February 11, 2020

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Easy, Step-by-Step Guide)

Last Updated on October 28, 2026 by Carrie Korem, FNTP

This sourdough cinnamon rolls recipe has become a family favorite! It’s made with an active sourdough starter, and the dough is rolled with cinnamon and brown sugar and topped with a cream cheese frosting. My family requests these cinnamon rolls every Christmas!

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

With a light, fluffy texture, a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a tangy depth from long fermentation, these rolls are truly special.

Not only are they perfect for holiday mornings or weekend baking projects, but the fermentation process makes them easier to digest and even reduces gluten content. In fact, slow fermentation (48 hours) can break down up to 97% of gluten while also enhancing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Unsalted organic butter
Spelt flour (or whole wheat flour)
Eggs
Whole milk
Celtic sea salt

Organic brown sugar
Ground cinnamon

Cream cheese
Vanilla extract
Organic powdered sugar

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Build the Sweet Levain

The night before baking, mix flour, water, starter, and sugar. Cover and let ferment for 8–10 hours.

Make and Knead the Dough

In a standing mixer, combine the melted butter, flours, sweet levain, eggs, sugar, milk, and salt. Mix first with the paddle, then with the dough hook until smooth.

Stretch and Fold the Dough

Let dough rest 30 minutes, then stretch and fold four times, resting 30 minutes between each fold.

Slow Fermentation in the Refrigerator

Cover tightly and refrigerate for 48–72 hours to develop flavor, reduce the phytic acid and improve digestibility.

Shape, Fill, and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Roll tightly, cut into 12 even rolls, and place in a buttered baking dish.

Rise Options: 5 Hours vs. Overnight

5-hour rise: rolls bake more evenly.
Overnight rise: taller, fluffier rolls with the same flavor.

Bake Until Golden

Bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes until golden brown.

Baking Timeline for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The night before, put together the starter, water, flour and sugar.
The next morning, make the dough.
After the dough is put together, you’ll need to be around to stretch-and-fold the dough four times.
Place the dough in the refrigerator for 24 hours or up to 48 hours.
The day you’re going to bake, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature, about four hours.
Roll out the dough, add the cinnamon sugar, roll them up, cut, and place in a baking dish.
Let the rolls rise for 5 hours. Bake!

Overnight Rise vs. Same Day Rise

You can make these with a 5-hour rise or an overnight rise, depending on your schedule. Overnight rolls tend to bake a bit taller, while the shorter rise keeps them uniform.

I absolutely love that I can let these rise on Christmas Eve night so I can just pop them in the oven for Christmas morning!

Is a Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Healthier

Fermented sourdough bread is made using a starter which is a live culture of flour and water that ferments over several days. This living mixture replaces commercial yeast and gives sourdough its rise and signature tang.

Unlike traditional bread, sourdough rises slowly, which gives the natural yeasts time to feed on the flour and develop deep flavor. The slow fermentation also helps neutralize phytic acid, a compound that can block mineral absorption, and creates beneficial enzymes and organic acids.

The process of slow fermentation allows the bacteria to break down the carbohydrates and gluten and also neutralizes the phytic acid, making it easier for the body to digest.

So, yes! A sourdough cinnamon rolls is a healthier option. The gluten is reduced by 97%, the carbs are broken down, the phytic acid is neutralized and there are beneficial enzymes and organic acids.

Is Sourdough Bread Gluten-Free?

The short answer is “no”. If you allow the bread to ferment (aka – sit in the fridge for a day or two), then the gluten will be reduced by around 97%. But, there will still be gluten in the bread. This applies even if you use fresh milled flour.

Tips for Success with This Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Choosing the Best Flour

Spelt flour adds softness, while all-purpose flour provides structure. Stick with organic flours for best fermentation. Organic flours are also free of bleach and synthetic additives.

How to Get Even Cinnamon Rolls

Use a bench scraper or a large knife to cut rolls evenly. The 5-hour rise yields rolls that are closer in size.

Overnight Rise vs. Same-Day Rise

Overnight gives more height, same-day keeps them uniform. Both taste amazing!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the dough proof or rise long enough
Not using an active starter
Cutting the rolls too thin

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for the Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

How to Store Leftovers

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating for Best Taste

Warm rolls in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore their soft texture.

FAQs About Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Can I Use Active Starter Instead of Levain?

The sweet levain contains active starter, but still needs to be put together the night before.

Do I need to weight the ingredients?

Yes. This way you get the perfect rolls each time. Weighing ingredients isn’t super common in the US, but it’s actually very simple! Here’s the scale I recommend.

How Do I Know If My Rolls Are Proofed Enough?

They should feel puffy and spring back slightly when pressed.

More Sourdough Recipes You’ll Love

Fermented Sourdough Recipe (all you need is water, salt and flour!)
Sourdough Monkey Bread
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
Overnight Sourdough Pancakes

Whether it’s Christmas morning, a birthday breakfast, or just a cozy Sunday at home, these cinnamon rolls are a crowd-pleasing treat.

Photo Credit: Becky Winkler