Gooey Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites: Easy, Sweet & Perfectly Shareable
There’s something magical about the combination of dough and cinnamon that warms the heart and home. What if I told you that you can use leftover sourdough discard to create a delicious treat that is both gooey and perfectly sweet? These Gooey Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites are not only incredibly delicious but also a fun way to reduce waste while enjoying a flavorful snack. I remember the first time I made these little bites for a family gathering; they disappeared before I could even get one! They are ideal for sharing, and trust me, everyone will ask you for the recipe. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful morsels!
Why make this recipe?
You’ll love making these Cinnamon Roll Bites for many reasons. First off, they are downright delicious! The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet brown sugar, all wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough, creates a flavor experience that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re budget-friendly. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank.
If you’re new to baking or looking for a quick recipe, you’re in luck! This recipe is easy and requires no special skills. You can involve the kids, making it a fun family activity; they’ll love rolling the dough in the cinnamon-sugar mixture! And let’s not forget, these bites are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a brunch, a snack after school, or a delightful dessert after dinner. You won’t just succeed making these; you might just become the family’s go-to dessert maker!
How to make Gooey Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
Making these gooey bites takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including baking time. This recipe is simple and requires just a few bowls and a mini muffin tin, making cleanup a breeze. Once you gather your ingredients, you’ll enjoy the process of mixing and rolling the dough. The result? These delightful little bites of goodness that are sure to impress.
Ingredients:

- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for rolling)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-step directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper cups.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, yogurt, egg, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined into a soft, scoopable dough. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if the dough looks slightly lumpy!
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. This will be our delicious filling.
Scoop out the dough into 1.5 tbsp balls. Roll each ball lightly in melted butter, then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
Place the coated dough balls into the prepared muffin cups.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and puffed.
While the bites bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a simple glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon roll bites once they come out of the oven.
How to serve Gooey Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites?
These cinnamon roll bites are best served warm. Consider serving them on a large platter to share, and don’t forget to drizzle extra glaze on top for that additional appeal. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you want to get a bit fancy, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or fresh fruit on the side, like strawberries or blueberries, for added flavor and texture. Everyone will love grabbing a few of these gooey delights!
How to store Gooey Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites?
These bites are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! You can store these treats in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving for the best results.
Tips for perfect Gooey Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can lead to dense bites.
Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your cinnamon and baking powder are fresh for the best flavor and rise. Old spices can dull the taste and affect texture.
Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on the oven, as bake times can vary. You want them golden brown but not overbaked!
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the glaze. Add cocoa powder for chocolatey goodness, or a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the dough or glaze.
Variations
Pumpkin Spice Version: Swap in pumpkin puree for the yogurt/milk and add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a seasonal flavor twist!
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for added crunch, or sprinkle some on top after glazing for a lovely garnish.
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey version—because who doesn’t love chocolate and cinnamon together?
FAQs about Gooey Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
Can I substitute the sourdough discard?
You can use unfed sourdough discard for this recipe, as it gives a lovely texture and tang. If you don’t have sourdough, plain yogurt or applesauce can work, but the outcome will differ from the original recipe.
Why did my dough turn out too sticky to work with?
If your dough is too sticky, it might be because there’s too much moisture from the sourdough discard or yogurt. Try adding a tablespoon or two of flour to get the consistency just right.
Will it work if I reduce sugar?
Yes! You can reduce the sugar if you prefer less sweetness. However, do note that the sugar adds to the moistness and flavor. You might want to adjust your glaze accordingly too.
These Gooey Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites will soon become a favorite in your home. They’re delicious, fun, and a fantastic way to use sourdough discard. Try making them this weekend, and watch them disappear before your eyes! Enjoy!
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Gooey Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful gooey cinnamon roll bites made from sourdough discard, perfect for sharing and reducing waste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for rolling)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper cups.
- Whisk together the sourdough discard, yogurt, egg, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gradually until just combined into a soft, scoopable dough.
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl for the filling.
- Scoop out the dough into 1.5 tbsp balls. Roll each ball in melted butter, then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the coated dough balls into the prepared muffin cups.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and puffed.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a glaze while the bites bake.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon roll bites after they come out of the oven.
Notes
Best enjoyed warm. Can be served with extra glaze, nuts, or fruit for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, sourdough discard, dessert, easy recipe, shareable snacks
