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Soft Sourdough Brioche Rolls with Homemade Cinnamon Butter

These soft sourdough brioche rolls are rich, buttery, and lightly sweet — served warm with homemade cinnamon butter.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup active, bubbly sourdough starter
  • 3½-4 cups bread flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup milk, room temperature
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Egg wash: 1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water

For Cinnamon Butter

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

Make the Brioche Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a dough hook, combine the sourdough starter, milk, eggs, sugar, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until it forms a thick batter. Let rest for 30 minutes — this allows the flour to hydrate and fermentation to begin.
  • Add the remaining 1½ cups flour and salt. Mix or knead on medium speed until the dough starts to come together.
  • With the mixer running on low, gradually add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each piece to incorporate before adding the next. Knead for 8–10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly glossy. 

First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

  • Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours, or until doubled in size. If your kitchen is cool, it may take longer.

Chill Dough

  • Refrigerate for 1–2 hours. This step makes the dough easier to shape and enhances the flavor.

Shape the Rolls

  • Divide the chilled dough into 12 equal pieces (about 80–85 grams each). Shape each piece into a tight ball by tucking the edges under and rolling gently on your counter. Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased 9x13-inch pan, spacing them slightly apart.

Second Rise

  • Cover lightly with a towel or plastic wrap. Let rise for 2–3 hours, or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

Bake

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each roll with egg wash. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
  • Let cool slightly before serving warm with the cinnamon butter.

To Make the Cinnamon Butter

  • In a small bowl, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fluffy and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice to preference.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer.