I still remember the first time I made these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists—it was such a game-changer for my kitchen routine! I had a little sourdough discard stash sitting around, and honestly, I had no clue what to do with it. Then, bam! This recipe felt like the perfect answer. The moment I pulled those crispy, buttery cinnamon sugar twists from the oven, the smell alone made me realize I’d hit on something special. These twists bring such joy because they’re simple to make, endlessly satisfying, and give that sweet, cozy cinnamon sugar vibe we all crave.
Since then, Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists have become my go-to snack for any time of day. Whether it’s a quick breakfast on a busy morning or a sweet treat to share with friends, they always deliver that homemade warmth. Plus, they’re a surprisingly easy way to use up sourdough discard—you get the magic of cinnamon sugar pastries without the fuss of complicated dough! I love how they balance a tender, flaky texture with just enough twist of sweetness and spice.
If you’re hanging out over at YourEverydayFoodie for recipes that feel like a friendly kitchen win, this one’s a perfect fit. Trust me, once you try these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists, you’re gonna want to keep them in your rotation. Ready to bring a little cinnamon sugar joy to your home? Let’s dive in together!
What You’ll Need:
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists recipe keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed, straight from your starter jar—no need to feed it first)
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour (easy to find at any grocery store)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus some extra for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or swap with coconut sugar for a bit of a caramel twist)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (because cinnamon sugar pastries need that cinnamon kick!)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (helps give the twists a nice fluff)
- ½ teaspoon salt (balances out all the sweetness perfectly)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (optional, for a quick glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or water (to bring the dough together; dairy-free milks work great too)
Out of something? No worries! Running low on all-purpose flour? Whole wheat flour works well for this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists, just expect a denser texture. Don’t have butter? Coconut oil gives these twists a subtle tropical hint.
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists recipe is kind to your wallet because it uses common pantry staples you likely already have. Plus, it’s a smart way to put that sourdough discard to delicious use instead of tossing it. Quick prep tip: make sure your melted butter is just warm, not hot — you don’t want to cook the discard prematurely.
Leftovers? Store these twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re great eaten cold or warmed up. I always add a little extra cinnamon to the sugar mix for that extra punch—because, hey, you can never have too much cinnamon sugar love!
For more fun sourdough discard recipes, you might like this Sourdough Discard Banana Muffins, a yummy way to use up your discard in sweet treats.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Making these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists is pure kitchen fun—and you’re gonna love the easy twist dough recipe that’s a breeze to whip up!
- Mix your dry ingredients first: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all your cinnamon sugar pastries flavors are evenly spread.
- Add the wet stuff: Pour in your sourdough discard, melted butter, and just enough milk or water to bring the dough together. It should be soft but not sticky.
- Knead it lightly: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and give it about 5 minutes of gentle kneading. Don’t overwork it—the goal is a smooth but tender dough.
- Roll and shape: Roll your dough into a thin rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Brush the surface generously with melted butter.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar (mix extra cinnamon and sugar for this) evenly over the dough. Here’s where those easy cinnamon sugar twists come to life!
- Cut and twist: Slice the dough into long strips, about 1 inch wide. Take each strip, twist it a few times like a little dance move, then set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake time: Pop the twists into a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until they’re golden and smelling incredible. Your kitchen is about to smell like heaven!
- Optional glaze: While warm, you can drizzle them with a simple powdered sugar glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk. Adds that perfect shine and sweet finish.
From start to finish, these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists come together in about 45 minutes. While they’re baking, I love to clean up or pour myself a cup of tea—it’s all about enjoying the process.
If your dough looks a bit shaggy or your twists aren’t super even, don’t stress—these homemade sourdough snacks are charmingly rustic. The texture and flavor make up for any little imperfections.
Allowing the rolled dough to rest for 10 minutes before cutting makes the twists less likely to shrink in the oven. Plus, it’s a great time to prepare a tasty drink!
