Glazed Sourdough Donuts Recipe

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A warm, fluffy donut with a perfect balance of tangy sourdough flavor and sweet, glossy glaze — these Glazed Sourdough Donuts are a true treat for any occasion. The slight tang from the sourdough adds a unique twist to the classic donut, making each bite feel like a little indulgence. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a special dessert, these donuts are easy to make at home and will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery.

The dough is light, airy, and just the right amount of chewy, with a soft and slightly crispy exterior. Topped with a smooth glaze that melts in your mouth, these donuts are bound to become a family favorite. Whether you are a sourdough enthusiast or a fan of traditional donuts, this recipe delivers a delicious fusion of both worlds.

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Why You’ll Love This Glazed Sourdough Donuts Recipe

If you’re a fan of donuts, these Glazed Sourdough Donuts will surely become your go-to recipe. What makes them so special is the combination of tangy sourdough and the classic sweetness of a donut. The sourdough flavor deepens the taste, making each bite richer and more satisfying than your typical donut. Plus, the soft, pillowy texture makes them incredibly addicting.

Aside from the taste, this recipe gives you the satisfaction of making donuts from scratch with a sourdough twist. It’s an ideal way to use your sourdough starter, turning it into something delicious that you can share with friends or enjoy with your morning coffee. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a fun way to elevate your baking skills.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making Glazed Sourdough Donuts at home requires a few essential tools to ensure the best results. Here’s a rundown of the must-haves and their roles in the process:

1. Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer) – A stand mixer makes mixing the dough easier and ensures a consistent, smooth texture. If you don’t have one, a hand mixer with dough hooks will do the job. It helps incorporate the ingredients without overworking the dough.
2. Deep Fryer (or Heavy Pot) – A deep fryer ensures the oil is at the right temperature for frying. If you don’t have one, a heavy pot or Dutch oven will work as long as you use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
3. Donut Cutter – To achieve perfectly shaped donuts, a donut cutter is essential. It’s designed to create the right shape and size, making it much easier than trying to do it by hand.
4. Cooling Rack – After frying, place your donuts on a cooling rack to avoid them becoming soggy. This allows air to circulate around the donuts, ensuring they stay crispy.

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Preparation Tips

1. Use Fresh Sourdough Starter – If you’re using a sourdough starter, make sure it’s fresh and bubbly for the best rise. If it’s been sitting in the fridge for a while, make sure to refresh it before starting your donut dough.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough – Once your ingredients come together, mix the dough only until combined. Overmixing can result in tough donuts.
3. Resting Time is Key – Let the dough rest for the recommended time. This is crucial for allowing the yeast and sourdough starter to activate and create that light, airy texture.
4. Monitor Oil Temperature – Keep a close eye on the oil temperature while frying. Donuts fry best at around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn; too cold, and they’ll become greasy.

These tips will help ensure that your donuts turn out light, fluffy, and with just the right amount of golden crispiness on the outside.

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Ingredients for this Glazed Sourdough Donuts Recipe

To make these delicious Glazed Sourdough Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of tangy sourdough flavor with a sweet, creamy glaze. Make sure to gather everything before you start the recipe to ensure a smooth preparation!

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Add the salt and flour, one cup at a time, until a dough starts to form. Once the dough is formed, sprinkle in the yeast and continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated.

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Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes.

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Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This will give the dough a light and airy texture.

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Step 4: Roll Out and Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter, cut out the donut shapes, making sure to remove the center hole as well. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use two round cutters (one larger for the donut and one smaller for the hole).

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Step 5: Heat the Oil and Fry the Donuts

In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook each donut for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

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Step 6: Glaze the Donuts

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the glaze is smooth and glossy. While the donuts are still warm, dip the top of each donut into the glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth, homemade glazed sourdough donuts!

