Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Use Up Sourdough Discard : A creative and tasty way to use leftover sourdough starter.
- Soft & Buttery : The dough is rich, tender, and perfectly sweetened with cinnamon sugar.
- Quick & Easy : No yeast proofing required—just mix, shape, and bake!
- Customizable : Add nuts, raisins, or glaze for extra flair.
- 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
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add the melted butter and buttermilk. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- 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
- Divide the dough into 8–10 equal portions (about golf-ball-sized). Roll each piece into a rope about 10–12 inches long.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- While the knots are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter.
- 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
- 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.
