Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the delightful combination of rich brown butter and fluffy sourdough in these adorable Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat, these bite-sized cinnamon rolls are infused with warm spices and topped with a decadent glaze. Elevate your cinnamon roll game with this unique twist that ensures every bite is a mouthwatering delight.
The Magic of Brown Butter
Brown butter is a secret ingredient that transforms ordinary baked goods into extraordinary treats. When you melt butter and allow it to simmer, it develops a nutty flavor and a rich, golden-brown color that adds depth to your recipes. In these Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts, the brown butter not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a delightful moisture that keeps each bite tender and fluffy. The combination of brown butter with sourdough elevates these cinnamon rolls, making them a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Integrating brown butter into your baking can seem intimidating at first, yet it’s a simple technique that can be mastered with practice. Just watch closely as the butter foams and darkens; the aroma is your cue that it’s ready. Once you’ve tried baking with brown butter, it’s hard to go back to using regular butter; the flavor it imparts is simply irresistible!
Why Sourdough?
Sourdough is not just a trend; it's a time-honored tradition that brings a unique flavor profile to your baking. The natural fermentation process of sourdough starter introduces a subtle tang, which beautifully balances the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar in these Mini Cinnabundts. This fermentation also improves the texture, making the dough airy and delightful while enhancing its nutritional value.
Sourdough bread has been praised for its health benefits, including prebiotics that support gut health and a lower glycemic index than traditional bread. By incorporating sourdough into sweet treats, you get that satisfying chewiness and complexity that can elevate your breakfast or dessert game. Plus, the use of a sourdough starter means you can enjoy all the flavors of fresh bread in a mini cinnamon roll format!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a myriad of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing for a holiday gathering, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress. Their small size makes them perfect for sharing, and guests will love the unique twist on a classic favorite.
Additionally, these cinnabundts are not just for breakfast. They can serve as an afternoon snack or a sweet dessert. Pair them with coffee or tea, and you'll have a delightful culinary experience. Their charming presentation in a muffin tin adds a touch of elegance that makes any gathering feel extra special.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter
- 1/4 cup brown butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sourdough starter, melted brown butter, sugar, salt, milk, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead and Rise
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Roll Out the Dough
Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Shape the Cinnabundts
Roll the dough tightly to form a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased muffin tin.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Glaze
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the warm cinnabundts before serving.
Storing and Freezing
These Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Simply let the baked cinnabundts cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, reheat them in the oven or microwave until warm for a delicious treat anytime.
Be sure to allow for some time to defrost if you take them out of the freezer. For an instant refresh, you can pop them in the oven for a few minutes before serving, which will restore their original texture and warmth. A drizzle of glaze right before serving can elevate their flavor even more!
Customization Options
The beauty of these Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts is how easily they can be customized to fit your preferences. If you're a nut lover, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch. Alternatively, you could experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, to give them a unique flavor twist.
For a fruity variation, try incorporating fresh berries or dried fruit into the filling. Blueberries or cranberries could add a refreshing burst of flavor, making these mini treats even more delightful. Feel free to get creative with the glaze too; a cream cheese glaze can add a tangy richness, while a simple lemon glaze could add a bright note.
Healthier Alternatives
If you're looking for a healthier twist on these Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts, you can substitute some of the ingredients for lighter options. Consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose to increase the fiber content. Alternatively, natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can replace refined sugar, adding a different flavor profile along with health benefits.
Moreover, you could attempt reducing the amount of butter in the filling and glaze to cut back on fat, or replace it with a healthier oil like coconut oil. By making small tweaks, you can enjoy these scrumptious treats guilt-free while still indulging in their delicious flavors!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake it in the morning.
→ What can I substitute for the sourdough starter?
You can use 1/2 cup of yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute.
Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts
Experience the delightful combination of rich brown butter and fluffy sourdough in these adorable Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat, these bite-sized cinnamon rolls are infused with warm spices and topped with a decadent glaze. Elevate your cinnamon roll game with this unique twist that ensures every bite is a mouthwatering delight.
Created by: Tabitha Green
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12
What You'll Need
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter
- 1/4 cup brown butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sourdough starter, melted brown butter, sugar, salt, milk, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Roll the dough tightly to form a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased muffin tin.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the warm cinnabundts before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g