As the oil shimmers and starts to bubble, I can’t help but feel a thrill of excitement—there’s something undeniably magical about homemade Sourdough Donuts. These golden brown delights make use of sourdough discard, transforming what once went to waste into a fluffy, irresistible breakfast treat. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s not only a fun twist on traditional donuts but also a fantastic way to reduce kitchen waste. Deep-fried to perfection and coated in a simple glaze, they bring comfort and satisfaction, perfect for a weekend brunch or a pick-me-up any time. So, are you ready to indulge in the joy of homemade donuts? Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!

Why are Sourdough Donuts a must-try?

Uniquely Delicious: These sourdough donuts offer a delightful twist on classic breakfast treats, with a fluffy texture and subtle tang that’s hard to resist.

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers looking to elevate their brunch game.

Waste Not, Want Not: Utilizing sourdough discard means you’re reducing food waste while creating something scrumptious!

Versatile Flavors: Feel free to customize with spices or fillings, making each batch uniquely yours.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Serve them warm, and watch as your family and friends rave about their irresistible taste. Perfect alongside coffee or iced tea for an extra special touch!

Sourdough Donuts Ingredients

• Get ready to create scrumptious treats from your kitchen!

For the Donuts

Whole Milk – Essential for hydration and activating the yeast; you can use almond milk for a lactose-free option.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast; substituting with brown sugar will deepen the flavor.
Active Dry Yeast – The key leavening agent for a light rise; instant yeast can be used directly without proofing.
Sourdough Discard – This is a fantastic way to use leftover starter, adding flavor and moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature.
Salted Butter – Provides richness and flavor; feel free to use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.
Large Eggs – They contribute structure to your donuts; it’s best not to substitute these for consistency.
Ground Nutmeg – Imparts warm, aromatic flavor; ground cinnamon can be swapped for a different spice experience.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the main structure of the donuts; bread flour yields a chewier texture, while gluten-free flour may require adjustments.
Vegetable or Canola Oil – Used for frying the donuts; shortening can offer a different frying experience if preferred.

For the Glaze

Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness to your glaze; other powdered sweeteners can serve as substitutes for dietary needs.
Whole Milk (for glaze) – Combines with powdered sugar to create a smooth glaze; for a richer glaze, consider using heavy cream, or choose dairy-free milk for lactose concerns.

Dive into making these fantastic sourdough donuts and enjoy a breakfast that combines comfort and creativity!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sourdough Donuts

Step 1: Activate Yeast
In a stand mixer, warm 1 cup of whole milk until it’s just above body temperature, around 110°F. Stir in 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, then sprinkle 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the top. Allow it to foam for 5–10 minutes until bubbly, signifying the yeast is alive and ready to help your sourdough donuts rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Once the yeast is activated, add 1 cup of sourdough discard, 4 tablespoons of softened salted butter, and 2 large eggs to the mixer. Include ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg for that warm aroma. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are combined, and then increase to medium speed for about 2 minutes, creating a smooth batter with a lovely, rich flavor.

Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add 3 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still soft to the touch. If needed, add flour gradually until you achieve this consistency, ensuring your sourdough donuts will turn out tender and fluffy.

Step 4: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or leave it overnight for deeper flavor development. You’ll know it’s ready when it has roughly doubled in size, creating the perfect base for your delightful sourdough donuts!

Step 5: Shape the Donuts
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or round cutters to cut out donut shapes, placing them on a lined baking sheet. This step is crucial for achieving those classic sourdough donut shapes, so take your time for precision and fun!

Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped donuts with a tea towel and allow them to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until they’ve puffed up nicely. They should appear fuller and feel airy to the touch. This second rise ensures your sourdough donuts will fluff up beautifully in the hot oil, giving them that light, airy texture.

Step 7: Fry the Donuts
In a deep pot, heat 3–4 cups of vegetable or canola oil to 375°F. Fry donuts in batches for about 1–2 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and puffed. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot, as this could lower the oil temperature. You’ll love the tempting aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once fried, remove the donuts and drain them on paper towels. Prepare a simple glaze by mixing 2 cups of powdered sugar with 2–4 tablespoons of whole milk until smooth. Dip the still-warm donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off before serving. Enjoy these homemade sourdough donuts while fresh for the best taste!

What to Serve with Golden Brown Sourdough Donuts?

Pair these delightful treats with the perfect sides to create a satisfying breakfast that warms the heart.

Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries add a vibrant burst of flavor and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
Coffee: A classic pairing, a rich cup of coffee enhances the donuts’ flavors while providing a cozy morning vibe—perfect for lazy weekends.
Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt balances the sweetness, offering a creamy texture and a healthy side option to round out your meal.
Savory Breakfast Hash: Serve with a warm hash of potatoes, peppers, and onions for a savory contrast that complements the sweet, fluffy donuts beautifully.
Iced Tea: Refreshing and light, a glass of iced tea provides a lovely, cooling sip that pairs well with the warm, sugary donuts.
Nutty Granola: Sprinkle some crunchy granola alongside for added texture and a nutty kick that complements the light sweetness of the donuts.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of maple syrup adds a rich, caramel note that pairs perfectly with the slight tanginess of the sourdough donuts.
Lemonade: For a refreshing zing, a homemade lemonade can balance the richness and sweetness, creating a delightful start to your day.

How to Store and Freeze Sourdough Donuts

Room Temperature: Store leftover sourdough donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness.

Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, you can refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, but expect some slight texture changes.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag, for up to 3 months; thaw before eating.

Reheating: Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their fresh texture after storing.

Expert Tips for Sourdough Donuts

Milk Temperature: Ensure your milk doesn’t exceed 120°F to avoid killing the yeast and achieving proper rise in your sourdough donuts.
Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too sticky, gradually add flour until it’s soft but not dry, ensuring a fluffy texture.
Risen Donuts Handling: Let the risen donuts sit uncovered for a few minutes before frying; this helps them maintain shape and fry more evenly.
Oil Temperature: Keep a close eye on your oil temperature; donuts fry quickly and may burn if the heat fluctuates.
Flavor Customization: Feel free to experiment with spices like cardamom or fillings like chocolate, transforming your sourdough donuts into unique delights!

Sourdough Donuts Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these donuts to match your taste and dietary preferences!

Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk for almond milk and use dairy-free butter in the dough and glaze for a lactose-free treat.
Sugar Alternatives: Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a naturally sweetened version that adds a unique flavor.
Spice it Up: Replace ground nutmeg with cinnamon or a sprinkle of cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist that tantalizes the senses.
Unique Fillings: For a delightful surprise, stuff your donuts with fruit preserves, custard, or a rich chocolate ganache after frying for an extra indulgent treat.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version; adjust liquids accordingly as gluten-free dough may be denser.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix cocoa powder into the dough for chocolate-flavored donuts—pair it with chocolate glaze for the ultimate chocolate experience!
Crispy Coating: After frying, roll the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing them, adding a delightful crunch with every bite.
Heat it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the glaze for a spicy kick, balancing the sweetness with exciting heat.

Try these variations and discover how versatile homemade sourdough donuts can be, ensuring every batch is special and delicious!

Make Ahead Options

These Sourdough Donuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first rise and then refrigerating it overnight in a greased bowl, covered tightly with plastic wrap. This allows the flavors to develop beautifully while you multitask. After the refrigeration, simply roll out, cut, and let them rise in a warm place for about 1 hour before frying. To maintain quality, ensure that the donuts are fried fresh the next day for a light and fluffy texture that is just as delicious as when first made. Enjoy the time-saving benefits of easy, homemade Sourdough Donuts!

Golden Brown Sourdough Donuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe FAQs

What type of sourdough discard should I use?
Absolutely! You can use any sourdough discard, provided it’s at room temperature. Ideally, it should be fresh; discard that’s been refrigerated can work, but remember to let it warm up before using it in your donuts!

How should I store leftover sourdough donuts?
For best flavor, store leftover sourdough donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days, although they might lose some of their fluffy texture. Just be sure to seal them tightly!

Can I freeze sourdough donuts and how do I do it?
Certainly! To freeze your sourdough donuts, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, then reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to refresh their taste and texture.

What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, no worries! Gradually add more all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still tender to the touch. Too much flour can lead to a dense donut, so proceed with care!

Are these sourdough donuts safe for my kids and pets?
These donuts are safe for kids, but it’s best to keep them away from pets, especially dogs, who might be sensitive to sugar and fried foods. Always check the ingredients for any specific allergies—like eggs or dairy—before serving.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Very! You can prepare the dough the night before. Simply follow the recipe until the first rise, then cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take the dough out, let it come to room temperature, shape your donuts, and then proceed with the second rise and frying. You’ll have fresh homemade donuts ready to enjoy for breakfast!