Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe
If there’s ever been a reason to save every last bit of your sourdough starter, these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots are it. Picture pillowy, golden knots made irresistibly tender by tangy discard, swirled with buttery cinnamon-sugar, then tumbled in more cinnamon sweetness while still warm. Each bite has that nostalgic cozy flavor you crave on a lazy morning, but the sourdough gives it a subtle, sophisticated twist. It’s the kind of recipe you want to bookmark and share, because turning “discard” into something this scrumptious feels almost magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy here—just a handful of pantry staples work together to create the soft, flavorful dough and that classic cinnamon-sugar swirl. Each ingredient does its part to make your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots truly shine.
- Sourdough discard: Adds a gentle tang and incredible tenderness to the dough—bring it to room temperature for the best rise.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and enriches the dough, ensuring a soft, cloud-like crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the knots and helps feed the yeast in the dough stage.
- Active dry yeast: The leavening powerhouse, giving your knots their signature lift.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure you need for easy shaping and a tender bite.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and deepen all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds richness and helps create a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture—used in both dough and filling.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the knots with familiar warmth and bakery-style aroma.
- Brown sugar: Deep, caramel notes make the filling extra flavorful and gooey.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines every bite—choose high-quality cinnamon for the best aroma.
- Cinnamon sugar (for topping): That final toss in cinnamon-sugar takes these knots from delicious to downright addictive.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by mixing together the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in a roomy bowl. Wait 5 to 10 minutes—the mixture will turn foamy and lively once the yeast has woken up. This step is key for that fluffy rise and means your knots will be impossibly light and soft.
Step 2: Create the Dough
Stir in your sourdough discard, melted butter, and vanilla until everything is beautifully combined. Next, scatter in the flour and salt. Mix steadily until a soft dough forms. Now, turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes—your dough should feel elastic, stretchy, and just a little tacky by the end.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rest somewhere warm for about an hour, or until noticeably puffy and double in size. This is when the flavors start to deepen and the texture turns pillowy.
Step 4: Mix Up the Filling
In a small bowl, blend together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The result will be thick, spreadable, and redolent of every cinnamon roll you’ve ever loved—this gooey mixture makes the Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots truly irresistible.
Step 5: Shape and Twist
Roll the risen dough out onto a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12 by 16 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the top. Fold the dough in half lengthwise, then cut it into 1-inch wide strips. Twist each strip a few times, tie it into a loose knot, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover these little beauties and let them relax for another 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F while the knots rest. Slide them into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes—watch for that beautiful golden color and a hint of crispiness at the edges. It’s okay if some filling peeks out; those caramelized spots are the best!
Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the knots are still warm, brush generously with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This outside layer melts ever so slightly onto the hot knots, giving them a glorious, sparkling finish that makes them completely irresistible.
How to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots
Garnishes
Sometimes the simplest finishes are the best. A final dusting of cinnamon sugar makes these knots look bakery-fresh, while a drizzle of quick icing (just whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of milk) adds an extra decadent touch. Fresh orange zest or chopped pecans make them feel even more special for a brunch spread.
Side Dishes
A big mug of coffee or latte is almost a requirement, but these knots also pair beautifully with a big bowl of fresh fruit, tangy yogurt, or even vanilla ice cream if you’re headed into dessert territory. They bring warmth and sweetness to a weekend breakfast or late-night treat table.
Creative Ways to Present
The rustic twisted shapes look stunning piled high in a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin. For parties or brunches, serve them on a tiered tray alongside little cups of extra cinnamon sugar or a cream cheese glaze for dipping. Tuck a few knots into lunchboxes for a sweet midday surprise, or bundle up a dozen as a heartfelt edible gift for friends and neighbors. Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots are always a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftover Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots, stash them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Their texture will stay soft and tender, especially when kept well wrapped to avoid drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these knots (either baked or unbaked) for ultimate sourdough snacking flexibility. Once cooled, arrange the baked knots in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag and store up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or rewarm straight from the freezer for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, pop your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until heated through. For an extra indulgent touch, brush with a little more melted butter after reheating and toss in a flash of fresh cinnamon-sugar.
FAQs
Can I use sourdough discard straight from the fridge?
Absolutely, but for the best rise and flavor, let your discard come to room temperature before adding it to the dough. Cold discard can slow down the yeast activity, making the rise take a bit longer.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can substitute instant yeast in equal measure, just skip the blooming step—add it directly with the flour. The knots will still come out fluffy and delicious.
Can I prepare Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots in advance?
Yes! You can shape the knots, cover, and refrigerate overnight for a slow rise. In the morning, let them sit out while you preheat the oven, then bake as normal. Fresh, warm knots for breakfast!
Is it possible to make these vegan?
With a few swaps, yes—use your favorite non-dairy milk, plant-based butter, and double-check your sourdough starter is made without animal products. The dough and filling remain just as soft and sweet.
Why did some of my filling leak out?
A little bit of leaking is totally normal and, honestly, those caramelized sugar bits on the pan are extra tasty! If you want less leakage, chill the filled and shaped knots for 10 minutes before baking to help the filling stay put.
Final Thoughts
Once you bake a batch of Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots, you’ll start finding reasons to always keep extra starter on hand. They’re sweet, plush, and have just enough tang to make every bite memorable—plus, nothing beats how your kitchen smells while they bake. Go ahead, treat yourself and share these with someone you love; they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking routine!
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Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 knots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful warmth of freshly baked Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots. These soft, fluffy knots are a perfect treat for any time of day, combining the tangy essence of sourdough with the sweet allure of cinnamon sugar. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for a comforting snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in the sourdough discard, melted butter, and vanilla. Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Forming Knots: Roll the risen dough into a rectangle. Spread the filling, fold, cut into strips, twist, tie into knots, and place on a baking sheet. Let rest for 20–30 minutes.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the knots for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Topping: While warm, brush knots with melted butter, then coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Serving: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven if desired.
- Allow discard to reach room temperature if refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