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Notes

• Sourdough Starter: If you don’t have a sourdough starter or don’t want to use it, you can substitute with a simple yeast dough. However, the sourdough starter adds a unique flavor and texture that is difficult to replicate.
• Resting Time: Be sure to give the dough ample time to rise. This process is crucial for achieving light and airy donuts. If you’re in a rush, you can let the dough rise for about 30 minutes in a warm oven, but the best results come with longer resting time.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too runny, add a little more powdered sugar.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Not Letting the Dough Rise Enough: If the dough doesn’t rise long enough, your donuts might be dense and heavy instead of fluffy. Make sure to let the dough double in size during the first rise.
2. Overcrowding the Fryer: Frying too many donuts at once can lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy donuts. Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
3. Not Monitoring Oil Temperature: The oil temperature is critical. If it’s too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside and stay raw inside. If it’s too cold, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to maintain the right temperature.
4. Skipping the Cooling Rack: After frying, place the donuts on a cooling rack instead of a plate to drain excess oil. This ensures they stay crispy and don’t get soggy.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll avoid common mistakes and be on your way to perfect Glazed Sourdough Donuts every time!

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What to Serve With Glazed Sourdough Donuts?

These Glazed Sourdough Donuts are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience with some tasty pairings. Here are eight great suggestions for what to serve alongside your donuts:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad

A light, refreshing fruit salad with a mix of berries, citrus, and melons makes a perfect contrast to the rich sweetness of the donuts.

2. Hot Coffee

Nothing beats a freshly brewed cup of coffee with your donut. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the glaze, making it a perfect breakfast or snack combo.

3. Iced Latte

For a chilled option, an iced latte is a great pairing. Its creamy texture and bold coffee flavor balance the light, fluffy donuts.

4. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

If you’re looking for a more vibrant, citrusy drink, freshly squeezed orange juice pairs wonderfully with the sourdough notes in the donut, adding a refreshing zing.

5. Scrambled Eggs and Bacon

For a more substantial breakfast, serve your donuts alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. The savory flavors provide a satisfying contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.

6. Yogurt Parfait

A yogurt parfait with granola and a drizzle of honey can balance the richness of the donuts with its creamy texture and crunchy texture, creating a delightful contrast.

7. Hot Chocolate

For a cozy, indulgent treat, serve the donuts with a cup of rich hot chocolate. The smooth, velvety chocolate complements the sweet glaze of the donut beautifully.

8. Chai Tea

A warm cup of chai tea brings aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom, which complement the flavors of the glazed donuts. The slight spiciness and creaminess of chai are perfect for dipping.

These pairings enhance the experience of your homemade Glazed Sourdough Donuts, making them even more irresistible and versatile for various occasions!

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Glazed Sourdough Donuts fresh, it’s best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep them longer, you can freeze the donuts before glazing. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature and glaze them right before serving.

If you’ve already glazed the donuts, you can still store them in an airtight container, but the glaze may soften after a day or two. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but storing them properly ensures they stay delicious for a little longer.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information for one Glazed Sourdough Donut (without extra toppings or additions):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12-15g
• Sodium: 150-180mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12-15g

These values may vary based on the specific ingredients used and the size of your donuts, but this gives you a general idea of the nutrition. While these donuts are a treat, they’re best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought sourdough starter for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use a store-bought sourdough starter. Just make sure it’s active and bubbly. If you’re using a freshly fed starter, it will help create that tangy flavor that makes these donuts special.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

3. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

While the traditional recipe calls for frying, you can bake them as a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the shaped donuts for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t have the same crispy texture but will still taste delicious.

4. What type of flour is best for making these donuts?

All-purpose flour works best for these donuts, as it gives them the perfect texture. You can experiment with bread flour for a chewier donut, but all-purpose flour will give you the lightest, fluffiest result.

5. Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, you can freeze the donuts before glazing. After frying, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw at room temperature and glaze them fresh.

6. How long will these donuts stay fresh?

These donuts are best eaten the day they are made for maximum freshness. However, they will keep for 1-2 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to a week if stored in the fridge (though the glaze may soften).

7. Can I use a different type of glaze?

Definitely! You can experiment with different glazes, such as chocolate glaze, maple glaze, or even a cinnamon-sugar coating. Feel free to get creative with your donut toppings!

8. What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?

If your dough isn’t rising, it could be because your sourdough starter wasn’t active enough or the yeast wasn’t fresh. Ensure your starter is bubbly and fed properly before using it. Also, check that your environment is warm enough for the dough to rise; a slightly warm oven works well.

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Conclusion

Glazed Sourdough Donuts are an indulgent and unique twist on a classic favorite. With the tangy flavor of sourdough and a rich, sweet glaze, these donuts are sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, a special occasion, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they are guaranteed to impress. Follow the steps, store them properly, and experiment with different glazes to make these donuts your own. Happy baking!

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