If you have a soft spot for anything that’s fluffy, a little tangy, and utterly comforting, then this Sourdough Donuts with Optional Glaze or Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is going to become your new breakfast obsession. Imagine biting into a donut that’s delightfully pillowy, with just the right touch of sourdough depth to make it taste homemade in the best way possible. You get to decide whether you want to envelop these beauties in a shiny, sweet glaze or a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar—either way, this recipe balances sweet and tang perfectly with a texture that’s both tender and slightly chewy, making every bite feel like a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial part in creating the perfect sourdough donut. They come together harmoniously to provide that signature flavor, texture, and color we all crave in a good donut. The simplicity of these staples underscores how accessible and rewarding homemade donuts can be!
- 0.5 cup active sourdough starter: This adds a wonderful tang and helps create a light, airy texture with natural leavening.
- 0.67 cup warm whole milk: Adds richness and moisture, making the dough tender and soft.
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning during frying.
- 2 large eggs: Give structure and a slight richness that keeps the donuts fluffy.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds fat to tenderize the dough and impart a delicate flavor.
- 2.75 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing the necessary gluten to hold everything together.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a warm, cozy spice note that’s classic in many donut recipes.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Crucial for getting that golden, crispy exterior.
- Optional glaze, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar: Perfect finishing touches for that extra sweetness and fun texture.
How to Make Sourdough Donuts with Optional Glaze or Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by combining your active sourdough starter, warm whole milk, granulated sugar, eggs, and softened butter in a stand mixer bowl. Mixing these ingredients until smooth is key to ensuring your dough is evenly hydrated and well incorporated, setting the foundation for soft, tender donuts.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Knead
Next, add the flour, salt, and ground nutmeg to the mixer. Let the machine knead the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes until it feels soft and slightly tacky to the touch. This kneading develops the gluten structure, which is essential for a donut that holds its shape but remains delightfully fluffy.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it tightly. Now, patience is your friend—let the dough rise at room temperature for 6 to 8 hours, or until it doubles in size. This slow rise not only develops flavor but also enhances the dough’s texture.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
After your dough has risen beautifully, lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch cutter to cut out donuts and a 1-inch cutter for the centers. This part is where your inner kid will have fun creating the classic donut shape!
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the cut donuts on parchment-lined trays, cover loosely with a cloth, and allow them to puff up for another 1.5 to 2 hours. This second rise is crucial for achieving that soft, airy crumb you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Fry to Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once cooked, transfer them to a wire rack to drain off excess oil, making sure they stay crisp on the outside and soft within.
Step 7: Add Your Finishing Touch
While the donuts are still warm, dip them in your chosen glaze or toss them in cinnamon sugar for an irresistible coating. Let them set for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Sourdough Donuts with Optional Glaze or Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your sourdough donuts is where you can get really creative. Beyond the classic glaze or cinnamon sugar, try sprinkling with crushed nuts for crunch, a dusting of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a deeper sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve these donuts alongside a cup of strong black coffee or your favorite tea to balance the sweetness and highlight the sourdough’s tang. Fresh fruit, like sliced berries or citrus segments, also complements the richness and helps keep the meal feeling fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your donuts on a pretty platter with small bowls of different coatings—like powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, and glaze—so guests can customize their own. You can also cut some donuts open and sandwich them with cream cheese or jam for a fun twist on presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers—though that’s unlikely!—store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the donuts soft without making them soggy or stale.
Freezing
You can freeze these sourdough donuts easily. Wrap each cooled donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to one month, ready to be enjoyed later.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover donuts back to life, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This method revives their crispness on the outside and warmth inside without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use any sourdough starter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Any active sourdough starter you have on hand will work as long as it’s bubbly and active. It’s what gives these donuts their signature tang and light texture.
Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?
While frying gives the best classic donut texture with a crispy exterior, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes. They will be less crispy but still soft and delicious.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough requires a slow, room-temperature rise of 6 to 8 hours initially, with a second rise of 1.5 to 2 hours after shaping. These long rises develop flavor and airy texture.
What’s the best way to make a glaze for these donuts?
A simple glaze is made by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip warm donuts and let the glaze set for a luscious finish.
Can I substitute the whole milk with a non-dairy milk?
Yes, non-dairy milks like almond, oat, or soy milk can be used. Just make sure they are unsweetened and at a warm temperature to activate the yeast properly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making homemade donuts, especially with the depth and character that sourdough adds. This Sourdough Donuts with Optional Glaze or Cinnamon Sugar Recipe invites you to slow down, enjoy the process, and savor a treat that tastes like it came from your favorite bakery. Give it a try and watch these donuts become a beloved staple in your kitchen and your heart!
Print
Sourdough Donuts with Optional Glaze or Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade sourdough donuts that combine the tangy depth of sourdough starter with the light, fluffy texture of a classic fried donut. Perfectly golden and coated with your choice of glaze, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar, these donuts offer a delicious twist on a beloved treat, made with simple ingredients and fried to perfection.
Ingredients
Dough
- 0.5 cup active sourdough starter
- 0.67 cup warm whole milk
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Frying and Coating
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional glaze, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar for coating
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm whole milk, granulated sugar, eggs, and softened unsalted butter. Mix together until the batter is smooth and well combined, ensuring a consistent base for your dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Knead: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground nutmeg to the wet mixture. Use the mixer’s dough hook attachment to knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough becomes soft, slightly tacky to the touch, and elastic, indicating good gluten development.
- First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 6 to 8 hours. During this time, the dough should double in size, developing flavor and airy texture from the sourdough fermentation.
- Shape Donuts: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch doughnut cutter to cut out the donuts, and a 1-inch cutter to cut out the donut holes. You should get 12 donuts total.
- Second Rise: Place the cut donuts and holes on parchment-lined trays. Cover loosely with a cloth and let rise for another 1.5 to 2 hours until they are puffy and slightly risen, preparing them for frying.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts for 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them gently and remove once cooked. Drain on a wire rack to remove excess oil.
- Coat Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip them in your preferred glaze or roll them in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar. Let the coating set briefly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before starting for best rising results.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
- If you don’t have a donut cutter, use round cookie cutters or improvise with cups and bottle caps.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat before serving.
- Adjust sugar coating amount to taste or try different glazes like chocolate or vanilla for variety.
