Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. The first time I made brown butter sourdough cinnamon rolls, I still remember the excitement bubbling in my chest. I rummaged through the pantry and pulled together ingredients that would create a warm, comforting treat. With each step, from mixing the dough to watching the rolls expand, anticipation built.

Baking with sourdough adds a rustic twist to traditional recipes. These rolls rise beautifully, creating a soft and airy texture. Infusing brown butter into the filling elevates the flavor profile, making them irresistible. Each bite is a delightful explosion of buttery goodness and warm spice.

This recipe combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with sweet, gooey cinnamon filling, perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy dessert. The process takes time, but the reward is undoubtedly worth every minute spent waiting for these heavenly rolls to bake!

Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Fundamentals

Understanding the fundamentals of sourdough can greatly improve your baking experience. Sourdough starter acts as a natural leavening agent, contributing both flavor and texture to your rolls. The fermentation process allows the dough to develop a unique tanginess that sets it apart from traditional rolls.

Using quality ingredients also plays a crucial role in achieving fantastic results. Fresh bread flour creates a strong gluten structure, leading to soft and chewy rolls. Whole milk hydrates the dough and contributes richness, while room temperature butter ensures even mixing and enhances flavor.

Preparation/setup

Planning ahead is essential for successful sourdough baking. A well-structured schedule helps manage the long fermentation times. Begin by feeding your sourdough starter 4 to 6 hours before you start mixing your dough. This ensures the starter is active and bubbly.

Set aside ample time for each step: mixing, bulk fermentation, shaping, and the final rise. The entire process takes several hours, but breaking it down into manageable segments makes it less overwhelming. Embrace the journey and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with creating something delicious from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 200 g whole milk
• 120 g sourdough starter, active and bubbly
• 70 g granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 430 g bread flour
• 5 g salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (85 g)

For the Filling:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar (160 g)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (6 g)
• 1/8 tsp salt (1 g)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (9 g)
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter (113 g), softened

For the Frosting:

• 3 oz cream cheese, softened (85 g)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (250 g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (8 g)
• 1 tbsp milk (14 g)

Directions

1. Begin by mixing the dough in a large bowl. Combine the warm whole milk, sourdough starter, granulated sugar, and egg. Whisk until well blended.

2. Gradually add the bread flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the softened butter towards the end of the kneading process.

4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow it to bulk ferment for 4-6 hours at room temperature, or until it doubles in size.

5. During the last hour of fermentation, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and all-purpose flour. Melt the remaining butter and set aside.

6. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle. Brush the melted butter over the surface and sprinkle the filling evenly.

7. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

8. Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 1-2 hours, until puffy.

9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden.

10. While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.

11. Let the rolls cool slightly, then drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls before serving.

Technique

Perfecting the technique for making sourdough cinnamon rolls is critical. Fold and stretch the dough adequately during kneading for a better gluten structure. This practice guarantees that the rolls rise beautifully, giving them that fluffy texture everyone loves.

Allow the dough to rise sufficiently during both the bulk fermentation and the second rise. This waiting period is essential for the dough to develop flavor and texture. Patience pays off in baking, making the wait well worth it.

Tips/tricks

Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients for consistency. Accurate measurements lead to better results, especially when it comes to baking.

Test the dough’s readiness by performing the "finger poke test." If the dough springs back slowly, it’s ready for the next step. If it deflates quickly, allow it to ferment a bit longer.

Incorporating a small amount of cinnamon into the dough can deepen the flavor profile, enhancing the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen as the rolls bake.

Perfecting results

Experimenting with the baking time and temperature can improve your rolls significantly. Using an oven thermometer ensures the perfect baking environment. Consider placing an oven-safe pan with water at the bottom of your oven to create a steam effect. This technique can help achieve a soft and tender crumb.

Baking in a glass dish can yield a more even bake, so keep that in mind when selecting your pan.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your dough remains dense, assess the hydration level. Sometimes, adding just a bit more milk helps. If the rolls don’t rise as expected during the second rise, ensure your starter is properly fed and active before mixing.

Feel free to get creative with your filling. Adding nuts or dried fruit can add exciting flavors and textures to your rolls.

Serving/presentation

Presenting your brown butter sourdough cinnamon rolls can elevate the overall experience. Serve them fresh from the oven, topped with frosting, and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts for visual appeal.

Consider placing the rolls on a rustic wooden board or cake stand for a charming display. Pair them with fresh coffee or tea to complement the sweetness and spice.

Pairings/storage

These rolls are delicious on their own but pair well with creamy coffee, herbal teas, or a light fruit salad for balance.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls before frosting, then reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick treat.

Conclusion

The journey of creating brown butter sourdough cinnamon rolls is filled with moments of anticipation and joy. Each step, from mixing the dough to the final golden rolls fresh from the oven, brings satisfaction. With practice and patience, anyone can master this recipe, delighting family and friends with warm, homemade goodness. These rolls evoke cozy memories and make each occasion a little sweeter.

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