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Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Buns

apple cider glazed sourdough cinnamon roll buns - featured image

These sourdough cinnamon roll buns feature a tangy sourdough base and a warm, sweet, and slightly tart apple cider glaze, perfect for cozy fall mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup active sourdough starter, bubbly and fed
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur brand recommended)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (substitute with almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (use coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Activate your starter by feeding it 4-6 hours before baking so it’s bubbly and active.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the starter, warm milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, and salt. Stir well.
  3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead with a stand mixer dough hook on medium for 5 minutes or by hand for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 2 to 3 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and softened butter in a bowl until combined and spreadable.
  6. Roll the dough on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border on edges.
  8. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
  9. Cut the log into 12 even buns about 1 1/2 inches thick using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  10. Place buns cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover loosely, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until puffy.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  12. Bake buns for 25-30 minutes until golden brown; tent with foil if browning too fast.
  13. While baking, simmer 1 cup apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by half and syrupy (15-20 minutes).
  14. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  15. Once buns are slightly cooled (about 10 minutes), drizzle the apple cider glaze generously over the top.

Notes

Do not rush the rises to develop flavor and texture. Watch the glaze reduction carefully to avoid burning. Use dental floss for neat cuts. Warm glaze helps it soak in better. For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, egg with flax egg, and milk with plant-based milk. Gluten-free flour and sourdough starter can be used for gluten-free adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: sourdough cinnamon rolls, apple cider glaze, fall recipe, cinnamon buns, homemade cinnamon rolls, cozy breakfast, sourdough baking