Sourdough Discard Sugar Cinnamon Twists
If you bake sourdough regularly, you probably find yourself with extra sourdough discard. Instead of throwing it away, you can transform it into something absolutely delicious. Sourdough Discard Sugar Cinnamon Twists are soft, buttery, lightly crisp pastries coated in cinnamon sugar and twisted into beautiful spirals. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
These sweet twists have a delicate balance of flavor. The sourdough discard adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of cinnamon sugar and the richness of butter. The dough is easy to work with, and the twisting technique gives these pastries a bakery-style appearance that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make.
This recipe is ideal for using up leftover sourdough discard while creating a homemade treat the whole family will love.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Servings: 10–12 twists
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warm milk
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 egg
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Knife or pizza cutter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- sourdough discard
- warm milk
- melted butter
- egg
- sugar
Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth.
Add the flour, yeast, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl mix together:
- softened butter
- brown sugar
- ground cinnamon
Stir until it forms a thick spreadable paste.
Step 4: Roll the Dough
After the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured surface.
Roll it into a rectangle about 12 × 16 inches.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the entire surface using a spatula or pastry brush.
Step 5: Fold the Dough
Fold the dough in half lengthwise so the filling is inside, forming a long rectangle.
Press gently to seal.
Step 6: Cut the Twists
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1-inch strips.
Take each strip and twist it several times, then place it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Leave a little space between each twist.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the twists lightly with a towel and allow them to rise for 20–30 minutes.
This second rise helps create soft, fluffy pastries.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the twists for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
Your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and butter.
Step 9: Add Cinnamon Sugar
While the twists are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter.
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle it generously over the twists.
This creates a sweet, slightly crunchy coating.
Step 10: Optional Glaze
For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled twists.
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle lightly across the pastries.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Twists
Use Active Sourdough Discard
Fresh discard works best because it adds flavor without making the dough overly sour.
Roll the Dough Evenly
Even thickness ensures the twists bake uniformly.
Don’t Overfill
Too much filling may leak out during baking.
Twist Gently
Gentle twisting keeps the layers visible and prevents tearing.
Flavor Variations
This recipe can easily be customized.
Apple Cinnamon Twists
Add finely chopped apples to the cinnamon filling.
Chocolate Cinnamon Twists
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before folding the dough.
Maple Glazed Twists
Replace the vanilla glaze with a maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Orange Cinnamon Twists
Add orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus flavor.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
Refrigerator
Keep for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
Freezer
Freeze baked twists for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Twist)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Values may vary depending on glaze and portion size.
Why Bakers Love Using Sourdough Discard
Sourdough discard is often wasted, but it’s actually a fantastic ingredient for baking. It adds subtle tangy flavor, improves texture, and reduces food waste.
Recipes like pancakes, crackers, muffins, and pastries benefit from sourdough discard. In this recipe, it enhances the flavor of the cinnamon twists while keeping the dough tender and light.
Final Thoughts
Sourdough Discard Sugar Cinnamon Twists are the perfect way to turn leftover sourdough discard into a bakery-style treat. They’re soft, buttery, fragrant with cinnamon, and beautifully twisted for an impressive presentation.
Whether served warm for breakfast, enjoyed as a dessert, or paired with a cup of coffee, these homemade pastries bring comfort and sweetness to any table.
