Sourdough Donuts

Tammy Smith

Sourdough starter gives these fried donuts a mild tang and a slightly chewier crumb than a standard yeasted recipe. Plan for a few hours of rise time, but the hands-on work is minimal, and the finished donuts are light with a golden, crisp exterior.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings donuts

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Dough Hook
Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot
Rolling pin
Donut cutter
Cooling Rack

Ingredients

Dough

1 cup sourdough starter active and bubbly
½ cup whole milk warm
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 large egg room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frying & Glazing

2 cups vegetable oil for frying
½ cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, and egg. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Knead using a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, approximately 2 hours.
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes per side. Drain on a cooling rack.
Dust the warm donuts with confectioners' sugar and serve.

Notes

Tammy’s Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, try infusing the donut dough with orange zest. If you're looking for a gluten-free version, substitute with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will slightly change.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these aromatic sourdough donuts with a fresh cup of espresso or a glass of chilled milk. For a more decadent finish, drizzle with a homemade lemon glaze — the citrus will beautifully complement the sourdough tang.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 21gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 205mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 98IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 2mg

Keyword donut, sourdough, sourdough donut

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