Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts are like warm hugs from your oven, with their rich, nutty flavor and fluffy texture that dance on your taste buds. Picture this: a sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as you peel back the layers of these little delights, revealing a gooey cinnamon swirl that’s practically begging to be devoured.

As I stood in my kitchen, flour dusted on my nose and a hint of chaos surrounding me, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the first time I baked these beauties. It was a rainy Sunday, the kind that inspires all sorts of comfort food cravings. I decided to whip up a batch of these Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts, and let me tell you—the smell alone made my neighbors suspiciously knock on my door to inquire about the source of such heavenly aromas. Perfect for brunch, snack time, or those late-night cravings when you can’t resist something sweet!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Their rich brown butter flavor brings a unique twist to the classic cinnamon roll.
- Visually stunning with their swirled design, they are sure to impress anyone at the table.
- Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or warmed up later; they’re versatile enough for any occasion!
Ingredients for Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Sourdough Starter: A bubbly, active starter adds depth and flavor; ensure it’s well-fed before use.
All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for best results; it provides structure and chewiness.
Unsalted Butter: Brown it until nutty and fragrant; this enhances the flavor profile dramatically.
Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon offers the best flavor; don’t skimp on this spice!
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar gives an extra caramel-like richness; it’s like a cozy blanket for your buns.
Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess; it helps create that tender texture we crave.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is perfect for helping our dough rise like it means it!
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip this tiny but mighty ingredient.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine your active sourdough starter with warm milk and melted brown butter. Add in the salt and yeast until well mixed.
Step 2: Add Flour
Gradually integrate all-purpose flour until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s messy—embrace the chaos!
Step 3: Knead
Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Think of it as a mini workout—who needs a gym?
Step 4: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Roll It Out
Once risen, punch down that dough (take out any frustrations!) and roll it into a rectangle on a floured surface about half an inch thick.
Step 6: Add Filling
Spread softened brown butter over the dough, sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar evenly across its surface. Roll up tightly from one end to form a log.
Step 7: Slice & Bake
Cut into small pieces about two inches thick—these will be your mini cinnabundts! Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Transfer to plates while still warm and prepare yourself for an explosion of flavors that might just make you do a happy dance! Enjoy with coffee or tea—they’re practically begging to be paired with your favorite beverage!
You Must Know
- These Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts are the perfect blend of rich flavors and delightful textures.
- They make for a fantastic breakfast treat or dessert.
- Their luscious, gooey centers and crispy edges will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Perfectly shareable or just for you!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts, begin by browning your butter first. While it cools, prep your sourdough dough and filling. Bake them while the aroma fills your kitchen, making you feel like a baking wizard.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts! Swap in different nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or try adding chocolate chips for an extra treat. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom to elevate the flavor profile even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their gooey texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a deeper flavor, use high-quality butter when browning.
- It makes a world of difference!
- Ensure your dough is adequately rested for better texture and flavor development.
- Avoid overfilling your cinnabundts to prevent mess during baking.
Sharing a delightful memory: Once, I made these Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts for a family brunch. The smiles on my kids’ faces were priceless when they tasted them – it instantly became a new family favorite!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts?
To make Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts, you will need all-purpose flour, active sourdough starter, unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, milk, and a pinch of salt. The key to achieving that rich flavor is the brown butter; it adds a nutty depth that elevates these delightful treats. Ensure your sourdough starter is active for the best results. You can also add a drizzle of cream cheese icing for extra sweetness.
How long does it take to make Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts?
Making Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts typically takes about 3-4 hours in total. This includes time for proofing the dough and baking. However, if you prepare the dough overnight in the refrigerator, you can reduce the active time on baking day significantly. Be sure to plan ahead for proofing to achieve that perfect texture and flavor.
Can I use instant yeast instead of sourdough starter?
While you can use instant yeast instead of sourdough starter for making cinnamon buns, it will alter the final flavor and texture. The unique tanginess from sourdough enhances the taste of Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts. If you’re in a hurry, instant yeast can be a quick alternative but won’t deliver the same depth of flavor as using an active sourdough starter.
How should I store leftover Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts?
To keep leftover Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider placing them in the refrigerator or freezing them. Just wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion for Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts:
In summary, Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls that combine rich flavors with a soft texture. Utilizing brown butter elevates these treats to new heights while incorporating your active sourdough starter adds a unique tanginess. With manageable prep time and simple ingredients, these mini buns are perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Try this recipe for an unforgettable treat that will impress your family and friends!
Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts
Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. With their rich brown butter flavor and gooey cinnamon swirl, these mini treats are fluffy, warm, and perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Easy to prepare, they promise to become your new favorite indulgence.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter (browned)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup whole milk (warm)
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, and browned butter. Mix in salt and yeast until well blended.
- Gradually add flour until a sticky dough forms; embrace the mess!
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle about half an inch thick.
- Spread softened brown butter over the surface, sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar, then roll tightly into a log.
- Cut into 2-inch pieces and place them cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. Drizzle with cream cheese icing for extra sweetness if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.