As I wandered through the bustling farmers market last Saturday, I stumbled upon a quaint stall bursting with artisanal sourdough loaves. It sparked a delightful memory of when I first baked my own Glazed Sourdough Donuts. Soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of tangy, these treats are not just comforting; they’re a perfect family-friendly recipe made from scratch that makes everyone feel at home. Plus, you have the option to bake or fry, allowing for flexibility based on your time and craving. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a sweet afternoon snack, you’ll find that these donuts elevate your culinary skills while bringing smiles to the table. Ready to dive in and whip up a batch that rivals your favorite donut shop? Let’s get started! Why are Glazed Sourdough Donuts a must-try? Homemade Delight: These Glazed Sourdough Donuts are a delightful balance of fluffy texture and tangy flavor that your family will adore. Versatile Options: Choose between baked or fried versions to suit your mood and dietary preferences. Easily Customizable: Personalize with different glazes or fillings, allowing your creativity to shine. Quick to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, this recipe is achievable even on busy weekends. If you’re a fan of homemade goodies, you’ll also love baking Sourdough Coffee Cake for breakfast or dessert! Glazed Sourdough Donuts Ingredients • Everything you need to create these delicious treats! For the Donut Dough Sourdough Starter – Essential for that delightful tangy flavor; use a 100% hydration starter for best results. Whole Milk – Adds moisture and richness; you can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option. Large Egg – Provides structure and richness; no direct substitutes recommended for best results. Raw Cane Sugar – Sweetens the dough; feel free to replace it with regular white sugar if needed. Unsalted Butter (melted) – Contributes delicious flavor and moisture; coconut oil works well for a dairy-free version. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; other extracts like almond can offer interesting variations. Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; this is one ingredient you shouldn’t skip! Organic Bread Flour – Gives the donuts their structure; all-purpose flour can be a substitute, though texture might differ. For the Glaze Powdered Sugar – For a sweet, creamy glaze; you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet treat. For Frying Coconut Oil – Ideal for frying your donuts; other frying oils such as canola or vegetable can also be used. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Glazed Sourdough Donuts Step 1: Dough Preparation In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of active sourdough starter and 1/2 cup of warm milk until well combined. Next, add 1 large egg, 1/3 cup of raw cane sugar, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually sift in 3 cups of organic bread flour and 1 teaspoon of salt, mixing until the dough is smooth and well incorporated. Step 2: Rest Period Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This short resting period helps relax the gluten, making it easier to knead the dough later. During this time, prepare your workspace and gather any necessary equipment for the next steps. Step 3: Kneading the Dough After the resting period, knead the dough in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium speed for about 12 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the stretch and fold technique by hand for similar results. The dough should become elastic and smooth, pulling away from the sides of the bowl and slightly sticky to the touch. Step 4: Bulk Fermentation Once kneaded, transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise at room temperature for 8 to 10 hours, or until it has doubled in size. You may notice small bubbles forming on the surface, indicating active fermentation, which enhances the flavor profile of your Glazed Sourdough Donuts. Step 5: Shaping Donuts After the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a round glass to cut out donut shapes, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the shaped donuts rest and rise for about 2 hours until they puff up slightly, ensuring a light and airy texture. Step 6: Cooking the Donuts For baked donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the donuts for about 13 to 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and spring back when touched. For fried donuts, heat coconut oil in a deep pan to 350°F (180°C) and carefully fry each donut for about 1 minute on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Step 7: Glazing the Donuts While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare your glaze by mixing 2 cups of powdered sugar with a splash of milk to achieve your desired consistency. Dip each warm donut into the glaze, making sure it’s well-coated. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your deliciously fluffy Glazed Sourdough Donuts! Make Ahead Options These Glazed Sourdough Donuts are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh treats with minimal last-minute effort! You can prepare the donut dough and let it rise up to 24 hours in the refrigerator; simply cover the bowl well to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Additionally, shape the donuts and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then refrigerate them overnight. When ready to cook, allow them to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before baking or frying, ensuring they retain their fluffy texture. This way, you’ll have homemade donuts that are just as delicious, perfect for busy weekends or unexpected guests! What to Serve with Glazed Sourdough Donuts Enjoy these delightful donuts as part of a cozy breakfast or sweet afternoon treat, complemented by a few perfect pairings that enhance their irresistible charm. Rich Coffee: A robust cup of coffee balances the sweetness, making each bite of the donut even more enjoyable. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries add a refreshing contrast, elevating the flavor and providing a burst of freshness. Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream offers a creamy complement that makes every bite feel indulgent and luxurious. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over your donuts for a decadent twist that’s sure to wow your guests. Cinnamon Sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar gives a warm, spiced note that perfectly complements the donuts’ fluffy texture. Herbal Tea: Pair with a warm cup of herbal tea for a calming experience that harmonizes beautifully with their sweetness. Vanilla Ice Cream: For a delightful dessert, serve warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy sundae experience. Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding fresh mint leaves as a garnish adds a pop of color and a refreshing touch that brightens the overall presentation. Sparkling Lemonade: A glass of bubbly lemonade provides a zesty kick that cuts through the glaze’s sweetness, making it a delightful drink choice. How to Store and Freeze Glazed Sourdough Donuts Room Temperature: Store any leftover glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; enjoy them at their best on the first day! Fridge: Keep unglazed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before glazing for optimal taste. Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Glaze them just before serving for a fresh taste! Reheating: If desired, reheat donuts in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes to warm them up and restore some freshness. Glazed Sourdough Donuts Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with these Glazed Sourdough Donuts! Your kitchen adventure awaits, and the possibilities are endless. Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a delicious dairy-free version. Baked Version: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, bake these donuts instead of frying them for a healthier treat! Flavor Boost: Enhance the glaze with a splash of orange or lemon juice for a zesty twist. The bright citrus complements the richness beautifully! Whole Wheat: Swap out half of the organic bread flour for whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Filled Donuts: Create delightful surprises by filling the donuts with jam or creamy pastry filling before frying or baking them. Each bite will reveal a sweet treasure! Chocolate-Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate on top of your glazed donuts for a decadent touch, perfect for special occasions! Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to your glaze for a warm, spicy note that’ll tingle your taste buds. It’s a fun way to mix things up! Serving Twist: Serve your delicious donuts alongside a cup of coffee or a warm glass of milk for the perfect pairing! Whether you make them glazed or try a twist with fillings like in my Miso Glazed Salmon recipe, the options are sure to delight your family and friends! Happy baking! Tips for the Best Glazed Sourdough Donuts Flour Your Surface: Ensure your rolling surface is well-floured to prevent the dough from sticking, which can lead to uneven shapes. Active Starter: Always use an active sourdough starter for the Glazed Sourdough Donuts. If it hasn’t been recently fed, it may not rise properly. Temperature Matters: If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (about 170°F) during the proofing to encourage a better rise. Even Kneading: When using a mixer, only knead the dough for one 12-minute session. Avoid over-kneading, which can lead to dense donuts. Consistent Donut Size: For even cooking, use a biscuit cutter or sharp glass to cut out the donuts, ensuring they are all the same thickness. Glaze While Warm: Glaze the donuts while they are still warm to ensure a nice, smooth coating that adheres well. Glazed Sourdough Donuts Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right sourdough starter? Absolutely! For the best results in your Glazed Sourdough Donuts, use a 100% hydration starter. This means that your starter should have equal parts flour and water. Make sure it’s recently fed and active, as this will encourage your dough to rise beautifully and impart that lovely tangy flavor. What’s the best way to store leftover glazed donuts? You can keep any leftover glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to extend their life, place unglazed donuts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before glazing for the best taste and texture. Can I freeze glazed sourdough donuts? Yes, definitely! To extend the enjoyment, freeze unglazed donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just glaze them just before serving for that fresh, delightful experience. What should I do if my donuts don’t rise? Very! If your donuts fail to rise, it could mean that your sourdough starter was inactive or not fed recently. Check if your starter is bubbly and has doubled in size after feeding. If it’s too cold in your kitchen, create a warm environment by placing the dough in an oven preheated to the lowest setting and then turned off to help the dough rise properly. Are these donuts suitable for people with dairy allergies? Absolutely! You can easily make these Glazed Sourdough Donuts dairy-free by substituting whole milk with almond milk and replacing unsalted butter with coconut oil. Just ensure to verify any additional ingredients, like the glaze, to keep it dairy-free as well. This way, everyone in your family can enjoy these scrumptious treats! Glazed Sourdough Donuts: Irresistible Homemade Treats Glazed Sourdough Donuts are soft, fluffy, and perfectly tangy treats that are easy to make at home. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsResting Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 12 donutsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Donut Dough1 cup sourdough starter Use a 100% hydration starter for best results.1/2 cup whole milk Substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.1 large egg No direct substitutes recommended for best results.1/3 cup raw cane sugar Can replace with regular white sugar.1/4 cup unsalted butter Melted; coconut oil works for dairy-free.1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor; other extracts can be used.1 teaspoon salt Do not skip!3 cups organic bread flour All-purpose flour can be a substitute.For the Glaze2 cups powdered sugar Can omit for a less sweet treat.For Frying2 cups coconut oil Other frying oils can be used. Equipment Mixing BowlWhiskBiscuit CutterStand Mixerdeep panparchment paperWire Rack Method Dough PreparationIn a large mixing bowl, whisk together sourdough starter and warm milk until combined. Add egg, raw cane sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually sift in flour and salt, mixing until the dough is smooth.Rest PeriodCover the dough and allow it to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.Kneading the DoughKnead the dough in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium speed for 12 minutes until elastic and smooth.Bulk FermentationTransfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 8-10 hours until doubled.Shaping DonutsRoll out the risen dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into donut shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rise for 2 hours.Cooking the DonutsFor baked donuts, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 13-15 minutes. For fried donuts, heat coconut oil and fry each donut for 1 minute on each side.Glazing the DonutsPrepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk. Dip each warm donut into the glaze and place on a wire rack to set. Nutrition Serving: 1donutCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure your rolling surface is well-floured to prevent sticking. Use an active sourdough starter for best results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
