Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
Introduction
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists are a delightful way to use your sourdough discard, transforming it into soft, sweet, and buttery treats. These twists are perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1/4 cup milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup melted butter (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix sourdough discard, warm milk, sugar, instant yeast, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 2: Add flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms, then knead in the softened butter.
- Step 3: Knead the dough on a clean surface for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
- Step 6: Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Step 7: Fold the dough in half lengthwise, then cut it into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Step 8: Twist each strip several times and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Step 9: Cover the twists loosely and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
- Step 10: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the twists for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 11: Remove from the oven, brush with more melted butter, and toss in additional cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
- You can swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a different twist on flavor.
- If you prefer, add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon sugar coating for extra texture.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easier kneading if you have one available.
Storage
Store the twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a warm oven or microwave briefly before serving to enjoy them soft and buttery again.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these twists without yeast?
Yeast is essential for the dough to rise and achieve the light, fluffy texture. Omitting it will result in a dense product, so it’s not recommended.
What can I do if I don’t have sourdough discard?
If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can substitute with an equal amount of fresh sourdough starter that has been fed. Alternatively, this recipe can work with a similar amount of all-purpose flour and water mixture plus a bit more yeast, but the flavor will differ.
PrintSourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
Delight in these irresistible Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists, a perfect way to use your sourdough discard. Soft, buttery twists coated in warm cinnamon sugar offer a deliciously sweet and tender treat, ideal for breakfast or snacks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1/4 cup milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Brushing and Coating
- 1/2 cup melted butter (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm milk, sugar, instant yeast, egg, and vanilla extract thoroughly until well mixed.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms. Then knead in the softened unsalted butter until incorporated.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or in the bowl for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, indicating gluten development.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Dough: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the dough generously with the melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Fold and Cut: Fold the dough in half lengthwise over the cinnamon sugar coating, then cut into strips of desired width.
- Twist Strips: Take each strip and twist it several times to create the characteristic spiral twist shape. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Second Rise: Cover the twisted strips and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed up.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the twists for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Finish with Butter and Coating: Immediately after baking, brush the twists with more melted butter and toss them in additional cinnamon sugar to coat and enhance flavor and shine.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to improve yeast activity.
- If you don’t have a warm spot, proof the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or using a dough rising box.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based milk.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat before serving.
- To freeze, wrap cooled twists tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before enjoying.
Keywords: sourdough discard, cinnamon sugar twists, sourdough recipes, baked twists, sweet bread, breakfast pastry, cinnamon sugar bread