If you’re a fan of these twists, check out this Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls step-by-step for even more sourdough cinnamon sugar pastries inspiration.
Also, here’s a nifty shortcut: make double the batch, freeze half, and bake fresh twists anytime you need an easy cinnamon sugar twist fix!
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists truly shines when served fresh and warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The crispy edges with soft, buttery centers make them impossible to resist.
I love enjoying these homemade sourdough snacks on lazy weekend mornings or as an afternoon treat when friends come over. They pair beautifully with creamy yogurt or a simple fruit salad—keeps things light and fresh alongside all that cinnamon sugar goodness.
For a little extra fun, try serving these twists with a drizzle of honey or a side of mascarpone cheese. It’s such a lovely contrast to the cinnamon sugar pastries’ sweet crunch.
These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists work great for brunch, snack time, or even dessert. They’re crowd-pleasers for potlucks or casual get-togethers because everyone loves those buttery twists.
Got leftovers? Turn them into an easy cinnamon sugar French toast by dipping the twists in egg wash and frying them up! It’s a tasty way to remake your homemade sourdough snacks the next day.
Seasonal twist: sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on the cinnamon sugar before twisting for a bit of fall cozy vibe. I’ve also tried adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth—it was a hit!
If you want to see more great ideas, check out these popular recipes: Cinnamon Sugar Bagel and Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and even shape the twists, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, bake them fresh—this makes weekends super easy.
Can I use something other than sourdough discard in this recipe?
You can swap with plain yogurt or buttermilk, but the sourdough discard adds that unique tang and tenderness that makes these twists special.
How long will these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists keep?
They’re best fresh but can last up to 2 days at room temp. For longer storage, freeze baked twists and warm individually.
What’s a good swap for butter in this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists?
Coconut oil or vegan butter works well and keeps the recipe dairy-free while still giving those buttery crispy edges.
Can I make these gluten-free?
I’ve had friends try with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and it mostly works, though the texture changes a bit.
How do I make more or fewer from this recipe?
The recipe scales up or down easily! Just keep your ratios the same. It’s perfect if you want a small batch or to make a big batch for a crowd.
Why do my twists sometimes puff up too much or collapse?
Resting the dough before baking and not overloading the cinnamon sugar helps. If they puff up oddly, try pressing the twists down gently before baking or twisting a bit tighter.
Feeling inspired? Here are some extra fun ideas I found in a Facebook group where fellow foodies share their trials of sourdough discard treats: Sourdough discard cinnamon sugar twists recipe.
Also, check out this post for a glimpse of what these crispy buttery twists can look like: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists A delightful treat of ….
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists recipe holds a special spot in my foodie heart because it turns what some consider waste into pure delight. It’s a recipe that feels like a little hug from the kitchen every time I make it.
My Top Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists Tips:
- Use a little extra cinnamon sugar for the best flavor.
- Let your dough rest to avoid shrinkage during baking.
- Freeze extras to have a ready-made homemade sourdough snack on hand.
Variations I love include adding chopped nuts for crunch, drizzling with a vanilla glaze, or mixing orange zest into the cinnamon sugar for a bright twist.
The version that consistently gets requested by friends is definitely the classic cinnamon sugar twist with that light powdered sugar glaze on top—simple but unforgettable.
My biggest hope is that you’ll love this recipe because it’s approachable, full of great flavor, and brings a little everyday magic to your kitchen. Make it your own, try your twists, and most of all, enjoy every bite!
If you’re loving these twists, you might enjoy more of my cozy kitchen favorites like the Sourdough Discard Banana Muffins or these dreamy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.
You’ve got this—grab your sourdough discard and let’s bake some happiness with these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists!
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists
Delight in these easy-to-make sourdough discard cinnamon sugar twists, a perfect sweet snack that uses leftover sourdough starter to create a crispy, flavorful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sourdough discard, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll out into a 10×8 inch rectangle.
- Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Twist each strip several times and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving and enjoy your cinnamon sugar twists!
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after baking for added sweetness.