If you’ve been looking for a delightful way to use up your sourdough discard, you are going to absolutely love this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe. These little knots are soft and tender on the inside, with a golden crust that carries just the right amount of cinnamon sweetness to make your kitchen smell heavenly. They come together quickly and easily, turning a simple handful of pantry staples and your leftover sourdough starter into a comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together in this recipe to create magic. Each one brings something special: the sourdough discard adds a subtle tang and chew, while the cinnamon and sugar deliver irresistible warmth and sweetness. You really don’t need much to make these knots unforgettable.
- Sourdough discard (1 1/2 cups unfed): This gives the dough its signature tang and soft texture, making the most of your leftover starter.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough just enough to balance the tang of the sourdough.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for structure and tender crumb in your knots.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle lift to keep the knots light and soft.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors to perfection.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The spice star that pairs perfectly with sugar to create that classic sweet note.
- Sugar (1/2 cup for coating): Combines with cinnamon to dust the knots, giving them an irresistible sweet crunch on the outside.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple prep step is crucial for baking the knots evenly and keeping clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine your sourdough discard, sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough. This is where your knots begin to take shape, blending the tangy sourdough with the earthy flour and sweet sugar.
Step 3: Roll It Out
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. This thin canvas will make shaping the knots simple and give you that perfect balance of soft interior and lightly crisp edges.
Step 4: Brush with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Brush the entire surface of the dough with melted butter, which will keep the knots luscious and help the cinnamon sugar adhere. Next, mix the remaining sugar with the ground cinnamon and sprinkle half of this fragrant mixture evenly over the dough.
Step 5: Form the Knots
Cut the dough into 1-inch strips. Then, take each strip, twist it a couple of times, and tie it into a loose knot. This fun shaping step adds personality and makes each knot perfectly bite-sized. Lay them onto your prepared baking sheet, ready for their moment in the oven.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your cinnamon sugar knots for 12 to 15 minutes or until they’ve turned golden brown on top. The warm kitchen aroma at this point will practically invite you to dig in right away.
Step 7: Final Cinnamon Sugar Coat
While the knots are still warm but not hot, toss them gently in the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture to give them a sweet, shimmering finish that’s both crunchy and irresistible.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
These knots are best served fresh and warm, allowing the buttery, cinnamon-sugar coating to shine. Get ready for smiles all around!
How to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe
Garnishes
Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm honey for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal. A sprinkle of crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts can add delightful crunch and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamon sugar knots with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy treat. They also complement fresh fruit or yogurt if you want to round out your breakfast or snack time plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the knots in a charming basket lined with a colorful napkin for a quaint brunch centerpiece. You can also string them on skewers to create “knot kebabs,” perfect for sharing at parties or festive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cinnamon sugar knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They remain soft and delicious but can be refreshed with a quick warm-up before serving.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, freeze cooled knots in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to one month. To prevent sticking, place parchment between layers or freeze on a tray first before bagging.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored knots by warming them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven method helps preserve their texture and crisp edges.
FAQs
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
While it’s possible, active starter will have more leavening power and might change the texture of the dough. Using discard helps balance the recipe without causing excessive rising or sourness.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
Regular salted butter can work fine—just reduce or skip the added salt in the dough to keep the flavor balanced.
Can I make these knots vegan?
Yes! Substitute the melted butter with a vegan alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine for a delicious vegan-friendly treat.
How large should the knots be?
Cutting the dough into 1-inch strips ensures bite-sized knots that bake evenly. You can adjust the size slightly based on your preference, just keep in mind baking time may vary.
Are these knots good for breakfast?
Absolutely! Their subtle sweetness and tender texture make them a perfect morning treat alongside coffee or tea.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe a try soon—there’s something so comforting about turning your leftover discard into these little twists of joy. They’re effortless to make but rich in flavor and texture, guaranteed to become a favorite for you and anyone you share them with. Happy baking and knotting!
Print
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that transforms sourdough discard into soft, sweet, and cinnamon-flavored knots. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these golden-brown knots are brushed with butter and coated in a generous cinnamon-sugar blend for irresistible flavor and aroma.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar (for cinnamon-sugar coating)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, 1/4 cup sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms, ensuring all dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4-inch thick to prepare for shaping.
- Brush with Butter & Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the melted unsalted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then sprinkle half of this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Shape into Knots: Slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip, twist it, and then tie it into a loose knot. Arrange each knot on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the knots for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Final Coat: Remove the baked knots from the oven while still warm and toss them in the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the cinnamon sugar knots warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy as a sweet snack or dessert.
Notes
- You can use fed or unfed sourdough discard, but unfed discard tends to work best for this recipe.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Feel free to add a glaze or drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
- If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the cinnamon sugar amount to taste.
