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Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Knots


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Use Up Sourdough Discard : A creative and tasty way to use leftover sourdough starter.
  2. Soft & Buttery : The dough is rich, tender, and perfectly sweetened with cinnamon sugar.
  3. Quick & Easy : No yeast proofing required—just mix, shape, and bake!
  4. Customizable : Add nuts, raisins, or glaze for extra flair.
  5. Perfect for Any Occasion : Great for holiday mornings, weekend snacks, or gifting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter, straight from the fridge)
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter , melted
  • ½ cup buttermilk , room temperature

For the Coating:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter , melted (for brushing)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)

Optional Glaze (Optional):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk (or cream)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  2. Add the melted butter and buttermilk. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 2–3 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if needed, but avoid over-flouring.

Step 2: Shape the Knots

  1. Divide the dough into 8–10 equal portions (about golf-ball-sized). Roll each piece into a rope about 10–12 inches long.
  2. Tie each rope into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath to create a neat twist. Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Let the shaped knots rest for 10–15 minutes while the oven heats.

Step 4: Bake the Knots

  1. Bake the knots for 12–15 minutes , or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

  1. While the knots are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each buttered knot in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated.

Step 6: Optional Glaze

  1. If desired, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled knots for an extra touch of sweetness.