Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites

These gooey, bite-sized cinnamon roll bites are made with sourdough discard, ensuring no part of your starter goes to waste. Perfectly soft, sweet, and drizzled with a creamy cream cheese glaze, they’re an irresistible treat for Easter brunch, holiday gatherings, or cozy coffee breaks. Plus, their pull-apart design makes them fun to share!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• No Waste: Uses sourdough discard for a tangy twist and reduces food waste.
• Easy & Fun: Simple steps and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet, gooey, and topped with a decadent glaze—everyone will love them!

 Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, 100% hydration )
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting )
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ cup melted butter (or coconut oil )
• ⅓ cup warm milk (or almond milk )

For the Filling:

• ¼ cup softened butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese , softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency )
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough 🥣

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard , warm milk , melted butter , and sugar . Stir until well combined.
2. Add the flour , salt , and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes , or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise ⏳

1. Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil or butter. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat it with oil.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours , or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough 🍞

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 12 inches by 8 inches , ensuring it’s evenly rolled.

Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Filling 🌿

1. Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
2. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon . Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough, pressing lightly to help it stick.

Step 5: Cut the Bites ✂️

1. Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log.
2. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 1-inch pieces to create your cinnamon roll bites.

Step 6: Arrange and Rest 🥘

1. Grease a baking dish (8×8 inch or similar) and arrange the cinnamon roll bites in it, leaving a little space between each piece.
2. Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the bites rest for 30 minutes to puff up slightly before baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection 🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Bake the cinnamon roll bites for 20–25 minutes , or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze 🧀

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese , powdered sugar , vanilla extract , and 1–2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.

Step 9: Drizzle and Serve 🍯🍴

1. Once the cinnamon roll bites are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top.
2. Serve warm and enjoy these gooey, pull-apart bites as a delightful snack or brunch treat!

Tips for Success:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days . Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to restore softness.
• Freeze Option: Freeze unbaked cinnamon roll bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Customize: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the glaze for extra flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 12 bites):

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: ~3g
• Carbohydrates: ~28g
• Fat: ~6g

Enjoy these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites as a sweet, indulgent treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Their soft, gooey texture and rich cream cheese glaze make them perfect for sharing—or savoring all to yourself!