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Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls combine pumpkin puree and sourdough discard in a tender overnight dough.
The rolls are filled with brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice.
Bake until golden, then finish with a smooth vanilla glaze.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American-inspired

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • ½ cup 113 g cold butter
  • 2½ cups 300 g all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup 125 g sourdough starter discard
  • ½ cup 122 g pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup 120 g milk, dairy or plant-based
  • 2 tablespoons 40 g honey
  • 1 teaspoon 5 g salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Filling

  • ¾ cup 165 g light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 tablespoons 28 g butter, melted

Glaze

  • 1 cup 120 g powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon 14 g butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons 30 g milk, dairy or plant-based
  • ½ teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla flavoring

Instructions
 

Day 1 – Prepare the Dough

  • Grate the cold butter through the large holes of a box grater directly into a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the all-purpose flour and toss it with the grated butter using a fork. Work the butter into the flour with a pastry cutter or bench scraper until the mixture has a coarse, crumbly texture.
  • Add the sourdough discard, pumpkin puree, milk, and honey. Begin mixing with a spatula, then gently use your hands to bring everything together until no dry patches of flour remain.
  • Cover the bowl and leave the dough at room temperature for approximately 8–10 hours. Do not add the salt, baking powder, or baking soda yet.

Day 2 – Shape and Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
  • Combine the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl.
  • Add the salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the rested dough. Work them into the dough thoroughly with your hands so they are evenly distributed.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Roll it into a rectangle, adding a little extra flour to the surface or rolling pin whenever necessary to prevent sticking.
  • Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the pumpkin-spiced brown sugar over the butter, leaving approximately a 1-inch border around the edges.
  • Starting from one end, roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to divide it into pieces approximately 1–1½ inches thick.
  • Arrange the Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls in the prepared baking dish, leaving a small amount of space between them.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through and beautifully golden brown.
  • Meanwhile, whisk the powdered sugar, melted butter, alcohol-free vanilla flavoring, and milk until smooth. Add a little additional milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.
  • Spread or drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

Notes

You can use dairy milk or an unsweetened plant-based milk depending on your preference.
For additional texture, chopped pecans or walnuts can be scattered over the filling before rolling the dough.
Serve the rolls warm with coffee, tea, fresh fruit, or a savory breakfast dish for a more complete brunch.
These also make a comforting addition to your collection of fall sourdough recipes when pumpkin season arrives.