How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Without Processed Sugar

Warm up your winter mornings with these sourdough cinnamon rolls without processed sugar. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, they’re a cozy and wholesome treat.

Few things make a winter morning feel cozier than the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. These sourdough cinnamon rolls without processed sugar are a wholesome twist on a classic treat, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Made with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, these rolls are soft, gooey, and packed with comforting flavor—without the guilt of processed sugar.

If you’ve been looking for a delicious way to enjoy your sourdough starter, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why Choose Sourdough?

Sourdough baking has made a resurgence in recent years, and for good reason. Not only does sourdough add a depth of flavor to baked goods, but the fermentation process also makes them easier to digest and more nutritious. When paired with natural sweeteners, these cinnamon rolls are a healthier alternative to traditional recipes while still being irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients for Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Without Processed Sugar

For the Dough:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter
• 3/4 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 1 tsp sea salt

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, melted butter, honey or maple syrup, and egg. Mix until well combined.
2. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4–5 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 8–12 hours (or overnight) until it doubles in size.

2. Assemble the Rolls

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 12×18 inches on a floured surface.
2. Spread the melted butter evenly over the dough.
3. Drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the butter, then sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
4. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces.

3. Second Rise

1. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
2. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until the rolls are puffy and touching.

4. Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

5. Make the Glaze

1. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the softened cream cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the glaze on top.

Want More Sourdough Inspiration?

• How to Make Sourdough Sandwich Bread
• How to Make Sourdough Pancakes
• How to Make Sourdough English Muffins

Tips for Success

• Active Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best rise.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter rolls, increase the honey or maple syrup slightly in the filling or glaze.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls the night before and let them do their second rise in the refrigerator. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature before baking.

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls without Processed Sugar

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter
• 3/4 cup warm milk dairy or non-dairy
• 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 1 tsp sea salt

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup cream cheese softened (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, melted butter, honey or maple syrup, and egg. Mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
• Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4–5 minutes.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 8–12 hours (or overnight) until it doubles in size.

Assemble the Rolls

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 12×18 inches on a floured surface.
• Spread the melted butter evenly over the dough.
• Drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the butter, then sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
• Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces.

Second Rise

• Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
• Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until the rolls are puffy and touching.

Bake

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Make the Glaze

• While the rolls are baking, whisk together the softened cream cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the glaze on top.

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Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls without Processed Sugar

These sourdough cinnamon rolls are a healthier alternative to traditional versions, thanks to their use of natural sweeteners and the benefits of sourdough fermentation. They’re soft, flavorful, and the perfect winter comfort food to share with family or enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea.