The Perfect Sourdough Donuts

The Perfect Sourdough Donuts: Fluffy, Sweet, and Irresistible

If you’re a fan of sourdough, you’ll love these homemade sourdough donuts! They’re soft, airy, and just the right amount of tangy, with a light, fluffy texture that comes from using an active sourdough starter. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat or something indulgent for dessert, these donuts will quickly become your go-to recipe. The sourdough adds a unique depth of flavor that traditional donuts simply can’t match, and they’re easy to make with a few simple ingredients. So, let's dive into how to make the perfect sourdough donuts!

Ingredients:

For the Donut Dough:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)

• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for flavor)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor)

• 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast (optional, to help with rise)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (about 2-3 inches deep in the pan)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.

2. Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and whisk to combine.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and instant yeast (optional). Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until the dough starts to come together.

4. Once the dough is combined, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5-6 minutes.

5. After kneading, place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size. You can also refrigerate it overnight for a slower, more flavorful rise.

2. Shape the Donuts:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

2. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a donut cutter, or two round cookie cutters (one large and one small), cut out the donut shapes. You can re-roll the scraps to cut out more donuts.

3. Place the shaped donuts and donut holes on a parchment-lined tray or baking sheet. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-60 minutes, or until they’re puffy and slightly expanded.

3. Fry the Donuts:

1. While the donuts are rising, heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want enough oil to submerge the donuts, about 2-3 inches deep.

2. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop a few donuts into the oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t forget to fry the donut holes too!

3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool slightly.

4. Glaze the Donuts (Optional):

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

2. Dip each donut into the glaze while still warm, allowing any excess glaze to drip off before placing the donuts on a wire rack to set. If you want extra sweetness, you can roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing them.

Enjoy Your Perfect Sourdough Donuts!

These sourdough donuts are the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, with a light, airy texture and a golden brown, crispy exterior. The sourdough starter gives them a unique flavor profile that’s different from traditional donuts, making them extra special. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the fryer with a glaze or rolled in cinnamon sugar, these donuts are a delightful treat for any occasion. Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as an indulgent afternoon snack—you won’t regret making this delicious batch of homemade sourdough donuts!