdough Discard | 200 grams (¾ cup, unfed, room temperature) |
| Kosher Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Unsalted Butter (for greasing) | 2 Tablespoons, melted |
| Brown Sugar (packed) | ½ cup |
| Ground Cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk (regular or non-dairy) | 1 ½ Tablespoons |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
Cooking Steps to make the perfect Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
1. Wake Up That Yeast
In a stand mixer bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it foam for 5 minutes. (No foam? Start over with fresh yeast.)
2. Make It Shaggy
Add flour, sourdough discard, and salt. Mix until you have a wet, sticky dough—perfect for focaccia!
3. First Rise
Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 2-3 hours, doubling in size.
4. Pan Prep
Grease a 13×9-inch pan generously with melted butter.
5. Second Rise
Deflate the dough, transfer it to the buttered pan, and let it rise again for 1 ½-2 hours.
6. Cinnamon Bliss Topping
Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Drizzle over the dough.
7. Dimple It Up
With wet fingers, press dimples into the dough, letting the cinnamon topping settle in.
8. Bake It Beautiful
Bake at 450°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and aromatic.
9. Frosting Time
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle generously over the focaccia.
Discover the Secrets to Making Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
1. The Magic of Sourdough Discard
One of the best-kept secrets of this recipe is using sourdough discard. It’s not just a way to avoid wasting that extra starter; it’s the secret ingredient that gives your dough a subtle tangy depth that perfectly balances the sweet cinnamon topping. The beauty of sourdough discard cinnamon rolls lies in this unique flavor profile—one bite, and you’ll taste the difference! Whether you’re trying to use up discard from making a sourdough focaccia recipe or just experimenting with sourdough, this is a great way to turn leftovers into something extraordinary. Don’t have sourdough discard yet? Start a simple sourdough starter and never let anything go to waste again!
2. Perfect Yeast Activation
Getting the yeast activated correctly is a vital step in this sourdough discard cinnamon roll recipe. Start with warm water—think cozy, bath-like warmth—and mix it with a little sugar to feed the yeast. When you see those bubbles start to rise, you’ll know your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If you’re reusing sourdough discard for this recipe, the yeast combines with the tangy notes of the starter for an irresistible crumb. This step is crucial not just for discard sourdough cinnamon rolls, but also for any bread recipe, including your favorite sourdough focaccia bread recipe. Take your time here—it’s worth it!
3. Shaggy Dough Texture
A sticky, shaggy dough might seem messy, but trust me, it’s exactly what you want for this recipe. The combination of sourdough discard and flour creates the perfect foundation for your dough. While making traditional cinnamon rolls may require a more structured dough, sourdough discard focaccia thrives on this soft, pliable texture. As you mix, you’ll notice the dough coming together in a beautifully imperfect way. This is what gives your discard sourdough cinnamon rolls their light and airy texture. Pro tip: avoid the temptation to add too much flour, as this can lead to a dense and dry bread.
4. Dimples with Love
One of the most satisfying parts of making sourdough focaccia bread recipes is dimpling the dough. Wet your fingers and press deep dimples across the surface, letting the butter-cinnamon topping settle into every crevice. This technique isn’t just for looks; it ensures that every bite of your sourdough discard cinnamon rolls is infused with gooey sweetness. It’s a little messy but totally worth it! If you’re new to making sourdough discard focaccia, this step can feel therapeutic—there’s something magical about seeing the dough respond to your touch.
5. The Right Pan Matters
Using the right pan can elevate this sourdough discard cinnamon roll recipe to bakery-level quality. I recommend a buttered 13×9-inch metal pan for crisp edges and a soft, chewy interior. The butter not only prevents sticking but also enhances the flavor, creating a caramelized base that’s irresistible. Whether you’re baking these as a twist on traditional discard sourdough cinnamon rolls or using the same pan for a sourdough focaccia recipe, this small detail makes a big difference. If you don’t have a metal pan, a glass or ceramic one works, but the edges may not crisp as much.
6. Patience in Rising
When making anything with sourdough discard, patience is key. Allowing the dough to rise twice develops not only the texture but also the flavor, making this sourdough discard focaccia soft, airy, and irresistible. The sourdough discard adds a depth that elevates these cinnamon rolls from ordinary to extraordinary. The first rise lets the yeast do its work, while the second rise ensures the dough fills the pan and bakes evenly. Skipping these steps or rushing them can lead to dense bread that doesn’t showcase the potential of your sourdough discard cinnamon roll focaccia recipe.
