Sourdough Donuts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These fluffy, tender sourdough donuts take breakfast to the next level with their unique, slightly tangy flavor. Perfectly glazed and lightly fried, they’re a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoy them plain or dress them up with your favorite toppings for a scrumptious twist on a classic favorite.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-10-22T03:12:11.407Z

The journey to creating the perfect sourdough donut begins with a love for baking and a passion for sourdough. These donuts embody the spirit of experimentation and creativity in the kitchen.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Sourdough donuts are not just a breakfast option; they are versatile enough to fit into any occasion. Whether it’s a casual brunch, a festive celebration, or simply a cozy family gathering, these donuts will surely impress. Their unique sourdough twist makes them stand out as a delightful alternative to traditional donuts. Serve them alongside a rich coffee or tea to enhance the overall experience and make your gatherings more memorable.

These donuts are also great for sharing. You can easily prepare a larger batch to treat friends and family. Consider decorating them with sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or fresh fruit to add some flair. They are perfect for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, or even just a cozy night in. No matter when you serve them, these sourdough donuts are bound to be a hit.

A Twist on Tradition

The incorporation of sourdough starter into these donuts gives them a unique tang that contrasts beautifully with their sweet glaze. This slightly tangy flavor not only sets them apart from conventional donuts but also adds depth to each bite. The fermentation process of the sourdough not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the fluffy texture that makes these donuts so irresistible.

By using sourdough, you're not only treating your taste buds but also steering your culinary choices toward healthier options. Sourdough is known for its probiotic properties, which can aid in digestion, making these donuts a more health-conscious indulgence. This delightful blend of flavor and nutrition changes the way we think about sweet treats.

Tips for Success

To ensure that your sourdough donuts turn out perfectly fluffy and tender, be mindful of your dough's consistency. If it's too sticky, you can add a bit more flour while kneading. On the other hand, be careful not to add too much, as it can alter the texture. Always aim for a soft, workable dough that springs back when touched.

Don't rush the rising time. Allowing the donuts to rise adequately is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture. Ensuring that your oil is at the right temperature when frying is also essential for a perfect golden brown finish. This step will prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil, allowing them to remain light and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Donuts

  • 1 cup active sourdough starter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Oil for frying

For the Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients well and let them rise before frying!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, sugar, milk, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk together until smooth.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Donuts

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and holes.

Place the cut donuts on a floured baking sheet and let them rise for about 1 hour until puffy.

Fry the Donuts

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the donuts, frying them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Dip the warm donuts into the glaze and let them set on a wire rack.

These donuts are delicious either plain or with a variety of toppings!

Storing Your Donuts

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store your sourdough donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This maintains their freshness and prevents them from becoming stale too quickly. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen donuts, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them in a microwave for a few seconds. They will taste just as delightful as when they were freshly made, allowing you to indulge in this delicious treat anytime.

Experimenting with Flavors

While the classic glazed sourdough donut is tempting, there’s a whole world of flavors you can explore. Consider infusing spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, comforting taste. For a fruity twist, add lemon or orange zest to the glaze for a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the tanginess of the sourdough.

You might also try different toppings, such as crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even chocolate ganache. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize each donut to suit your mood or occasion. So don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen and make these donuts your own!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use inactive sourdough starter?

No, make sure your sourdough starter is active for the best results.

→ How should I store the donuts?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Sourdough Donuts

These fluffy, tender sourdough donuts take breakfast to the next level with their unique, slightly tangy flavor. Perfectly glazed and lightly fried, they’re a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoy them plain or dress them up with your favorite toppings for a scrumptious twist on a classic favorite.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 donuts

What You'll Need

For the Donuts

  1. 1 cup active sourdough starter
  2. 1/4 cup sugar
  3. 1/2 cup milk
  4. 1/4 cup melted butter
  5. 2 large eggs
  6. 3 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  8. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  10. Oil for frying

For the Glaze

  1. 2 cups powdered sugar
  2. 1/4 cup milk
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, sugar, milk, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk together until smooth.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 02

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and holes.

Place the cut donuts on a floured baking sheet and let them rise for about 1 hour until puffy.

Step 03

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the donuts, frying them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 04

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Dip the warm donuts into the glaze and let them set on a wire rack.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 2g