When the weekend rolls around, there’s nothing quite like transforming my kitchen into a cozy bakery. The first time I whipped up Sourdough Discard Donuts, I found myself captivated by the delightful aroma that wafted through my home, beckoning everyone to gather around. Who knew those little bits of leftover sourdough could elevate a simple treat into something extraordinary?
These donuts are the perfect solution for anyone tired of the same old snacks or looking to breathe new life into their baking routine. Not only do they offer a deliciously soft and airy texture, but they’re also a wonderful way to reduce waste—after all, that sourdough discard doesn’t have to languish in your fridge! With a rich glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch, these donuts are meant to be shared and savored. So, let’s dive in and make your next brunch unforgettable!
Why are Sourdough Discard Donuts a must-try?
Delicious blend: These Sourdough Discard Donuts combine the unique tang of sourdough with sweet indulgence, creating a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
Waste not, want not: Using sourdough discard means less waste and a fun way to incorporate your baking routine into other delicious treats.
Easy to make: This recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring just a few common ingredients and simple steps.
Perfect for sharing: Light, fluffy, and glazed, they make an ideal centerpiece for brunch or any gathering.
Customizable delight: Feel free to add toppings or fillings for a personal touch!
Dive into the satisfying process of making these delightful donuts and experience a new favorite; for more culinary inspiration, check out my post on sourdough recipes.
Sourdough Discard Donuts Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create these delightful Sourdough Discard Donuts at home!
For the Donut Dough
• Sourdough discard – adds a tangy flavor and helps reduce waste.
• Whole milk – ensures a soft, rich texture; use any milk if needed.
• Granulated sugar – sweetens the dough, balancing the sour notes perfectly.
• Active dry yeast – creates the rise and airy consistency in the donuts.
• Large eggs – enhance moisture and richness; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
• Unsalted butter – melts into the dough for a buttery flavor; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• All-purpose flour – provides structure; use bread flour for extra chewiness.
• Kosher salt – elevates flavors and enhances all the ingredients.
For the Glaze
• Powdered sugar – sweetens and gives the glaze that signature smoothness.
• Heavy cream – creates a rich and luscious glaze; you can replace it with milk for a lighter option.
• Vanilla extract – adds a warm and aromatic flavor; feel free to use almond extract for a different twist.
• Pinch of salt – balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to making unforgettable Sourdough Discard Donuts. Happy baking!
How to Make Sourdough Discard Donuts
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Warm the milk: Microwave the milk in a measuring glass for about 20 seconds, ensuring it’s warm but not hot. This allows the yeast to activate properly.
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Mix the yeast: Pour the warmed milk into a large mixing bowl or your stand mixer bowl. Add the granulated sugar, stirring gently, then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
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Combine ingredients: Stir in the sourdough discard, lightly beaten eggs, melted butter, and kosher salt into the yeast-milk mixture, blending until well combined.
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Add flour gradually: Incorporate the all-purpose flour in three parts, stirring until just combined. Knead the mixture on low speed for 4-5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic; alternatively, knead by hand without adding too much additional flour.
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Chill the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight for the best flavor development.
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Roll and cut: Once chilled, roll the dough out on a floured surface to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Use a 3-inch cutter to cut out donut shapes, ensuring to get even rounds.
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Let rise: Place the cut donuts on parchment paper-lined baking sheets, spray lightly with nonstick spray, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise at room temperature for 45-60 minutes until puffy and uniform.
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Heat the oil: Near the end of the rising time, heat your oil to 350°F over medium heat, ensuring it’s ready for frying.
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Prepare for frying: Line two baking sheets, one with parchment paper for finished donuts and the other with paper towels for draining after frying.
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Make the glaze: In a small bowl, sift the powdered sugar and mix in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy—this will be the perfect coating for your donuts.
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Fry the donuts: In batches, carefully fry each donut for about one minute per side until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on the paper towel-lined sheet.
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Glaze the donuts: While frying the next batch, dip the freshly fried donuts in the prepared glaze, turning to coat fully. Place them on the parchment-lined sheet to set.
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Repeat and enjoy: Continue frying and glazing until all donuts are cooked. Serve these warm delights fresh, and watch your loved ones savor each bite!
Optional: Sprinkle with finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added texture.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Sourdough Discard Donuts Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make the Sourdough Discard Donuts truly your own!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy these donuts without gluten.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use almond milk along with coconut oil for a luscious vegan option.
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Chocolate Lovers: Swirl in cocoa powder into the dough for a rich, chocolatey version that’s bound to satisfy.
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Zesty Lemon: Add lemon zest to the glaze for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens up every bite.
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Cinnamon Sugar: After frying, roll the warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a delightful, sweet crust.
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Berry Jam Filling: Pipe in your favorite berry jam after frying for a fruity surprise in every donut.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the dough for a unique twist that brings heat to the sweetness.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful texture and added flavor.
Expert Tips for Sourdough Discard Donuts
Perfect Yeast Activation: Make sure the milk isn’t too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Look for a comfortable warm temperature, around 110°F.
Kneading Know-How: Don’t over-knead the dough or add too much flour. A smooth, slightly sticky dough is key for fluffy sourdough discard donuts.
Proper Cooling Time: Allowing the dough to chill not only develops flavor but also makes it easier to roll and cut without sticking.
Check Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F. If it’s too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly; too cool, and they will absorb oil.
Immediate Glaze: Glaze the donuts while they’re still warm for the best flavor and adherence; otherwise, the glaze might slide off as they cool down.
Customize Your Glaze: Experiment with different extracts or add citrus zest to the glaze for a unique twist that enhances your sourdough discard donuts experience!
What to Serve with Sourdough Discard Donuts?
Indulging in freshly made donuts transforms any occasion into a special gathering, making it essential to pair them perfectly.
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Rich Coffee: The bold flavors of a hot cup of coffee beautifully complement the sweetness of these donuts, creating a classic morning treat.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich texture of the donuts, balancing flavors nicely.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent twist, serve these donuts warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the melting ice cream mixes delightfully with the glaze.
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Chocolate Milk: Complement the sweetness of the donuts with a glass of chocolate milk; it’s a nostalgic pairing that will delight both kids and adults.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzling a bit of maple syrup adds a warm, comforting flavor that enhances the sweetness without overwhelming it.
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Chai Tea: The spiced notes of chai tea offer a lovely aromatic pairing while the warmth complements the donuts’ soft texture beautifully.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream is a simple yet decadent addition, making your dessert experience even richer.
Make Ahead Options
These Sourdough Discard Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time! You can prepare the donut dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying, which allows the flavors to develop beautifully. Simply follow the recipe up to the chilling stage, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy these donuts, roll and cut the dough as instructed, let them rise for 45-60 minutes, and fry as usual. This method ensures you have fresh, warm donuts with minimal effort, making your busy mornings a little sweeter!
How to Store and Freeze Sourdough Discard Donuts
Room Temperature: Store the donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness. Enjoy them at room temperature for a delightful treat.
Fridge: For extended freshness, keep the donuts in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: For a warm and delicious bite, reheat the donuts in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven. This will bring back their fluffy texture!
Sourdough Discard Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of sourdough discard should I use?
Absolutely! You can use any sourdough discard, whether it’s straight from your fridge or a freshly fed starter. The key is to ensure it’s not overly old or developed—typically, a discard that’s less than a week old (and smells pleasant) works best to ensure your donuts have that lovely tang without any off-flavors.
How should I store leftover Sourdough Discard Donuts?
For enjoying your Sourdough Discard Donuts at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need them to last longer, move them to the fridge where they can stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just bring them back to room temp before indulging for the ultimate experience!
Can I freeze Sourdough Discard Donuts?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap each cooled donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll remain delicious for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for a cozy, fresh bite!
What should I do if my donuts don’t rise properly?
Very! If your donuts aren’t rising, it might be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk was just warm and not hot before adding it—this step is crucial! For best results, ensure the dough is placed in a warm spot while rising, perhaps near a slightly warm oven or in a sunny window.
Are Sourdough Discard Donuts safe for those with allergies?
Definitely! However, it’s essential to check for specific allergies. The main ingredients include eggs and dairy, so for those who are vegan or allergic, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter. Always double-check the labels on your flour and other ingredients to confirm they meet your dietary needs.
Delicious Sourdough Discard Donuts You’ll Love to Make
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm the milk in a measuring glass for about 20 seconds, ensuring it’s warm but not hot.
- Pour the warmed milk into a mixing bowl and add the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Stir in the sourdough discard, lightly beaten eggs, melted butter, and kosher salt into the yeast-milk mixture until well combined.
- Incorporate the all-purpose flour in three parts, stirring until just combined. Knead on low speed for 4-5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, roll the dough out on a floured surface to a thickness of 1/2 inch and cut out donut shapes.
- Place the cut donuts on parchment paper-lined baking sheets, spray lightly with nonstick spray, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise at room temperature for 45-60 minutes.
- Heat the oil to 350°F over medium heat.
- Line two baking sheets, one with parchment paper for finished donuts and the other with paper towels for draining after frying.
- In a small bowl, sift the powdered sugar and mix in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy.
- Carefully fry each donut for about one minute per side until golden brown, using a slotted spoon to drain.
- While frying the next batch, dip the freshly fried donuts in the prepared glaze, turning to coat fully.
- Continue frying and glazing until all donuts are cooked. Serve warm.