Description
Sourdough donuts are light, fluffy, and slightly tangy, offering a delicious twist on traditional donuts. Naturally fermented for enhanced flavor, these homemade treats are perfect glazed, powdered, or plain. A great way to use excess sourdough starter!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active or discard)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp dry yeast (optional, for faster rise)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar or glaze ingredients (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, and yeast (if using). Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Mix Ingredients: Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and spices (if using). Gradually mix in flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead and Rest: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 4-6 hours (or overnight in the refrigerator) until doubled in size.
- Roll and Cut: Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or round cutter with a smaller cutter for the center hole. Place donuts on a parchment-lined tray.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise for another 1-2 hours until puffy.
- Heat Oil: In a deep pan or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), maintaining temperature with a thermometer.
- Fry Donuts: Fry donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow to cool before glazing, dusting with powdered sugar, or coating with cinnamon sugar.
Notes
- Variations: Try chocolate glaze, maple frosting, or fill with jam, custard, or Nutella.
- Baked Option: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Prep Time: 6-8 hours (including rise time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: dessert , breakfast
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sourdough donuts, homemade donuts, sourdough starter recipe, fluffy donuts, tangy donuts