If you’ve been looking for a way to use up that ever-present jar of sourdough discard, these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots are about to become your new kitchen obsession. Each bite offers a delightful twist of soft, pillowy bread covered in a glistening cloak of cinnamon sugar, bringing all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with a tangy sourdough spin. Whether you serve them warm for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon treat, these irresistible knots are a fun, delicious solution that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots is in their simplicity! Every ingredient plays a role, from soft structure to deep flavor, ensuring these knots are as unforgettable as they are easy to pull together.
- Sourdough Discard (1 cup, 240g): Adds signature tang and helps create a tender crumb—perfect for using up your sourdough starter leftovers.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups, 315g): The backbone of the dough, providing soft fluffiness and ideal structure.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Lends just the right sweetness and supports a golden crust.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Instant Yeast (1 teaspoon): Ensures a quick, vigorous rise, giving those knots their irresistible lightness.
- Warm Milk (½ cup, 120ml): Adds richness and a gentle softness to the dough.
- Unsalted Butter, Softened (¼ cup, 57g): Infuses every bite with creamy flavor and helps the dough stay moist.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle warmth and depth to the dough’s aroma.
- Brown Sugar (⅓ cup, 67g): Provides deep, caramel notes for the swirled cinnamon filling.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon, filling): That classic spicy warmth ties the whole flavor profile together.
- Unsalted Butter, Melted (2 tablespoons, for brushing): Ensures the knots are luscious and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup, 50g, for coating): Makes each knot sparkle and adds a bit of satisfying crunch.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, for coating): For that final hit of sweet spice on the outside.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots
Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining your sourdough discard, flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, warm milk, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together—trust me, the dough will be quite soft at this stage, which is exactly what you want. Knead by hand or let your stand mixer’s dough hook do the work for 6 to 8 minutes, until the dough transforms into a smooth, elastic ball. The sourdough discard works its magic here, imparting moisture and gentle tang.
Step 2: First Rise
Once your dough is silky and smooth, transfer it to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it and set it somewhere warm and cozy for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You’re aiming for the dough to double in size—don’t rush this stage, as a happy, puffy dough ensures your finished Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots are light and airy.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
While the dough takes its nap, combine brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This rich, aromatic blend will become that irresistible, gooey ribbon inside each knot. Set aside, and get ready for the fun part!
Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Shape
Punch down your risen dough and roll it out into a roughly 12×16-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush the whole surface with melted butter, then shower on your cinnamon-sugar mixture. Gently fold the dough in half lengthwise, so all that filling is sandwiched inside. Slice the dough into 12 strips, then twist each piece and tie it into a knot. Don’t stress about perfection—the rustic, swirly shapes make them charming.
Step 5: Second Rise
Carefully transfer the knots to a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure there’s room for them to expand. Lightly cover and let them rest for another 30 to 45 minutes. This rise ensures your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots will bake up puffy and tender, ready to soak up that cinnamon sugar coating.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide your tray of knots into the hot oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and the kitchen smells like a cinnamon wonderland. You’ll see the knots puff up and turn irresistibly golden—this is your cue they’re ready!
Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the knots are still warm, brush each one generously with melted butter, then roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This final coating gives them a sparkly finish and a sweet crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, pillowy dough inside. Let them cool just enough to handle—though they’re at their best when still a little warm!
How to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots
Garnishes
For a simple but striking finish, dust your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots with a little extra cinnamon sugar just before serving. You can even drizzle them with a quick glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness and sheen. If you love a pop of color, a sprinkle of finely chopped candied pecans or a few edible flowers turns them into a real bakery-worthy moment.
Side Dishes
These knots pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or cold-brewed tea. For a breakfast spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness. They also make a delightful brunch companion to a simple omelet or scrambled eggs for a sweet-and-savory treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots on a rustic wooden board for a cozy family breakfast. For gifting, pack a few into a box lined with parchment and tie it with a twine bow. At parties, stack them into a beautiful pyramid on a cake stand, or skewer smaller knots onto sticks for a whimsical “cinnamon knot pop” presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few leftover Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots (a rare occurrence in my house!), simply pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay perfectly soft for up to two days—just make sure they’ve cooled completely so the sugar doesn’t turn gooey.
Freezing
These knots freeze like a dream! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month. When a craving hits, grab one or two to thaw—your future self will thank you.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked magic, warm leftover knots in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them into a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This makes the sugar crackle and the dough irresistibly soft again, as if the Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots just left the oven!
FAQs
Can I make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots the night before?
Absolutely! After shaping the knots and placing them on the baking sheet, you can cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and finish rising in the morning before baking for fresh-from-the-oven knots first thing!
Do I have to use instant yeast, or will active dry yeast work?
You can use active dry yeast if that’s what you have on hand—just dissolve it in the warm milk first to activate it before adding it to the dough. Your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots may need a slightly longer rise time, but they’ll turn out just as lovely.
What if my sourdough discard is a few days old?
No worries! The unique flavor of sourdough discard actually shines through in this recipe, even if it’s a little older. Just be sure it doesn’t have any off smells—otherwise, you’re good to go!
Can I use other spices or fillings for a twist?
Definitely! You can swap in pumpkin pie spice, cardamom, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts in the filling. Each variation will give your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots a fun new flavor personality.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite dairy-free milk (like oat or almond) and vegan butter. The results will still be soft, fluffy, and just as irresistible.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots is truly a joyful way to share a little comfort and make the most of your sourdough starter. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, these knots promise warmth, sweetness, and the kind of cozy satisfaction you’ll want to savor again and again. Give them a try—you deserve a treat!
Print
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 knots
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots for a delicious treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or makes a tasty snack any time of day. These fluffy knots are infused with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling and are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature)
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling and Coating:
- ⅓ cup (67g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Knead until a soft dough forms, then knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth. Let rise for 1–1.5 hours.
- Filling and Shaping: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out dough, brush with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Cut into strips, twist into knots, and let rise.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake knots for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Brush with butter and coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days.
- Warm briefly in the microwave before serving for a freshly baked taste.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