7. Cinnamon Topping Techniques
Creating the cinnamon topping is where this recipe takes on its sweet personality. Melting butter and mixing it with brown sugar and cinnamon creates a gooey topping that makes these sourdough discard cinnamon rolls shine. When you drizzle this over the dough, it settles into the dimples, creating pockets of caramelized goodness in every slice. If you’re using this same topping technique for a sourdough focaccia bread recipe, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a spiced twist. This step is simple but transformative, turning basic ingredients into a flavor explosion.
8. Frosting for a Finish
The frosting is the final touch that makes these discard sourdough cinnamon rolls absolutely irresistible. A simple mixture of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla drizzled generously over the top adds just the right amount of sweetness. The contrast between the tangy dough and the sugary frosting is what sets this sourdough discard cinnamon roll recipe apart. Want to make it extra special? Add a splash of maple syrup to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor. This step is quick but essential—don’t skip it!
9. Experiment with Flavors
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. While the classic cinnamon-sugar combo is a crowd-pleaser, you can experiment by adding orange zest, chocolate chips, or even nuts to the topping. This creativity extends to any sourdough focaccia recipe you try, allowing you to tailor the flavors to your liking. These sourdough discard cinnamon rolls are a great base for endless variations, so don’t be afraid to make them your own. Try swapping the cinnamon for cardamom or adding a hint of espresso powder for a bold twist!
10. Why Sourdough Discard Makes All the Difference
When it comes to making sourdough discard cinnamon rolls, the sourdough discard adds more than just flavor—it brings a unique texture and depth that you won’t get from regular yeast. The long fermentation process in sourdough discard develops natural yeast, lactic acid bacteria, and wild yeasts, which all work together to give the bread a soft, airy crumb and a slightly tangy flavor. This is why sourdough discard focaccia is so incredibly light and chewy. The discard also helps with the rise, creating a more tender and flavorful dough compared to typical cinnamon rolls. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a sourdough focaccia bread recipe stand out, the answer lies in the discard—the unsung hero of your kitchen!
11. The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
One of the most delightful things about making sourdough discard cinnamon rolls is the contrast between the tangy dough and the sweet, cinnamon-y topping. The cinnamon-sugar mixture not only gives it that classic dessert flavor but also balances out the slight acidity of the sourdough discard. If you’ve ever made sourdough focaccia bread recipes, you’ll know how the bread itself can carry both sweet and savory toppings effortlessly. The sourdough base in this recipe allows you to experiment with flavors beyond cinnamon, like chocolate, nuts, or even a bit of sea salt to create a deliciously unique twist on your typical cinnamon rolls. This balance is what makes the cinnamon roll focaccia both comforting and exciting.
12. Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Go-To
Once you’ve baked your first sourdough discard cinnamon roll recipe, you’ll realize how easy and satisfying it is to make. Whether it’s for a weekend breakfast, a special occasion, or simply to treat yourself, this dish is sure to impress. The best part? The recipe doesn’t require hours of effort, and yet the end result feels like a labor of love. The sourdough discard focaccia adds a depth of flavor and texture that takes this dish beyond your usual cinnamon rolls or focaccia bread recipes. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat or just something indulgent to enjoy with your morning coffee, this cinnamon roll focaccia is your new go-to recipe! Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to make any other cinnamon rolls without a sourdough base.
13. A Recipe That Brings Comfort and Joy
There’s something truly comforting about the smell of freshly baked sourdough discard cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. The warmth of cinnamon, the buttery dough, and that perfect frosting drizzle all come together to create an experience that feels like a hug in food form. This recipe isn’t just about making a delicious treat—it’s about creating memories. Whether you’re baking it for a family brunch, a cozy evening at home, or a special celebration, these sourdough discard cinnamon rolls will bring joy to every bite. The combination of a tangy, flavorful dough with sweet cinnamon and frosting makes it a truly unforgettable experience, and it’s bound to become a beloved tradition in your home. Each slice offers a taste of comfort, warmth, and the satisfaction that only homemade baking can bring.
14. Conclusion: A Sweet Finish
When you bite into this sourdough discard cinnamon roll recipe, you’ll experience layers of flavor—sweet, tangy, and buttery—all in one. This isn’t just bread; it’s a masterpiece of textures and tastes, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or simply enjoying it yourself, these sourdough discard cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to bring smiles. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get baking—you’ll love every moment, from the first rise to the last bite!
Why I Love Making This Dish
The combination of sweet and tangy flavors, chewy bread, and caramelized edges is irresistible. Every batch is a labor of love that brings me and my family pure joy.
FAQ
Can I make this without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease—it’s worth it!
What if I don’t have sourdough discard?
Try a plain focaccia recipe, but I promise the tanginess adds magic.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for best results.
For more recipes, check out our Sourdough Discard Cheddar Crackers or Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls !
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