There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly fried donuts wafting through the house, wrapping you in a delicious blanket of warmth and comfort. This Sourdough Donut Recipe takes that joy to the next level, combining the tangy goodness of sourdough with a sweet, creamy glaze that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. Picture this: you take a bite, and it’s as if the world around you melts away, leaving just you and that fluffy, doughy perfection.
These donuts are not just for special occasions; they are for any day that calls for a little happy indulgence. Maybe you’ll whip up a batch for a leisurely weekend breakfast or to impress friends at your next gathering. Whatever the occasion, they’re sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few “oohs” and “aahs” as they’re devoured.
Why You'll Love This Sourdough Donut Recipe
- This incredible Sourdough Donut Recipe transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Sourdough Donut Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Sourdough Donut Recipe:
⅓ cup (83 ml) milk – Use whole milk for richness, but you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
⅔ cup (150 g) active sourdough starter – Make sure it’s bubbly and well-fed; this is where the magic begins.
2 large eggs – Fresh eggs not only enhance flavor but also help with the structure of the donuts.
⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar – Sweetness is key; consider brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract works best for the most aromatic glaze.
3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour – All-purpose is perfect, but you can mix in some whole wheat for a heartier texture.
¾ teaspoon table salt – Don’t skip the salt; it balances all the flavors beautifully.
6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter – Use softened butter for easily incorporating into the dough.
Neutral cooking oil for frying – Canola or vegetable oil works best to keep the donuts from absorbing too much grease.
1 ½ cups (190 g) powdered sugar – This will give your glaze that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
¼ cup (57 g) salted butter – The salted butter adds depth to the sweet glaze.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – More vanilla flavor is always a good idea.
1 ½ – 2 tablespoons hot water – Keep the glaze smooth and pourable by adjusting the water amount.
How to Make Sourdough Donut Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Sourdough Donut Recipe:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Pour the active sourdough starter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Warm the milk to between 100°F and 110°F and add it to the sourdough starter. Stir to combine, setting the stage for that dreamy dough.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
To the starter mixture, add the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and about 2 cups of flour. Sprinkle the salt over the flour and stir until just combined. The dough will be a bit wet, but don’t worry; it’s all part of the delicious process.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
With your stand mixer set to low, add the butter, one tablespoon at a time. Watch as your dough transforms and absorbs this decadent addition. Mix until all the butter is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Switch to a dough hook and gradually add the remaining flour until the dough forms a ball, pulling away from the sides of the bowl. Continue kneading on low speed for about 7-10 minutes until it’s silky and elastic. You want it to feel soft, almost like a pillow.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit in a draft-free warm area until it doubles in size—this can take 6-8 hours, or if you’re impatient like me, pop it in the fridge overnight for even better flavor.
Step 6: Shape the Donuts
After the dough has risen, cut out twelve 6” squares of parchment paper. Roll out the dough to about ½” thick and cut out donuts using a donut cutter. Brush each side lightly with flour and place them on the squares of parchment on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap again and let rise for another 1.5-2 hours until puffed.
When you feel ready for the finale, heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan to 350°F. Fry the donuts, one or two at a time, flipping them halfway through until golden brown on both sides or until the interior temperature reaches 185°F.
Once fried, let the donuts cool briefly on a cooling rack or paper towel-lined plate before dipping them in the heavenly glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, melted salted butter, vanilla extract, and hot water until smooth, then dip each donut to coat before transferring it back to a cooling rack to let the glaze harden.
Enjoy these treats with a hot cup of coffee or share them with friends—it’s hard not to feel a surge of joy with each bite. The flavors, textures, and the lovingly-crafted sourdough base make this Sourdough Donut Recipe a delightful masterpiece sure to lift your spirits!
You Must Know About Sourdough Donut Recipe
- This showstopping Sourdough Donut Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Sourdough Donut Recipe Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your Sourdough Donut Recipe, start by mixing the wet ingredients before gradually incorporating the dry ones. Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise properly. Fry at the right temperature for that perfect golden-brown exterior, ensuring a fluffy interior.
Add Your Touch to Sourdough Donut Recipe
Feel free to customize your Sourdough Donut Recipe by swapping in different extracts, like almond or citrus, or adding chocolate chips or sprinkles to the dough. You can even play around with the glaze—think maple syrup or a dash of coffee for that extra kick!
Storing & Reheating Sourdough Donut Recipe
To keep your Sourdough Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in an oven for the best texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Sourdough Donut Recipe
- This professional-quality Sourdough Donut Recipe relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Creating this delightful Sourdough Donut Recipe reminded me of a cozy Sunday morning spent in the kitchen with my family. The aroma of fresh donuts brought smiles and laughter, making it a cherished memory we’ll always treasure.
FAQs About Sourdough Donut Recipe
What is Sourdough Donut Recipe?
The Sourdough Donut Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional donuts that utilizes active sourdough starter to create a unique and flavorful treat. This method not only adds a pleasant tang but also enhances the texture, making the donuts light and fluffy. The process may take a bit longer due to the fermentation time needed for sourdough, but the results are absolutely worth it. Perfect for brunch or an indulgent snack, these donuts are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
How do I store Sourdough Donuts?
To keep your Sourdough Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Make sure to wrap each donut tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in an oven for a few minutes, restoring their delightful texture and warmth.
Can I customize my Sourdough Donut Recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best aspects of the Sourdough Donut Recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment by adding different flavorings like almond or citrus extracts. You can also mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to the dough for added fun. Play around with various glazes, such as maple syrup or coffee-flavored icing, to make them your own and cater to your taste buds.
How long does it take to make Sourdough Donuts?
The Sourdough Donut Recipe involves a lengthy process due to fermentation. Preparation and cooking time total around 21 hours and 42 minutes, including the initial dough rise, which typically takes 6-8 hours, plus an overnight refrigeration for deeper flavor. Once you reach the frying stage, cooking only takes a few minutes per batch. Patience leads to delicious rewards!
Conclusion for Sourdough Donut Recipe
The Sourdough Donut Recipe combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweet delight of donuts, creating an unforgettable treat. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can whip up a batch that rivals those from your favorite café. Customize the flavors, store them properly, and share with loved ones for a special occasion. This Sourdough Donut Recipe will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy frying!
Delicious Sourdough Donut Recipe with Creamy Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour sourdough starter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Warm the milk to 100F-110F and add to the sourdough starter, stir to combine.
- Add eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and about 2 cups of flour. Sprinkle salt over the flour and stir well until all ingredients are combined.
- Turn the stand mixer on low and add butter 1 Tablespoon at a time until all butter is incorporated.
- Switch to the dough hook and, with the mixer on low-speed, slowly add remaining flour as needed until the dough forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 7-10 minutes on low speed.
- Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit in a warm draft-free place until doubled in size (typically 6-8 hours, longer if necessary). Refrigerate overnight.
- Cut twelve 6” squares of parchment paper for the donuts after cutting.
- Roll out the dough to be ½” thick. Cut out donuts with a donut cutter.
- Lightly brush each side of the donut with flour and transfer each donut to a square of parchment on a baking sheet.
- Cover baking sheets with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until donuts are puffed (about 1.5-2 hours).
- Check donuts are finished proofing by lightly flouring a finger and pressing into the dough: if the indent springs back slowly, they're ready; if not, they need more time.
- Heat oil in a medium-sized saucepan to 350F.
- Fry donuts 1-2 at a time, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on both sides or until the interior temperature reaches 185F.
- Remove donuts to a cooling rack or paper towel lined plate and allow to cool briefly before glazing.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and hot water until smooth.
- Dip each donut in glaze and transfer to a cooling rack to allow glaze to harden before enjoying.
