Sourdough Discard Sugar Cinnamon Twist Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes (active) + 1–2 hours (rise)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8–10 twists
Difficulty Level: Medium
Cuisine: Sweet Bread / Sourdough

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240 g) active sourdough discard

• 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk

• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

• 1–2 teaspoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or wooden spoon

• Rolling pin

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Small bowl for glaze

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Preparation Steps

Step 1: Make the Dough

Time: 15 minutes | Intensity: Medium

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough discard, warm milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, and yeast. Stir until smooth.

2. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

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Step 2: First Rise

Time: 45–60 minutes | Intensity: Low

1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel.

2. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (approximately 1 hour).

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Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Time: 5 minutes | Intensity: Low

1. Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle about 12×8 inches on a lightly floured surface.

2. Spread the softened butter over the dough.

3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

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Step 4: Shape the Twists

Time: 10 minutes | Intensity: Medium

1. Roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log.

2. Cut the log into 2–3 equal pieces.

3. Twist each piece several times and place on a lined baking sheet, tucking the ends underneath.

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Step 5: Second Rise

Time: 30 minutes | Intensity: Low

1. Cover the twists lightly and let them rise until slightly puffy (30 minutes).

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Step 6: Bake the Twists

Time: 25–30 minutes | Intensity: Medium

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake the twists for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

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Step 7: Optional Glaze

Time: 5 minutes | Intensity: Low

1. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

2. Drizzle over the cooled twists for extra sweetness.

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Step 8: Serving Suggestions

Time: 2 minutes | Intensity: Low

• Serve warm with coffee or tea for breakfast or dessert.

• Perfect as a snack or treat for gatherings.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days; reheat slightly before serving.

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Chef’s Tips

1. Sourdough Discard: Ensure it’s active for better flavor, but it doesn’t need to be at its peak rise.

2. Twisting: Twist gently to maintain airiness; too tight can make them dense.

3. Butter & Sugar: Spread evenly for uniform sweetness.

4. Optional Add-ins: Try raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for variety.

5. Storage: Wrap cooled twists in plastic wrap to maintain softness.

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Nutritional Information (Per Twist, Approximate)

• Calories: 210 kcal

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 7 g

  • Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Carbohydrates: 33 g

  • Sugars: 12 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

• Sodium: 120 mg

• Cholesterol: 30 mg

Note: Values vary depending on size of twists and exact ingredients used.

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Recipe Summary

This Sourdough Discard Sugar Cinnamon Twist is a delightful way to use your sourdough discard while making a soft, sweet, and fragrant treat. The buttery cinnamon-sugar filling combined with the gentle sour tang of the discard creates a rich flavor profile.

Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these twists are easy to make and can be glazed for extra sweetness. With two rises, they’re soft and fluffy on the inside, golden and slightly crisp on the outside—a perfect showcase of sourdough flavor in a sweet, shareable format.