Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots are pure magic for anyone looking to put that leftover sourdough starter to delicious use. Picture a tray of soft, golden-brown knots, each one gleaming with a generous buttery cinnamon sugar coating. They’re warm, sweet, and delightfully chewy, making them a joy to share with friends and family—or savor all by yourself! No need to wait for a special occasion; these knots turn even the simplest afternoon into something wonderfully memorable, all while reducing waste in the tastiest way imaginable.

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something extra satisfying about baking with humble, everyday ingredients—especially when each one plays a memorable rôle in flavor or texture. These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots use pantry staples plus some sourdough magic to create something extraordinary. Here’s what you need and why you’ll love using them:

Sourdough discard (1/2 cup, unfed): Adds subtle tang and moisture, transforming leftovers into a treasure.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation for pillowy, soft knots with just the right structure.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, plus 1/4 cup for topping): Sweetens the dough itself and creates an irresistible crunchy topping.
Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Deep, caramel-like sweetness in the cinnamon filling that elevates every spiral.
Instant yeast (1 teaspoon): Guarantees a reliable and quick rise for perfect fluffiness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
Whole milk (1/2 cup, warmed to about 110°F): Enriches the dough and keeps it tender.
Egg (1 large): Binds and softens, helping with a delicate crumb.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup softened for dough, 1/4 cup melted for filling, 2 tablespoons melted for topping): For richness and that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture; also amps up the golden color.
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon for filling, 1 teaspoon for topping): Stars in the show for that cozy warmth and signature swirl.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by mixing together your flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if working by hand). In another bowl, whisk the warm milk, egg, and unfed sourdough discard together until blended. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add your softened butter and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic—this is where patience pays off! Set the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. The aroma at this stage is already promising!

Step 2: Shape and Fill

Once your dough has puffed up nicely, punch it down gently to release excess air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, roughly 12×14 inches. Brush the entire surface with melted butter, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly on top. The filling is what makes Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots so irresistible, so be generous! Fold the dough in half lengthwise and gently roll to secure the filling. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 10–12 strips. Give each strip a twist and tie it into a knot, then place each one on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rest and rise again for 30–45 minutes; you’ll see them get delightfully poofy.

Step 3: Baking to Perfection

While the knots have their final proof, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, pop the tray in for 18–22 minutes, or until the knots turn golden brown and your kitchen smells like a cinnamon wonderland. Don’t walk away—these beauties bake quickly!

Step 4: Add the Signature Topping

As soon as the knots are out of the oven and still warm, brush them with the last bit of melted butter. Toss each knot in your cinnamon sugar concoction so every inch gets that sweet sparkle and crunch. This final step is what gives Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots their addictive finish.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Let the knots cool just enough to handle, then dig in! They’re wonderful warm but don’t lose their charm at room temperature. Share with loved ones or keep a stash for those secret sweet-tooth moments!

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots

Garnishes

For a playful touch, drizzle your knots with a quick vanilla glaze or cream cheese icing. A dusting of powdered sugar gives a snowy, classic bakery look, while a sprinkle of toasted nuts (chopped pecans or walnuts) brings nutty contrast and crunch. Don’t forget a few curls of fresh orange zest for brightness—especially lovely in winter.

Side Dishes

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots are wonderful solo, but they pair deliciously with a mug of hot coffee, chai, or cocoa. For a special breakfast or brunch spread, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad, tangy yogurt, or even scrambled eggs for that delightful sweet-and-savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack knots high on a wooden platter for a rustic centerpiece, tuck them into parchment-lined baskets for gifting, or skewer them onto lollipop sticks for brunch parties. You can even arrange them on a cake stand and dust with more cinnamon sugar for a truly eye-catching edible display. However you serve them, Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots steal the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), simply store your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, staying soft while holding onto that wonderful cinnamon-sugar topping. Just make sure the container is well sealed to preserve their freshness.

Freezing

These knots freeze like a dream! Once baked and cooled, wrap knots individually or stack in layers with parchment between them to keep from sticking. Place in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to two months. When the craving hits, you’ll be so glad you stashed a few away for later.

Reheating

To bring Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots back to warm, bakery-fresh life, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes (or until warmed through). You can microwave them for 10–15 seconds as well, though the oven helps revive their original pillowy texture. Serve immediately after reheating, and maybe give another quick brush of melted butter or sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use another type Snack, Dessert

Absolutely! Bread flour works well if you want a chewier bite, and you can substitute up to half the flour with white whole wheat for a slightly heartier knot. Just keep in mind that whole grain flours may make the dough a bit denser, so adjust liquids as needed for the right texture.

What is sourdough discard, and can I use an active starter?

Sourdough discard is simply the portion of your starter you remove before feeding. It’s unfed and a great way to prevent waste. You can use an active starter for extra lift, but the purpose here is to use up the discard. Either choice will add lovely flavor!

How do I make the knots look uniform?

Roll your dough out as evenly as possible and use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to make long, even strips. When twisting and tying, work gently and try to be consistent with each knot’s shape and tightness. If they’re a bit rustic-looking, all the better—they’ll still taste phenomenal!

Can I prep these the night before and bake in the morning?

Definitely! After shaping the knots, arrange them on the baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and do a final rise for about 45 minutes before baking. This makes fresh Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots perfect for breakfast or brunch without an early wake-up.

Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?

No stand mixer is required—though it does make the kneading easier! You can mix and knead by hand with a little patience and muscle. Just knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which may take a couple of extra minutes compared to a mixer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to fall even deeper in love with baking, Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots are a must-try. They’re comforting, incredibly fun to shape, and a scrumptious way to put that sourdough discard to good use. Give them a go—your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to share) will thank you!

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 12 knots 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful sweetness of these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots. A perfect treat made from sourdough discard that’s soft, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon sugar goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk (warmed to about 110°F)
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

For the Filling:

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix the wet ingredients separately, then combine with the dry ingredients. Knead until smooth.
Roll and Fill: Roll out the dough, add melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Fold, cut into strips, twist into knots, and let rise.
Bake: Preheat the oven, bake the knots until golden brown. Brush with butter and coat with cinnamon sugar.