There’s something magical about combining the earthy tang of sourdough with the rich warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar. This Cinnamon Brown Sugar Sourdough recipe brings that magic to life, offering a beautifully swirled artisan loaf that’s as good toasted with butter as it is enjoyed on its own.
This recipe is perfect for weekend baking or sharing with friends and family during cozy seasons.
If you enjoy sweet-savory bread variations, you might also like this fragrant Cranberry Goat Cheese Sourdough for a more savory twist on your sourdough collection.
Why Bake Cinnamon Brown Sugar Sourdough at Home?
Store-bought bread often contains preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors. Baking your own allows you to:
- Use clean, high-quality ingredients
- Control sweetness and spice
- Customize for dietary needs
- Enjoy the meditative joy of bread-making
Ingredients Needed For Cinnamon Brown Sugar Sourdough
Let’s start with the essentials for your sweet sourdough masterpiece:
- 500g unbleached all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 100g active sourdough starter (fed 8–12 hours before use)
- 350g warm water (about 80–85°F)
- 25g granulated sugar
- 11g kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 135g dark brown sugar (more molasses = more flavor)
Tip: Always use fresh cinnamon. Older spices lose their punch, which matters in a recipe like this.
How To Make Cinnamon Brown Sugar Sourdough
1. Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk the warm water and active sourdough starter until dissolved.
- Add the granulated sugar and whisk again.
- Stir in the flour with a spoon or dough whisk.
- When it becomes too stiff, use your hands to form a shaggy dough.
- Sprinkle salt on top, cover, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Pinch and Fold
- Use damp hands to pinch the salt into the dough.
- Reshape into a rough ball and let it rest another 30 minutes.
3. Stretch and Fold Method
Repeat the following every 30 minutes (total of 3 times):
- Stretch one edge of the dough and fold it over.
- Rotate the bowl and repeat until all sides are folded.
- After the final fold, let it bulk ferment for 3–4 hours until puffy.
4. Layer with Cinnamon and Sugar
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently stretch into a 10×15” rectangle.
- Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and brown sugar, leaving a ½” border.
- Fold like a letter (top third down, bottom third over), adding more filling between folds.
- Roll it gently into a round boule.
Proof and Bake
1. Proofing
- Place dough in a flour-dusted proofing basket.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or overnight.
2. Baking
- Preheat oven and Dutch oven to 450°F for at least 25 minutes.
- Flip dough onto parchment, score the top for oven spring.
- Place in Dutch oven with lid on. Bake:
- 25 minutes covered
- 18–20 minutes uncovered
- Let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Recipe Variations
Want to mix it up? Try these fun flavor combos:
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Sourdough
- Cranberry-Orange Sourdough
- Walnut & Brown Sugar Twist
- Pumpkin Spice Sourdough
- Vegan version (swap out honey or butter if using in glaze)
Pro Baking Tips
- Preheat the Dutch oven for maximum rise
- Score your dough, this controls the direction of the rise
- Always leave a border when sprinkling cinnamon sugar to avoid leaks
- Use rice flour to line your basket for easier removal
- Store spices in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh
Need a savory twist for dinner? Pair your sweet sourdough with something like these easy Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks for a full-on flavor adventure.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Store at room temperature in a sealed bag for up to 3 days
- For longer shelf life, slice and freeze
- Toast frozen slices straight from the freezer, they taste freshly baked!
Health Benefits of Sourdough
Cinnamon Brown Sugar Sourdough isn’t just delicious, it’s good for you too!
- Sourdough fermentation helps break down gluten
- May be easier to digest than commercial bread
- Lower glycemic index than regular white bread
- Cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits
FAQs About Cinnamon Brown Sugar Sourdough
Can I use sourdough discard?
Yes, but fermentation time will be longer, and rise might be less pronounced.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! It can give you better structure and a chewier texture.
Can I proof the dough overnight in the fridge?
Yes! Overnight cold proofing actually improves flavor.
Do I need to score the dough?
Yes, scoring controls oven spring and prevents the loaf from bursting.
Can I bake it in a loaf pan?
Totally. It works great as a sandwich loaf.
Why did my cinnamon sugar leak out?
Make sure to leave a clean edge and don’t overfill. Seal folds gently but firmly.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your sweet sourdough with:
- A slab of salted butter (classic)
- Cream cheese and berries
- Toasted and dipped in chai or coffee
- As French toast or bread pudding
Looking for another sweet breakfast idea? Try the Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake for a delicious way to use your leftover starter.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Brown Sugar Sourdough recipe combines the earthy tang of traditional sourdough with the sweet warmth of a cinnamon roll. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and surprisingly simple once you get the hang of the folds.
Whether you’re baking for your family, for a special occasion, or just for fun, this loaf is a showstopper.
Happy baking!