Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns have quickly become one of my favorite treats to prepare for breakfast. The dough rises slowly overnight, making the cinnamon rolls even more flavorful and soft. The idea of a warm, gooey cinnamon bun in the morning is enough to make anyone look forward to the day. What I love most is how easy it is to prepare the night before, and how the sourdough starter adds a unique tang that makes these buns stand out. If you’ve never tried Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns, I promise you’re in for a real treat.
Why I Love These Buns
What sets Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns apart from regular cinnamon rolls is the overnight fermentation process. This gives the dough time to develop extra flavor, and it creates a wonderfully tender texture. The sourdough starter makes these buns feel extra special. I can already imagine the rich, sweet cinnamon filling melting in my mouth as I take that first bite. Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns have a cozy, homemade taste that just can’t be beaten.
How Easy It Is to Prepare
The best part about making Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns is how simple the recipe is. Once the dough is mixed, all it takes is a little patience as it rises overnight in the fridge. In the morning, I roll out the dough, sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar, and bake. The result is a tray of warm, fluffy cinnamon buns, just waiting for a drizzle of icing. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have homemade cinnamon buns that taste like they came from a bakery.
Perfect for Sharing
Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns are perfect for sharing with friends and family. I’ve made them for weekend gatherings, and they always disappear quickly. The best part is that they can be made the night before, so you’re not rushing around in the morning. They have that homemade charm that brings people together, and the smell of cinnamon filling the kitchen is something everyone loves. If you want a delicious and easy breakfast that feels special, give Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns a try.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns
- Active Sourdough Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it in the dough. If it’s not bubbly enough, your buns may not rise as well.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, milk, and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing them with other ingredients. This helps them combine better and results in a smoother dough.
- Resting Time: Let the dough rise overnight at room temperature, not in the fridge. A warm environment encourages better fermentation and a fluffier texture.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes to activate the gluten. The dough should be smooth and elastic—this is key for achieving soft, pillowy cinnamon buns.
- Filling Consistency: Be sure the cinnamon-sugar mixture is thickened with the flour so it doesn’t ooze out during baking. Spread it evenly over the dough to ensure a consistent swirl.
- Proper Dough Rolling: Roll the dough tightly but not too tightly to avoid squeezing out the filling. Seal the edges to keep the filling in place.
- Rising Time: Allow the shaped rolls to rise for at least 1-2 hours before baking. If they don’t double in size, they might not bake as fluffy.
- Oven Temperature: Every oven is different, so check your rolls a few minutes before the recommended baking time. The tops should be golden brown, and the interior should be fully cooked.
- Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add milk a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency for easy drizzling.
Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns
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minutesGet ready to indulge in these irresistibly soft and flavorful Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns! Perfect for weekends or holiday mornings, this recipe combines a rich, sweet dough with a luscious cinnamon filling that melts in your mouth. Expertly crafted with a tangy sourdough starter, each bite delivers a harmonious blend of texture and taste that will delight your family and guests alike. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cinnamon buns are sure to become a beloved favorite in your home. Bake them fresh overnight and wake up to the heavenly aroma of freshly baked goodness!
Ingredients
- Dough Components
1/3 cup whole or 2% milk
1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
1 large egg
1/4 cup active sourdough starter
1 tbsp white sugar
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp fine sea salt
Cooking spray or oil for coating pan
- Sweet Filling Mix
1 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
1½ tsp cinnamon powder
½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- Finishing Glaze
1 tbsp softened unsalted butter
2½ tbsp room temperature whipped cream cheese
¼–½ cup sifted powdered sugar
½–1 tbsp milk
- Alternative Ingredients:
Milk: Substitute with almond milk or soy milk.
Unsalted Butter: Use margarine or vegan butter as a replacement.
Egg: Replace with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan option.
Granulated Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or honey.
All-Purpose Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free diets.
Cream Cheese: Replace with dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream.
Powdered Sugar: Use a stevia-based powdered sweetener as an alternative.
Directions
- Preparing Dough: In the evening, blend the melted butter with whole milk in a small bowl and allow to cool slightly. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine active sourdough starter, sugar, and the entire egg. Gradually incorporate the cooled butter-milk mixture into the starter mixture, stirring well to combine. Slowly add the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a greased surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise overnight at room temperature.
- Making Filling: In a medium bowl, soften the unsalted butter and mix with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Stir in the flour to thicken the filling mixture, ensuring an even consistency. This step should take about 5 minutes and ensures the filling stays in place during baking.
- Shaping Rolls: The next morning, punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×9 inches. Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the rolled dough, leaving a small margin at the edges. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into 4 equal rolls. Place the rolls into a greased baking pan, allowing space for expansion. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours until plump and puffy. Optionally, you can add chopped nuts at this stage for extra texture.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan while preparing the glaze.
- Preparing Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing softened butter, whipped cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if desired. This should take about 3 minutes.
- Serving: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving. Enjoy your freshly baked Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns as a delightful breakfast or snack!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- pastry brush
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 600kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 50g
- Protein: 12g
- Vitamin A: 300IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQ- Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Buns
Can I use a store-bought sourdough starter instead of homemade?
Yes, a store-bought sourdough starter will work just fine. Just make sure it’s active and bubbly for the best results.
How long can I store leftover cinnamon buns?
Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I make these buns without dairy?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with almond milk or soy milk, the butter with margarine or vegan butter, and the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese.
How can I make the cinnamon rolls less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet filling, simply reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can also skip the glaze or use a light drizzle of powdered sugar.
Can I add any mix-ins like raisins or nuts?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or raisins to the cinnamon filling will add extra flavor and texture. Just make sure not to overfill, so the rolls still rise properly.
