Here’s a soft, fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls recipe with a bright, tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Topping — perfectly sweet with that subtle sourdough depth.

---

🍞 Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Topping

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 12 rolls)

Dough

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed & bubbly)

• ¾ cup warm milk

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 3–3½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ tsp salt

Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp vanilla (optional)

Lemon Cream Cheese Topping

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1–2 tbsp milk (if needed for spreading consistency)

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Mix the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine starter, warm milk, sugar, melted butter, and egg.

2. Add salt and gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

---

2️⃣ First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

• Place dough in a greased bowl.

• Cover and let rise at room temperature 4–6 hours, or until puffy and about 50–75% increased in size.
  (Timing depends on starter strength and room temp.)

---

3️⃣ Roll & Fill

• Roll dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle.

• Spread softened butter over surface.

• Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly.

• Roll tightly from long side into a log.

• Cut into 12 equal rolls.

---

4️⃣ Second Rise

Option A (Same Day):

• Let rolls rise 2–3 hours until noticeably puffy.

Option B (Overnight – Best Flavor):

• Cover and refrigerate overnight.

• Bring to room temperature 1–2 hours before baking.

---

5️⃣ Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.

• Do not overbake — soft centers are key!

---

🍋 Lemon Cream Cheese Topping

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest.

3. Mix until creamy. Add milk if needed.

Spread over warm (not hot) rolls.

---

✨ Pro Tips

• Pour ¼ cup warm heavy cream over rolls before baking for ultra-gooey centers.

• Slight underbaking keeps rolls soft and tender.

• Strong starter = better rise and lighter texture.

---

🧊 Storage

• Store covered in fridge up to 4 days.

• Reheat gently before serving for best texture.

---

If you’d like, I can also give you:

• 🍓 Sourdough strawberry lemon rolls

• 🍞 Discard sourdough cinnamon rolls (no active starter needed)

• 🍊 Orange cream cheese glaze version

• 🥮 Extra fluffy enriched brioche-style sourdough rolls

Just tell me which one you’d like!