Description
If you’ve never tried making sourdough donuts at home, you’re in for a delicious surprise. These light and fluffy donuts are naturally leavened with sourdough starter, giving them a distinct flavor and irresistible texture. The rich, buttery dough ferments slowly for deep flavor, and once fried to golden perfection and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they become an indulgent treat that’s hard to beat. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, weekend brunch, or just a unique way to use your sourdough starter. Whether you’re looking for easy breakfast ideas, a unique dessert, or homemade food ideas, this easy recipe is one to bookmark.
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup active sourdough starter
3/4 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oil for frying
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Feed your sourdough starter and let it become bubbly and active before starting.
2. In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, eggs, milk, sourdough starter, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix into a shaggy dough, then slowly add butter and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours.
5. Refrigerate overnight for 8–12 hours for easier handling and deeper flavor.
6. Roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thickness and cut out donuts and holes.
7. Place on parchment-lined trays, cover, and proof for 1.5–2 hours until puffy.
8. Heat oil to 350°F and fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
9. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
10. Whisk glaze ingredients and dip warm donuts to coat tops.
11. Let glaze set, then serve fresh or store as needed.
Notes
Let the dough cold-proof overnight to enhance both flavor and workability.
Use a thermometer to monitor frying oil temperature for consistent results.
Donuts are best eaten the same day, but can be frozen unglazed for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg