What makes sourdough donuts truly irresistible? It’s all about the combination of tangy sourdough starter and sweet glazed topping. This easy homemade recipe uses simple ingredients like flour and sugar to create a delicious treat perfect for a quick breakfast or weeknight dessert. Save this idea for your next baking project and get ready to indulge in a family favorite treat. Try it soon and enjoy the sweet reward of your efforts. Pin for later

glazed sourdough donuts recipe on a baking sheet with text overlay that reads glazed sourdough donuts recipe

Introduction

There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a warm, fluffy, and sweetly glazed donut, especially when it’s made from the heart of your own kitchen. The glazed sourdough donuts recipe we’re about to dive into is not just a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also an exercise in creativity, patience, and the joy of working with everyday ingredients to produce something truly extraordinary. This recipe is designed to be accessible, flavorful, and fun, making it perfect for both beginner bakers looking to challenge themselves and seasoned pros seeking a new delight to share with family and friends.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of sourdough starter, which adds a tangy depth, and a sweet glaze, creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Moreover, the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this recipe highly accessible.
• Ease of preparation: Despite involving sourdough, which can seem intimidating, this recipe simplifies the process, breaking it down into manageable steps that ensure success without requiring extensive baking experience.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a batch of beautifully glazed donuts that look and taste like they came from a professional bakery, all achieved with relatively minimal effort and time.

Key Ingredients

The heart of this recipe lies in its key ingredients: active sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, whole milk, eggs, salt, and vegetable oil for frying. For the glaze, you’ll need powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using almond milk instead of whole milk for a non-dairy version, or adding different flavor extracts to the glaze for unique twists.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by activating your sourdough starter, ensuring it’s bubbly and active. Then, mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt) in one bowl and the wet ingredients (milk, eggs) in another, before gently folding them together with your sourdough starter until a smooth, sticky dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size.
3. Step 3: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to your desired thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and donut holes. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes before frying in hot oil until golden brown.
4. Step 4: For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, or use a spoon to drizzle it over them, depending on your desired glaze thickness.

Handy Tips

• Ensure your sourdough starter is healthy and active before starting, as this will significantly affect the rise and flavor of your donuts.
• Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough donuts.
• For an extra crispy exterior, make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the donuts.

Heat Control

When frying the donuts, it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature, ideally between 350°F and 375°F. This ensures that the donuts cook evenly and don’t absorb too much oil. Keep an eye on the donuts as they fry; they should take about 2 minutes per side to reach a golden brown. Signs of doneness include a deep golden color and the donuts feeling light and airy when lifted out of the oil.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the perfect crunch on your glazed sourdough donuts involves a couple of key steps. First, ensuring the oil is at the right temperature when frying helps to create a crispy exterior. Secondly, not over-glazing the donuts allows the natural crunch of the fried dough to shine through, balanced by the sweetness of the glaze.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the perfect frying temperature.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying; do the donuts in batches if necessary, to prevent them from sticking together.
• For easier cleanup, line your workstation with parchment paper before glazing the donuts.

Storage Tips

• Best consumed fresh, but glazed donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the donuts before glazing and then thawing and glazing when ready to serve.
• Reheating can be done in a low-temperature oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes to refresh the donuts.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These glazed sourdough donuts make for a wonderful gift, especially when packaged thoughtfully. Consider placing them in a decorative box or bag, tied with a ribbon. For a more rustic look, a paper bag with a clear plastic window can showcase the donuts while keeping them fresh. Adding a handwritten note or a small jar of extra glaze can make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a unique twist.
• Creative toppings: Instead of a traditional glaze, top your donuts with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even candy pieces for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or use different types of milk to alter the flavor profile of the donuts.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your donuts turn out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough. If they’re too oily, the oil temperature might have been too low.
• Ingredient replacements: Always try to use the ingredients called for in the recipe, but in a pinch, some substitutions can work. For example, using baking powder and flour to mimic a sourdough starter in a pinch, though the flavor will be different.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the donuts as they fry; undercooked donuts will be pale and greasy, while overcooked ones will be too dark and dry.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the donuts before glazing. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours, though the results may vary.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but be sure to have enough oil for frying and space for the donuts to rise and cool.

Conclusion

Making glazed sourdough donuts is a journey that combines patience, creativity, and the joy of baking. With these steps and tips, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious treat that’s sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own, and most importantly, enjoy the process and the delightful end result. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a wonderful way to explore the world of sourdough and glazed donuts, and we hope you have as much fun making it as we do sharing it with you.