These Sourdough Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls are a warm and cozy treat! With a soft dough, sweet apples, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, they are perfect for a chilly morning.
Trust me, the smell of these baking will make your house feel like a hug! I love drizzling a bit of icing on top—because who doesn’t love a sweet finish? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: This is the backbone of your rolls. If you’re short on time, you can use instant yeast instead. Just mix around 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) into your dry ingredients for a quicker rise.
Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for a more vibrant flavor, but if it’s not available, apple juice can work as a substitute. Just keep in mind that juice is usually sweeter, so consider reducing the sugar slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for baking since you can control the saltiness. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative!
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness. If you want a different flavor, try pears or omit the fruit entirely for classic cinnamon rolls.
Spices: Ground nutmeg and cloves add warmth, but they’re optional. Feel free to leave them out or try other spices like cardamom if you like an aromatic twist!
How Do I Knead the Dough Perfectly?
Kneading the dough properly is essential for developing gluten, giving your rolls that chewy texture. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start with a lightly floured surface and place your dough in the middle.
- Press down on the dough with the palms of your hands, then fold it over on itself.
- Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat – press, fold, and turn.
- Continue this cycle for about 8-10 minutes, adding flour only as needed. The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky.
If it’s too sticky, just sprinkle a little flour on your hands and the surface, but avoid adding too much, as a wet dough is ideal for soft rolls!
How to Make Sourdough Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 3/4 cup apple cider, warmed
- 1/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped or grated
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus about 4 to 6 hours of rising time and another 25-30 minutes for baking. So, you can expect the whole process to take a few hours, but the hands-on work is quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine your active sourdough starter, warm apple cider, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and egg. Mix it all together until everything is nicely blended. Next, add the salt and 3 1/2 cups of flour. Mix until a sticky dough starts to form. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. It should become smooth and elastic while still being a bit tacky. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in more flour as needed.
2. First Rise:
Once your dough is smooth, place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or some plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature. You’ll want it to sit for about 4-6 hours until it doubles in size. Keep an eye on it; the time may vary based on room temperature and how active your sourdough starter is!
3. Prepare the Filling:
While your dough is rising, let’s make the delicious filling! In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if you’re using them). Make sure everything is well combined. Finally, fold in the chopped or grated apple—you’ll love the added texture and flavor!
4. Shape the Rolls:
Once your dough has risen and grown bigger, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle that’s about 16×12 inches. Take your apple cinnamon filling and spread it evenly over the dough. It’s time to get that yummy goodness all over!
5. Roll and Cut:
Starting with the longer side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled up, use a sharp knife to slice it into 12 equal pieces. These will be your lovely rolls!
6. Second Rise:
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Cover them up and let them rise again for about 1-2 hours, until they look puffy and inviting.
7. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the rolls have completed their second rise, pop them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are golden brown and cooked through!
8. Make the Apple Cider Glaze:
While those rolls are baking, you can whip up the apple cider glaze. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it brings to a simmer. Allow it to reduce until it has about 1/3 cup left—this should take around 15-20 minutes. Once reduced, stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and butter until everything is smooth and glossy.
9. Glaze the Rolls:
As soon as the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, drizzle that warm apple cider glaze over them, letting it soak in. It’ll add a delightful sweetness you’ll love!
10. Serve:
Finally, let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. You’ll get the best flavor and texture that way. Enjoy these warm, delicious rolls that capture all the sweetness of apple cider and the warmth of cinnamon!
This recipe truly brings together sourdough tang, apple cider sweetness, and classic cinnamon spice. Get ready for a cozy treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sweetener?
Yes! You can substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. Just keep the same amount, but remember that it may affect the dough color slightly.
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 chilly environment. Make sure your starter is bubbly and active. If it’s cool, try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like near a preheating oven or on top of the fridge.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls the night before and place them in the fridge after cutting. Just cover them well and let them rise at room temperature for about an hour before baking the next day. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked rolls in the morning!
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them! Wrap each roll in plastic and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before enjoying.
