If you’re craving homemade comfort with a twist, Sourdough Donuts are about to become your new kitchen obsession. These golden, pillowy rounds boast a whisper of tang from natural fermentation and are finished with a glossy, sweet glaze that sends them over the top. The slow rise gives a light, chewy crumb and depth of flavor that makes these donuts unforgettable—truly the kind of treat you’ll want to share (or not!) with everyone you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sourdough Donuts lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is chosen to create an airy, flavorful, and perfectly sweet result. Don’t skip or skimp; even the smallest detail makes a big difference!

All-purpose flour: The base that gives these donuts their soft-yet-structural bite.
Active sourdough starter: The secret ingredient providing signature tang and a gorgeous, airy texture.
Whole milk (warmed): Helps boost fermentation and ensures a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the tang.
Large egg: Adds richness and helps hold everything together for that classic, fluffy crumb.
Unsalted butter (softened): Infuses the dough with a subtle, buttery flavor and keeps it moist.
Salt: A pinch ties all the flavors together and enhances the overall taste.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the dough with irresistible aroma and warmth.
Powdered sugar: The star of the show for achieving that shimmering, smooth glaze.
Extra milk (for glaze): Creates the perfect consistency for dipping and drizzling.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Just a hint transforms the glaze into something truly special.

How to Make Sourdough Donuts

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together flour, sugar, and salt in your largest mixing bowl. This first step ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which is key for achieving consistency in every bite of your Sourdough Donuts.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Add your active sourdough starter, warm milk, egg, softened butter, and a splash of vanilla extract right into the bowl with your dry mixture. Using a sturdy spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Don’t overthink this step—the dough will be transformed with kneading!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes, either in a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand on a lightly floured surface. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when pressed gently. This muscle work is rewarded with dreamy, cloud-like Sourdough Donuts.

Step 4: Bulk Fermentation

Transfer your ball of dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it snugly, and let it rest at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, or until doubled in size. This long ferment is where the magic happens, infusing your donuts with gentle tang and unrivaled flavor.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Turn your risen dough onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to a half-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or improvise with two round cutters) to stamp out your donut shapes. Gather and re-roll the scraps as needed—you’ll get about 10 beautiful Sourdough Donuts.

Step 6: Final Proof

Arrange the shaped donuts on parchment paper, leaving room to puff up. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise for another 1 to 2 hours. They’ll look noticeably plumper and softer, ready to fry!

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a few inches of oil in a deep pan to precisely 350°F (175°C). Fry each donut for 1 to 2 minutes per side, flipping just once. Watch as they turn a deep, alluring gold—lift out and drain on paper towels while your kitchen fills with irresistible aromas.

Step 8: Glaze and Cool

While the donuts are still warm, quickly whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for your glaze. Dip each donut top-down for a thorough coating, let the excess drip off, and set them aside so that the glaze becomes firm and shiny. Now comes the hardest part: resisting the urge to devour them all before the glaze sets!

How to Serve Sourdough Donuts

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of cinnamon, a dusting of extra powdered sugar, or a scattering of edible petals can turn Sourdough Donuts into a show-stopping centerpiece. For a playful touch, try adding colorful sprinkles or even a drizzle of dark chocolate—each option brings its own personality.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm Sourdough Donuts with a mug of freshly brewed coffee, a creamy hot chocolate, or a tall glass of cold milk. For breakfast, a bowl of fresh fruit or some tangy yogurt balances the sweetness and makes the experience feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Sourdough Donuts high on a pretty cake stand for full bakery effect, or serve them individually wrapped with ribbon as party favors. If you’re making brunch for a crowd, arrange mini donuts on skewers or create a DIY donut bar with glaze bowls and toppings for everyone to customize.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Sourdough Donuts soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last a little longer, pop a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their beautiful glaze.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the glazed donuts fully set, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months and can be thawed as needed—perfect for impromptu sweet cravings!

Reheating

To revive day-old or thawed Sourdough Donuts, a brief zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds) or a turn in a low oven (275°F for a few minutes) works wonders. This brings back that just-baked softness and makes the glaze wonderfully melty once again.

FAQs

Do I need a mature sourdough starter for this recipe?

Yes, using a bubbly, active sourdough starter ensures the perfect rise and tang. If your starter is sluggish, give it a feeding and let it perk up before starting your dough for Sourdough Donuts.

Can I make these donuts without a donut cutter?

Absolutely! Grab a large glass for the outer round and a small bottle cap for the center hole. Sourdough Donuts are just as tasty with creative shapes, so don’t let a lack of equipment stop you.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower are great choices. They won’t overpower the gentle, nuanced flavor of your Sourdough Donuts and will ensure a clean golden crust.

How do I know when the donuts are done frying?

Each donut should be a rich golden color and sound slightly hollow when tapped. Aim for 1 to 2 minutes per side, and keep an eye on your oil temperature so the donuts cook evenly without getting greasy.

Can I make these Sourdough Donuts vegan?

It’s possible! Swap in plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax “egg” (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set until thick). The results are still fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been tempted to bring bakery magic into your own kitchen, Sourdough Donuts are a joy to make and even better to share. Their cheery glaze, delicate tang, and tender crumb are proof that a simple handful of ingredients can lead to something extraordinary. Give them a try—you may find yourself making a double batch next time!

Sourdough Donuts Recipe