These Sourdough Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls are a warm treat you won’t forget! They’re soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet apples and a touch of cinnamon.
Honestly, what’s better than the smell of cinnamon and apples baking? I always say these rolls make mornings feel a little more special! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: This is key for the unique texture and flavor. If you don’t have sourdough starter, a store-bought mix or a yeast-based dough can be used, but the taste will differ.
Apple Cider: It’s not just for flavor; it helps with dough texture. If you don’t have apple cider, try apple juice, but the taste won’t be as rich. Alternatively, any fruit juice can give a different twist!
Apples: I prefer Fuji or Honeycrisp for their sweetness and crunch. If these aren’t available, try Granny Smith for a tart flavor or even pears for a unique spin.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps control over the saltiness. If you’re concerned about dairy, coconut oil or a dairy-free spread works well.
How Do I Get The Dough To Rise Perfectly?
Rising the dough can sometimes be tricky. To achieve that lovely rise, remember these tips:
- Make sure your sourdough starter is active – it should be bubbly and have grown in size before using it.
- Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to help it along. If your kitchen is a bit cool, find a cozy spot!
- If you can’t wait, you can also use a proofing box or even your oven (just turn the oven on for a minute or two, then turn it off before placing the dough inside).
How to Make Sourdough Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240 ml) sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, finely diced
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp apple cider
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe will take about 4-5 hours including the time for the dough to rise. You’ll spend around 20-30 minutes actively working on it, while the rest is the dough’s resting time and baking. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy the fragrant journey of baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sourdough starter, warm apple cider, granulated sugar, melted butter, and the egg. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined to create a nice, smooth mixture.
2. Make the Dough:
Slowly add in the flour and salt, mixing until you see a soft dough forming. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If your dough feels sticky, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in a little extra flour!
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or some plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 3-4 hours or until it doubles in size. Remember, the time may vary depending on your starter’s activity and the room temperature.
4. Prepare the Filling:
While waiting for the dough to rise, take a moment to mix the diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and the softened butter in a separate bowl. Stir well and set it aside for later!
5. Shape the Rolls:
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 12 x 16 inches in size.
6. Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the apple cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough, but leave a small border around the edges to avoid a messy roll-up!
7. Roll It Up:
Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam at the end to seal it up well.
8. Cut the Rolls:
Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, cut the rolled log into about 12 equal slices (1 to 1.5 inches thick). Place them in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined tray.
9. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls loosely and let them proof for another 1-2 hours until they look puffy and lovely.
10. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are a beautiful golden brown and cooked through!
11. Prepare the Glaze:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust the apple cider amount to achieve your desired drizzle consistency!
12. Drizzle on the Glaze:
Once your rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Drizzle the apple cider glaze over the warm rolls generously.
13. Enjoy Your Creation:
Serve warm and relish the amazing combination of sourdough tang, sweet apples, and cinnamon, topped with a delicious glaze. Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful dessert!
These Sourdough Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, embodying the perfect soft texture and rich flavors. Happy baking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the rolls may be denser. It’s best to start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a softer texture.
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to an inactive sourdough starter or a cold environment. Make sure your starter is bubbly and active before use. Also, try placing the dough in a warmer spot, or let it rise longer if needed.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Make These Rolls Vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg or applesauce instead of the egg, and switch to almond milk or another non-dairy milk in place of the apple cider. Adjust the sweetness as necessary!
