Ultimate Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe

Ashly Martin in her kitchen baking sourdough discard recipes with fresh bread and sweet desserts

Published:

15/05/2026
Freshly baked sourdough cinnamon roll blondies with gooey cinnamon swirls and golden edges on a white plate

Ever since I first tried blending sourdough into desserts, I’ve been obsessed. One lazy Sunday morning, I decided to combine two of my favorite treats—cinnamon rolls and blondies—into one magical creation. The result? Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Blondies. These are fluffy, slightly tangy, and packed with cinnamon swirls that melt in your mouth. I promise, once you try them, you’ll be hooked.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make these blondies, from mixing the batter to nailing that perfect swirl. Plus, I’ll share my secret tips for getting that soft, chewy texture every time. Whether you’re a sourdough pro or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and absolutely delicious.

What Are Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Blondies?

If you’ve never heard of Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Blondies, let me break it down for you. Imagine the gooey, cinnamon-infused layers of a cinnamon roll combined with the dense, chewy texture of a blondie. Now, add a hint of sourdough tanginess to balance the sweetness. Sounds amazing, right?

These blondies are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves cinnamon rolls but wants something a little different. They’re easier to make than traditional cinnamon rolls because there’s no yeast or rolling involved. Just mix, swirl, and bake!

The Perfect Hybrid Dessert

What makes this dessert so special is its hybrid nature. You get the best of both worlds—the richness of blondies and the comforting spice of cinnamon rolls. Plus, the sourdough adds a unique depth of flavor that sets these apart from any other dessert.

I love serving these blondies warm, straight out of the oven, with a dollop of cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to these blondies lies in the balance of ingredients. The sourdough discard adds moisture and a subtle tang, while the cinnamon swirl brings warmth and sweetness. you get a dessert that’s soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible.

soft sourdough cinnamon roll blondies with gooey cinnamon swirl and golden crust, fresh from the oven

Another reason this recipe works so well is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few pantry staples and your sourdough discard, and you’re good to go.

Sourdough Magic

Sourdough discard isn’t just a waste product—it’s a baking powerhouse. In this recipe, it helps create a tender crumb and adds a unique flavor profile. Plus, it gives you a chance to use up that discard instead of throwing it away.

I’ve tested this recipe countless times, and I can confidently say that sourdough is the key to achieving that perfect texture. It keeps the blondies moist without making them too dense. If you’ve been looking for a way to incorporate sourdough into your desserts, this is it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible blondies:

  • All-purpose flour: The base of the batter. – Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture. – Butter: For richness and flavor. – Sourdough discard: The star of the show! – Eggs: Helps bind everything together. – Cinnamon: Essential for that classic cinnamon roll flavor. – Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall taste.

Essential Ingredients

While most of these ingredients are pantry staples, there are a few that deserve special attention. The sourdough discard is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor. If you don’t have discard on hand, you can use active sourdough starter, but the flavor will be slightly different.

The brown sugar is another key ingredient. It adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon. I recommend using light brown sugar for a milder flavor, but dark brown sugar works too if you want something richer.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these blondies step by step.

Mixing the Perfect Batter

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the blondies later. For more information, see King Arthur Baking Guide.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the sourdough discard and vanilla extract. Finally, fold in the flour until just combined. For more information, see Baking Basics.

Once the batter is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared pan. Now comes the fun part—the cinnamon swirl! In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and a bit of sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter and use a knife to swirl it in. For more information, see Serious Eats Baking.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the blondies cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Blondies

Want to take your blondies to the next level? Here are my top tips for success.

Texture Secrets

The key to soft, chewy blondies isn’t overmixing the batter. Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.

Another tip is to avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on the blondies as they bake, and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Variations and Creative Twists

While this recipe is perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it.

Cream Cheese Frosting Options

If you’re a fan of cream cheese frosting, you’re in luck. These blondies pair beautifully with a simple cream cheese frosting. Just mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Spread it over the cooled blondies for an extra decadent treat.

If you’re craving something extra indulgent, try swapping the classic glaze for a thick cream cheese frosting. I love mixing 4 oz softened cream cheese with 2 tbsp butter, a splash of vanilla, and powdered sugar until it’s dreamily spreadable. Last Christmas, I added a pinch of orange zest to mine, and my family still talks about that citrusy twist! For chocolate lovers, melt some dark chocolate chips into the frosting or drizzle it over the top of your Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Blondies while they’re still warm.

Nuts add fantastic crunch – I often fold 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts right into the batter before baking. My neighbor swears by pressing whole pecans into the top for a pretty presentation. Seasonal variations keep things fun too – in fall, I’ll sprinkle pumpkin spice over the cinnamon swirl, and in summer, a handful of fresh blueberries scattered on top makes them feel like a brunch treat. The best part? These blondies are so forgiving, you really can’t mess them up! Just last week, I accidentally doubled the cinnamon and ended up with the most deliciously spicy batch yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions

Absolutely! Sourdough discard works perfectly in this recipe. It adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the blondies.

Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why Trust Me?

I’ve been making Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Blondies every weekend for the past two years. After dozens of trials, I’ve perfected the recipe to ensure it’s foolproof and delicious every time. My family insists I make them for every gathering, and I’ve even started gifting them to friends. Trust me, this recipe is a winner.

Ultimate Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe

Ingredients

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible blondies:

  • All-purpose flour: The base of the batter. – Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture. – Butter: For richness and flavor. – Sourdough discard: The star of the show! – Eggs: Helps bind everything together. – Cinnamon: Essential for that classic cinnamon roll flavor. – Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall taste.

Essential Ingredients

While most of these ingredients are pantry staples, there are a few that deserve special attention. The sourdough discard is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor. If you don’t have discard on hand, you can use active sourdough starter, but the flavor will be slightly different.

The brown sugar is another key ingredient. It adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon. I recommend using light brown sugar for a milder flavor, but dark brown sugar works too if you want something richer.

Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these blondies step by step.

Mixing the Perfect Batter

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the blondies later. For more information, see King Arthur Baking Guide.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the sourdough discard and vanilla extract. Finally, fold in the flour until just combined. For more information, see Baking Basics.

Once the batter is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared pan. Now comes the fun part—the cinnamon swirl! In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and a bit of sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter and use a knife to swirl it in. For more information, see Serious Eats Baking.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the blondies cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Recipe from

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, these Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Blondies are it. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with cinnamon flavor. Plus, they’re a great way to use up sourdough discard.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start baking! I promise, you won’t regret it.

Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Blondies

Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Blondies


By Recipe Author



Jump to Recipe

Chewy blondies with swirls of cinnamon sugar and the tangy depth of sourdough discard, combining the best parts of cinnamon rolls and blondies.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
9
Calories
280 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. 2
    Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a bowl until smooth. Add egg, yolk, sourdough discard, and vanilla, mixing well.
  3. 3
    In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
  4. 4
    Spread 2/3 of the batter into the prepared pan. Mix softened butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl in a small bowl.
  5. 5
    Drop spoonfuls of cinnamon mixture over the batter. Use a knife to swirl gently. Top with remaining blondie batter and swirl again.
  6. 6
    Bake for 23-25 minutes until edges are golden but center is slightly soft.
  7. 7
    Cool completely in pan before slicing into squares.
  8. 8
    Optional: Drizzle with cream cheese glaze (mix 2 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tbsp milk).


Chef’s Notes

Store airtight for 3 days or freeze for 1 month. For extra gooey blondies, underbake by 2 minutes. Sourdough discard should be unfed and at room temperature.

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