Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites

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🍯 Gooey, Bite-Sized & Perfect for Easter Brunch!

Turn your sourdough discard into soft, buttery, cinnamon-sugar bites with a luscious cream cheese glaze—the ultimate no-waste treat for Easter morning!

Why You’ll Love These

✅ No discard wasted – Uses unfed starter straight from the fridge
✅ Pillowy-soft texture – Sourdough adds incredible tenderness
✅ Perfect finger food – Bite-sized for easy sharing
✅ Make-ahead magic – Prep the night before, bake fresh in the morning

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Dough

  • 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (100% hydration)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) warm milk
  • 2 tbsp (30g) melted butter
  • 2 tbsp (25g) sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (+ more as needed)
  • 1 tsp instant yeast (optional, for extra rise)

For the Cinnamon Filling

  • ¼ cup (55g) softened butter
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (60ml) milk
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  1. In a bowl, mix discard, milk, melted butter, sugar, and egg.
  2. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms (should be slightly sticky).
  3. Knead 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 1-2 hours (or overnight in the fridge).

2. Roll & Fill

  1. Roll dough into a 12×10-inch rectangle.
  2. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Roll tightly into a log, then slice into 1-inch pieces.

3. Bake to Perfection

  1. Arrange bites in a greased 9-inch round pan (or cast-iron skillet).
  2. Cover and let rise 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.

4. Glaze & Serve

  1. Whisk together cream cheese, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over warm bites.

Pro Tips

🌡️ Overnight option: Refrigerate after shaping, then bake in the morning (add 5 mins to bake time).
🍯 Extra gooey: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the filling.
🔥 Crispy edges: Bake in a cast-iron skillet for caramelized bottoms.

Variations

🍎 Apple Pie: Add ½ cup finely diced apples to the filling.
🥥 Tropical Twist: Mix shredded coconut into the glaze.
🍫 Chocolate Swirl: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the filling.

FAQs

Can I make these without yeast?

Yes! Sourdough provides natural leavening, but they’ll be denser.

How to store leftovers?

Keep covered at room temp for 2 days (reheat for 10 sec in microwave).

Can I freeze them?

Freeze unfrosted for up to 1 month (thaw & glaze before serving).

Final Thoughts

These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites are Easter brunch perfection—warm, spiced, and dripping with creamy glaze. The ultimate way to use up starter while delighting your family!

Tip: Serve with fresh fruit & coffee for a festive spread! 🐣☕

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