If you love sourdough and coffee, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together in one cozy loaf.
Instead of water, this sourdough is made with smooth cold brew coffee, giving it a deep, rich flavor without bitterness. Add in a buttery maple pecan cinnamon swirl, and you’ve got a loaf that feels like a cross between artisan sourdough and your favorite coffee cake.
It’s slightly sweet, beautifully aromatic, and perfect for slow mornings, brunch gatherings, or an afternoon treat with (of course) a cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with cold brew coffee for a rich, smooth depth of flavor
- A sweet maple pecan cinnamon swirl in every bite
- Soft, tender crumb with a bakery-style finish
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory
- A unique twist on traditional sourdough
Ingredients
Dough
- 100g active sourdough starter (at peak)
- 300g cold brew coffee (room temperature)
- 500g bread flour
- 10g salt
- 25g brown sugar
Maple Pecan Cinnamon Filling
- 100g brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 85g butter, softened
- 60g chopped pecans (lightly toasted)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
2. Add Salt
Sprinkle the salt over the dough and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
3. Stretch and Folds
Perform 3–4 sets of stretch and folds, spaced 20–30 minutes apart.
After the final set, allow the dough to rest and continue fermenting until:
- slightly puffy
- smoother in texture
- increased in size by about 50–75%
4. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, and maple syrup until a spreadable paste forms.
Fold in the chopped pecans.
5. Shape and Add the Swirl
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently stretch it into a rectangle.
Spread the filling evenly across the surface.
Roll the dough up tightly (like a cinnamon roll log), then shape into a boule or batard.
6. Final Proof
Place the dough into a floured banneton.
Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).
7. Bake
Preheat your Dutch oven to 450°F (232°C).
Turn the dough onto parchment paper, score, and bake:
- 20 minutes covered
- 20–25 minutes uncovered
Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Notes and Tips
- Cold brew provides a smoother, less acidic coffee flavor than hot brewed coffee
- Dough may feel slightly tighter than usual—add 10–20g extra liquid if needed
- Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds depth
- For best results, use a strong, active starter at peak
- This bread is incredible toasted with butter or even a drizzle of maple syrup
Inclusion Variations
You can use this same cold brew sourdough base to create multiple variations depending on your mood or season.
Chocolate Chunk Cold Brew Sourdough
Add 120–150g dark chocolate chunks (70% or higher recommended) during stretch and folds.
Optional: add 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Chocolate Orange Cold Brew Sourdough
Add:
- 120g dark chocolate chunks
- zest of 1–2 oranges
Fold in during stretch and folds.
This version is rich, bright, and incredibly unique.
Walnut or Pecan Cold Brew Sourdough
Add 100–120g toasted walnuts or pecans.
Optional: add 1 teaspoon cinnamon for warmth.
Cherry Coffee Sourdough
Add 100g dried cherries or cranberries.
Optional: soak briefly in warm water or coffee, then drain before adding.
Simple Maple Pecan (No Swirl)
Add:
- 100g pecans
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup directly into the dough
Fold in during stretch and folds for a more traditional loaf.
Final Thoughts
This cold brew sourdough is one of those recipes that feels a little unexpected—but once you try it, it just makes sense.
The depth from the coffee, the warmth of cinnamon, and the richness of maple and pecans come together in a way that’s both comforting and a little indulgent.
If you’re looking for something new to add to your sourdough rotation, this might just become your next favorite.
You May Also Love
If you enjoyed this cozy cold brew sourdough, here are a few more reader-favorite recipes from Sourdough Sorcery that bring that same warm, bakery-style magic to your kitchen:
- Sourdough Challah Bread – Soft, slightly sweet, and beautifully braided—perfect for special occasions or an elevated everyday loaf.
- Croissant-Style Sourdough Bread – Buttery, flaky, and absolutely irresistible—this one feels like a bakery treat at home.
- Classic Artisan Sourdough – Your go-to foundational loaf with a crisp crust and airy crumb—simple, timeless, and dependable.
- Grandma’s Sourdough Bread – A nostalgic favorite with a soft, comforting texture and rich flavor—this one has a story behind every slice.
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic, indulgent, or a little unexpected, there’s always another delicious sourdough adventure waiting for you.
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FAQ's
Can I use regular coffee instead of cold brew?
You can, but cold brew is recommended because it’s smoother and less acidic, which creates a better-balanced flavor.
Will the coffee affect fermentation?
Slightly. Coffee can slow fermentation a bit, so focus on how your dough looks and feels rather than strictly following the clock.
Is this bread sweet?
It’s lightly sweet, but still very much a sourdough loaf—not a dessert bread. The swirl adds sweetness without overpowering the structure.
Can I skip the swirl?
Yes! You can turn this into a simple inclusion loaf by folding in nuts, chocolate, or fruit instead.