How to Make Sourdough Raspberry Cream Cheese Rolls

Sourdough Raspberry Cream Cheese Rolls: A Sweet Breakfast Treat for Any Morning

I have been on a sourdough baking kick here lately. My starter is about a year old, and I have had so much fun creating different recipes for my family to taste and enjoy. There have been my fair share of baking flops, but with my experimentation I have found several truly delicious recipes! Today I will be sharing how to make your own sourdough raspberry cream cheese sweet rolls. If you like the sound of freshly baked, buttery rolls filled with a sweet raspberry and cream cheese fillings with a yummy vanilla frosting, then this tasty recipe is for you. Combining the tangy depth of an active sourdough starter with the vibrant flavor of fresh raspberries and a luscious cream cheese filling, these rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. Perfect for any season or any special occasion, this easy recipe will help you make a breakfast to remember for your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying sourdough sweet rolls for the first time, this recipe is approachable and oh so rewarding. Let’s dive into how to make these sourdough raspberry rolls!

Why Sourdough Raspberry Cream Cheese Rolls?

These raspberry sweet rolls offer a fresh spin on the best cinnamon rolls by incorporating juicy raspberries and a rich cream cheese filling. The sourdough discard or active sourdough starter adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, while the dough creates soft, buttery rolls that melt in your mouth. Unlike quick cinnamon rolls, this recipe embraces the slow fermentation of sourdough for deeper flavor and better texture.

If you’ve seen sourdough bakers create stunning homemade cinnamon rolls, this recipe will give you the same show-stopping results. The sweet raspberry filling, made with fresh raspberries, pairs perfectly with the cream cheese filling and a vanilla frosting for a bright, indulgent treat. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Sourdough Raspberry Cream Cheese Rolls

For the Dough:

•  3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 

•  1/4 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly) or sourdough discard for a quicker version ( you will need yeast with this option)

-one packet of active dry yeast

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to room temperature

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a healthier option

•  1 large egg, at room temperature

•  1 tsp salt

For the Sweet Raspberry Filling:

•  1 ½ cups raspberries (fresh raspberries for brighter flavor but frozen will work too)

•  ½ cup granulated

•  2 tbsp lemon juice

•  1 tsp lemon zest

•  1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)

•  2 tbsp softened butter

For the Rich Cream Cheese Filling:

•  8 oz cream cheese, softened

•  2 tablespoons heavy cream

•  1 cup powdered sugar

•  1 tsp vanilla extract

•  Pinch of salt

For the Frosting

•  1 cup powdered sugar

•  2 tablespoons heavy cream

•  3 tablespoons butter

•  1 tsp vanilla extract

•  Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sourdough Raspberry Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Enriched Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, melted unsalted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined. Gradually add the bread flour (or all-purpose flour) and mix until a sticky dough forms. If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add a touch more flour, but avoid adding too much flour to keep the rolls soft.

Knead on medium speed for 4 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and allow to rise for an hour in a warm place. If you are using active sourdough without yeast, you will need to let your dough rise longer. Let it rise in a warm place for 6-8 hours (or 10-12 hours if your kitchen is cooler) for the first rise. For a make-ahead option, let it rise in the fridge overnight and proceed the next morning.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Raspberry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine frozen raspberries (or fresh raspberries), brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch. Stir gently over medium heat until the raspberries break down slightly and the mixture thickens, around 4 minutes. Set aside until completely cool.

Step 3: Making the Cream Cheese Filling:

Take your room temperature cream cheese and mix it n your stand mixer with your cup of powdered sugar until all lumps are gone. Add in your vanilla, salt, and heavy cream. Mix for around a minute on medium speed until well combined. Set aside in the fridge.

Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough

After the first rise, punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it into a rectangular shape (about 12×18 inches). Spread your cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, followed by the sweet raspberry filling. If you prefer a jammier texture, you can substitute with raspberry jam ( the Smash brand is great for a lower sugar option), but the fresh filling adds a vibrant kick.

Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. For clean cuts, use a very sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces (rolls). Baking these around the Christmas holidays? Create a festive cinnamon roll wreath by arranging the rolls in a circle on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, slightly overlapping. Alternatively, place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for classic rolls.

Step 4: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm spot for 2-4 hours for the second rise (or until puffy). For a make-ahead option, refrigerate the rolls after shaping and let them rise slowly overnight. The next day, just pop them in the oven!

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly. For best results, check for doneness by ensuring the centers are set but not overbaked. Let the baked rolls cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.

Step 6: Make the Icing

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and melted butter until smooth. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy. Spread the rich frosting over the warm rolls for that irresistible gooey texture.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Raspberry Rolls

1.  Active Sourdough Starter: Ensure your starter is bubbly and doubled in size for optimal dough rise. If using sourdough discard, expect slightly longer rise times and use active yeast.

2. Don’t Overflour: Adding too much flour can make the rolls dense. Use a bench scraper to handle the sticky dough if needed.

3.Make-Ahead Option: For Christmas morning or busy days, prepare the rolls the day before and refrigerate after shaping. Bake the next morning for a stress-free sweet breakfast treat.

4. Freezing: Store baked rolls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat for a quick treat.

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these sourdough raspberry cream cheese rolls combine the tangy complexity of sourdough with the bright, fruity flavor of raspberries. The sourdough cinnamon roll recipe base is versatile, allowing you to experiment with fillings like raspberry jam, strawberries, or blueberries. You could even shape it into a sourdough raspberry roll wreath for a stunning centerpiece if you’re feeling festive. The enriched dough ensures soft, pillowy rolls, while the cream cheese filling adds decadence.

This recipe is also forgiving for beginners. Even if it’s your first time working with sourdough, the step-by-step instructions and easy sourdough cinnamon rolls approach make it accessible. Plus, the make-ahead option and flexible rise times fit busy schedules.

Serving and Storing Your Sourdough Raspberry Rolls

Serve these buttery rolls warm for the ultimate bakery experience, paired with coffee . They’re perfect for holidays like Christmas morning or any weekend brunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days. Reheat in the oven, covered, for 10 minutes.

This sourdough raspberry cream cheese rolls recipe is a love letter to slow morning breakfasts and homemade goodness. With a sweet roll dough recipe that’s both forgiving and flavorful, these rolls are a great idea if you want to customize or incorporate healthier ingredients as opposed to store bought rolls.   Whether you’re baking for a crowd or meal prepping breakfasts for your little ones, these delicious recipes will become a staple in your kitchen.

For more easy sourdough recipes and baking inspiration, check out my recipes HERE.For handmade home tutorials and craft ideas, you can find those  HERE. Happy baking! I hope you love these sweet rolls as much as my family does!

-Samm