I still remember the first time I made these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists. I was knee-deep in sourdough baking, feeling a little guilty about tossing that sourdough discard after feeding my starter each week. One afternoon, while scrolling through some sourdough discard recipes, I spotted these twists. It felt like a little nutrition win waiting to happen—using discard to create a sweet treat that wasn’t just empty calories.
My kids were curious when I pulled those golden twists from the oven—the cinnamon sugar aroma filled our kitchen like a warm hug. The best part? They loved the crispy buttery bite balanced with that hint of sourdough tang. Not only were they getting a less processed snack, but it also felt great knowing I had turned otherwise wasted dough into something nourishing.
These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists fit perfectly with how I try to keep my family nourished without the overwhelm. Baking with sourdough discard adds a little boost of whole grain goodness, and combining it with cinnamon sugar makes it a fun sweet option that doesn’t skip on taste or nutrition.
I know many busy moms like you are juggling meal plans, school runs, and endless snacks. These twists have become my go-to for satisfying those sweet cravings in a way that feels wholesome. If you’re looking for an easy homemade sourdough snack that balances sweet twisted bread treats with family-friendly nutrition, you’re in the right place!
If you love simple nutrition and clever ways to use up your discard dough, I can’t wait to share everything I’ve learned about making these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists—from the ingredients to step-by-step baking. Let’s dive in together and find another sanity-saving nutrition win for your busy kitchen!
By the way, if you’re craving more simple sweet twists, your kids might love these cinnamon sugar blondies too, which I talked about on my blog here.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Trust me, this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! Here’s what you’ll grab for these sweet twisted bread treats:
- 1 cup active sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature) — This gives you a great base without waste!
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil — Adds richness and healthy fats. If you don’t have butter, coconut oil works great and has a nice subtle flavor.
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar — Offers sweetness plus some minerals. You can swap with maple syrup if you’re out of sugar, just reduce the liquid slightly.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon — Cinnamon is a nutrition powerhouse for blood sugar balance and antioxidants.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — Optional but brings warm sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt — Balances flavor and boosts nutrient absorption.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour — Whole wheat adds fiber and keeps it wholesome. I like to mix half AP and half whole wheat for nutrition without a heavy texture.
Bonus nutrition hack: adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds boosts fiber and omega-3s without changing the taste much. My family swears by this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists hack!
You can find all these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store or local co-op. This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated. Also, prepping the cinnamon sugar mixture while you mix the dough saves time, especially for those crazy afternoons when helping with homework meets snack requests!
If you want to add a little extra nutrition punch, toss in some chopped nuts or seeds before twisting your dough. My crew enjoys the crunch, and I love it for those extra healthy fats.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright fellow nutrition-seekers, here’s where we roll up those sleeves and turn your sourdough discard into these irresistible Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pop a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray—this makes cleanup a breeze in our busy kitchens!
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, combine the sourdough discard, melted butter (or coconut oil), vanilla extract, and salt. Your batter should feel smooth and a bit sticky, like the start of something good.
- Add flour and sugar: Stir in your flour and sugar, and cinnamon until you have a soft dough. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a tablespoon more flour at a time. I’ve learned that dough consistency will heavily influence your twists’ texture.
- Roll it out: Lightly flour your workspace and roll the dough into a rectangle, about 10 by 6 inches. Don’t stress if it’s a bit rustic—family love beats perfection here!
- Spread cinnamon sugar: Mix together 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle or brush this over the rolled dough generously. This sweet twist combo is so comforting and wholesome.
- Cut and twist: Slice the dough into 8 strips. Take each strip, twist it a few times, and lay it on the baking sheet. This step is where the cinnamon sugar pastry twists begin to take shape. Kids love helping here—in our house, it’s become a mini teamwork moment!
- Bake for 15-18 minutes: You’ll know your Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists are ready when they’re golden and smell amazing—kind of that warm cinnamon hug I mentioned earlier. If one end browns faster, just pull the pan out and rotate it halfway through the bake.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the twists cool a bit before serving. Leftovers? Wrap them tightly for a quick grab-and-go treat that holds up well in the fridge.
In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists usually takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish—a real sanity saver! While they bake, I usually prep lunches or get the kids’ backpacks ready—a multitask plus!
If you want to dive deeper into sourdough discard baking, this Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls guide from The Clever Carrot has some great step-by-step insights that inspired me.
Remember, if your twists look a little uneven or rustic, that’s part of their charm and nutrition—all homemade signs of care!
How We Love to Eat This!
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists quickly became a favorite in my house. My little ones can’t get enough, especially paired with some fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and calcium.
For after-school snacks, I like to serve these alongside sliced apples or a handful of nuts—a simple, balanced combo that keeps energy steady until dinner. Cinnamon’s natural blood sugar benefits make these sweet twisted bread treats a smarter option compared to overly processed snacks.
We’ve even brought these twists to weekend brunches and watch friends delight in how flavorful yet wholesome they are. Presentation tip: dust with a little powdered sugar or drizzle a little honey for a special touch that makes healthy food look inviting.
Leftovers? I slice them and toast gently the next day as quick breakfast treats with nut butter. Because in busy family life, making nourishing snacks that hold up to leftover life means more enjoyment and less waste.
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists is perfect for those quick nutrition wins when you need something warm and comforting but don’t have hours to bake.
For more sweet twisted bread treats your family might enjoy, check out my favorite cinnamon roll protein crepes.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists really nutritious for growing kids?
Yes! It uses sourdough discard, which contains beneficial microbes aiding digestion, plus cinnamon is great for balancing blood sugar. The whole wheat flour I add boosts fiber, helping with slow energy release. My kids love this as a treat but also as part of a balanced snack.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists?
I hear you! Sometimes, presenting it as a fun shaped treat or letting kids add their own cinnamon sugar mix helps boost interest. Pairing with dips like yogurt or nut butter also makes a world of difference.
Can I meal prep this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists?
Absolutely! These twists store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze beautifully. Just rewarm in the toaster oven or microwave. Busy moms love this easy sourdough discard baking success for prepping ahead!
Does the cinnamon sugar make it too sweet?
Nope, the natural tanginess from the sourdough discard balances the sweet nicely. I adjust sugar levels if I want an even lighter treat, but my family finds this perfectly sweet.
Is there a gluten-free option for these twists?
I’ve tried a blend of gluten-free flour mixes with some success, but texture changes quite a bit. For safe gluten-free options, the cinnamon sugar pastry twists can be adapted using a firm gluten-free dough—just check that recipes support it well.
How can I add more protein?
Adding a spoonful of nut butter on the side or mixing in ground flaxseed to the dough increases protein and omega-3s. Sometimes I serve with a glass of milk or dairy-free alternative for extra nutrition.
Where can I find more recipes like this?
If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for my sugar cookies or cinnamon sugar blondies, both easy and nourishing treats:
Also, check out the Facebook community for other moms sharing their best sourdough discard cinnamon sugar twists recipe and tips.
Final Thoughts:
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists has become a reliable way to feed my family well without stress. The nutrition upgrades—from whole wheat to cinnamon and optional flaxseed additions—make these sweet twisted bread treats feel like a real dinnertime nutrition win.
My Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists Nutrition Hacks:
- Adding ground flaxseed boosts fiber and omega-3s without fuss.
- Using part whole wheat flour builds more sustained energy for growing kids.
- Pairing with protein-rich sides like yogurt balances the sweet touch naturally.
My husband prefers these twists loaded with an extra cinnamon punch, while my youngest loves the classic cinnamon sugar simple version. For something different, I’ve made orange zest cinnamon twists for a fresh seasonal twist that’s still nourishing.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Swap flours, add nuts, seeds, or even a sprinkle of chia for your special family spin. Your kitchen can be a place where good nutrition and real life meet without overwhelm.
I hope you find these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists a sweet moment of nourishment in your busy day. Keep nourishing your family with kindness and simplicity—you’re doing an amazing job!
If you want to see how other moms are loving these, I found a fun share about these twists here: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists A delightful treat of crispy buttery twists.
For some more homemade sourdough snacks, this post in the Facebook group helped me refine flavor and texture: Sourdough discard cinnamon sugar twists recipe.
Remember, fellow busy moms—simple nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s keep finding those real, workable nourishment wins together. You’ve got this!
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists
Delightfully crispy and sweet, these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists transform leftover sourdough starter into a delicious snack perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for brushing
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional cinnamon sugar for topping (1 tablespoon sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sourdough discard, flour, sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 10×8 inch rectangle.
- Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Cut the dough into 1-inch strips and twist each strip a few times, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea.