Golden and fluffy, these donuts bring a comforting touch to weekend mornings. They’re perfect for quiet moments at home or for sharing with family and friends during gatherings. With a simple blend of ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with a soft texture. This recipe makes the process approachable and enjoyable, inviting you to savor each step from mixing to glazing.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Sourdough Donuts

These homemade sourdough donuts offer ease and reliability in the kitchen, making them a comforting choice for any time of day. The balance of flavors and soft, airy texture adds to their appeal. With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation, this recipe is perfect for everyday enjoyment, ensuring a delightful outcome with each batch.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter or cookie cutters
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Cooling rack
• Pastry bag or zip-top bag (for glazing)

Ingredients

• 1 cup 100% hydration sourdough starter (250g)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (115g)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup raw cane sugar (55g)
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter (50g)
• 1 tsp vanilla (3g)
• 1 tsp salt (4g)
• 2 1/4 cup organic bread flour (290g)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup whole milk (for glaze)
• 1-3 cups coconut oil for frying

How to Make Homemade Sourdough Donuts

Step 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the 100% hydration sourdough starter with the whole milk, whisking them together until smooth. This step brings together the wet ingredients, allowing the sourdough starter to create a base with a tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the donuts.

Step 2. Add the large egg, raw cane sugar, melted unsalted butter, vanilla, and salt to the bowl, stirring until fully blended. Take your time here; the sugars should dissolve completely, ensuring that the sweet and creamy notes are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3. Gradually incorporate the organic bread flour into the mixture, stirring gently until no dry flour remains. The dough will start to become thick and slightly sticky as you mix, signaling that you’re on the right track toward creating a soft donut texture.

Step 4. Once the dough comes together, cover the bowl and let it rest for about 1 hour at room temperature. This resting period allows the dough to rise slightly, developing a bit of fluffiness that will make the donuts light and airy when fried.

Step 5. After resting, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. This thickness is optimal for achieving the right level of softness and ensuring the donuts cook evenly without becoming too dense.

Step 6. Use a donut cutter or two cookie cutters to cut out the donut shapes. Transfer the cut donuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each. This helps in easy handling and prevents them from sticking to each other while they rest before frying.

Step 7. Allow the cut donuts to rest for another 30 minutes. This helps them rise a bit more and develop a tender texture that will be enjoyable once fried. Keep an eye on them for a slight increase in size.

Step 8. In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat the coconut oil over medium heat until it reaches the right temperature for frying. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it; if bubbles form around it, the oil is ready for frying.

Step 9. Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, frying them until they turn a light golden brown on one side. This color change is a good indicator that they’re ready to be flipped over. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature.

Step 10. Flip the donuts carefully and cook them until they’re golden brown on both sides. You’ll know they are done when they have a firm, crispy exterior and a beautiful, golden hue. Transfer them to a cooling rack to drain excess oil.

Step 11. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, make the glaze. In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the whole milk until smooth, reaching a drizzle-ready consistency. Adjust the milk quantity if needed to achieve the desired thickness.

Step 12. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Allow the excess to drip off before placing them back on the cooling rack. This step not only adds sweetness but enhances the donut’s overall appeal with a invitingly glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

These homemade sourdough donuts shine as a delightful breakfast option or a sweet snack throughout the day. Enjoy them fresh and warm, maybe alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They also make excellent additions to family meals or gatherings, offering a comforting treat that everyone can appreciate. If there are any leftovers, they can be enjoyed the next day, though they are best fresh.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Allow the ingredients to reach room temperature before starting. This helps with better mixing and a more consistent dough.
• Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to avoid oily donuts or undercooked centers.
• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; fry in small batches for even cooking.
• Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing for better adherence of the glaze.
• Use a pastry bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped for easy glazing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the rising time: Skipping or shortening the resting times can lead to dense donuts. Rushing this step may prevent the dough from developing its best texture.
2. Over-rolling the dough: Rolling it out too thin can make for hard donuts. Keep the thickness to about 1/2 inch for optimal softness.
3. Frying at incorrect temperatures: Cooking at too low or too high a heat can result in greasy or burnt donuts. Monitoring the oil’s temperature is crucial.
4. Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold milk or eggs can inhibit proper blending and rising. Bringing ingredients to room temperature helps maintain consistency.
5. Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds sweetness and moisture. Without it, the donuts can taste rather plain, missing an essential layer of flavor.
6. Not using enough oil: Insufficient oil can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure the donuts have enough space to fry comfortably without sticking.

Variations & Substitutions

For a fun twist, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra flavor kick. Alternatively, you can experiment with flavoring the glaze with citrus zest or extracts for a refreshing change. While this recipe uses coconut oil, vegetable oil can also work well for frying, if preferred.

Storage & Reheating

You can store leftover donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For freezing, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm in an oven at a low temperature to maintain their texture, or enjoy them at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling and cutting the donuts.

How long does it last in the fridge?

These donuts can last about a week in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed fresh.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely, you can freeze the donuts. Wrap them well and store in a freezer bag. They will keep for about a month.

What can I substitute for one ingredient?

If you need to substitute the whole milk, you can use a non-dairy milk alternative, which will still provide moisture to the dough.

Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?

Common issues can arise from unmeasured ingredients, improper temperature of the oil, or insufficient rising time. Make sure to follow the steps carefully for best results.

Final Thoughts

Making these homemade sourdough donuts can be a delightful way to enhance your weekend mornings. With straightforward steps and a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a comforting treat that everyone can enjoy. Each bite is a reminder of the joy found in the kitchen, and the process itself is equally rewarding. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed during a quiet moment, these donuts invite warmth and happiness into your day.

Homemade Sourdough Donuts

Golden and fluffy, these sourdough donuts bring a comforting touch to weekend mornings with a delightful blend of tangy flavor and soft texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 donuts

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Donuts

• 1 cup 100% hydration sourdough starter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup raw cane sugar
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 cups organic bread flour
• 1-3 cups coconut oil for frying

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup whole milk for glaze

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a mixing bowl, combine the 100% hydration sourdough starter with the whole milk, whisking them together until smooth.
• Add the large egg, raw cane sugar, melted unsalted butter, vanilla, and salt to the bowl, stirring until fully blended.
• Gradually incorporate the organic bread flour into the mixture, stirring gently until no dry flour remains.
• Once the dough comes together, cover the bowl and let it rest for about 1 hour at room temperature.
• After resting, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
• Use a donut cutter or two cookie cutters to cut out the donut shapes and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Allow the cut donuts to rest for another 30 minutes for slight rising.

Frying

• In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat the coconut oil over medium heat until ready for frying.
• Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, frying until they turn a light golden brown on one side.
• Flip the donuts carefully and cook until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Glazing

• Once cooled slightly, mix the powdered sugar with the whole milk until smooth.
• Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, ensuring they’re evenly coated and allow the excess to drip off.

Notes

Allow ingredients to reach room temperature for better mixing. Don't overcrowd the frying pan.

Keyword fried donuts, homemade donuts, sourdough donuts, sourdough recipes, Weekend Baking