When it comes to starting your day on a delicious note, few things can rival the allure of freshly baked pastries. Among these, cinnamon rolls hold a special place in the hearts of many. Today, we're going to explore a unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll - cardamom - infused sourdough discard cinnamon rolls, topped with a homemade honey cream cheese icing that's simply irresistible.

Let's first understand the concept of sourdough discard. Sourdough starters need to be fed regularly to keep them active and healthy. During this process, a portion of the starter is usually discarded. Instead of throwing it away, we can put it to good use in baking. Using sourdough discard in our cinnamon rolls not only reduces waste but also adds a wonderful tangy flavor and a unique texture to the rolls.

Now, let's talk about cardamom. This spice is a staple in many cuisines around the world, especially in Scandinavian and Indian cooking. It has a warm, sweet, and slightly citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon. When added to the cinnamon rolls, cardamom elevates the flavor profile, giving the rolls a more complex and exotic taste.

To make these cardamom - infused sourdough discard cinnamon rolls, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of sourdough discard
• 1/2 cup of warm milk
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3 1/2 cups of all - purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon

For the honey cream cheese icing:

• 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Let's start with the dough. In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm milk, granulated sugar, and egg. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. Then, add the flour, salt, and cardamom. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until it forms a smooth paste.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 - inch thick. Spread the cinnamon - brown sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, starting from the long end, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

Place the cinnamon roll pieces in a greased baking dish, spacing them evenly apart. Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 - 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. While the rolls are baking, make the honey cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the icing is light and fluffy.

Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle the honey cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. The warm rolls will absorb some of the icing, creating a deliciously gooey center.

These cardamom - infused sourdough discard cinnamon rolls are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a great way to use up your sourdough discard. They are perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or brunch, to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of the tangy sourdough, the warm spices of cinnamon and cardamom, and the sweet honey cream cheese icing makes these rolls a truly unforgettable culinary experience. So, the next time you have some sourdough discard on hand, don't hesitate to give these rolls a try. Your family and friends will surely thank you for it!