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Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls with a Vanilla Honey Icing

There is something so special about baking with sourdough. It brings warmth, patience, and a touch of tradition into the kitchen. These sourdough cinnamon rolls are soft, slightly tangy, and perfectly sweet with a golden brown crust and honey glaze that melts into every swirl. Simple to make and full of flavor, they are a beautiful way to enjoy slow, intentional baking at home.
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Servings: 6 Rolls
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sourdough discard
  • 1/2 cup ice water
  • 1/2 stick of chilled butter
  • 1/8 cup of honey
  • 1 stick of butter softened; almost melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 2 cups confectioner sugar
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 4 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp honey

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a cast iron skillet or baking dish with butter or oil.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Coat the butter stick in the dry mixture and grate it in using a cheese grater.
  4. Add sourdough discard and honey, then stir lightly with a spatula.
  5. Gradually add iced water, ¼ cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms. Add flour if too sticky.
  6. Knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook (2–3 min) or by hand.
  7. Cover with a towel and chill for 10 to 15 minutes in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
  8. For the filling, mix butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. I use a scraper spatula.
  9. On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle with 1/4 inch thickness. Spread filling evenly using a spatula on top.
  10. Roll tightly from the long side, seal the edge, and slice into 6 even rolls using floss or a sharp knife.
  11. Arrange rolls in the prepared dish, slightly spaced apart.
  12. Bake 25–35 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
  13. For the glaze, whisk together melted butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, honey, and cream until smooth.
  14. Pour over warm rolls and serve.