How exhilarating it feels to whip up something extraordinary in your kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Raised Donuts, a delightful treat that combines the charm of homemade baking with the pleasantly tangy flavor of sourdough. Not only will you bask in the joy of crafting donuts from scratch, but you’ll also discover how these naturally leavened gems can elevate your breakfast or snack game, leaving store-bought versions in the dust. With both vanilla and chocolate glaze options, they are perfect for satisfying any sweet craving. Curious about how to bring this deliciousness to life? Let’s dive into the details of creating these heavenly donuts!
Why are sourdough donuts so special?
Heavenly Texture: Expect a soft, pillowy bite that melts in your mouth, thanks to the magic of sourdough.
Irresistible Aroma: As they fry, your kitchen will be filled with a warm, inviting scent that brings everyone running.
Versatile Toppings: Whether you prefer a rich chocolate glaze or a classic vanilla finish, the choice is yours!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for brunches or special gatherings, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends.
Homemade Satisfaction: Nothing beats the feeling of creating these delicious treats from scratch, leaving store-bought options far behind.
For more sweet inspiration, check out my guide on how to make classic glazes and elevate your dessert game!
Sourdough Raised Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
- Sourdough Starter – This is your secret weapon; ensure it’s fully active for maximum rise and flavor.
- Unbleached Organic Bread Flour – Ideal for structure; all-purpose flour is a suitable substitute if needed, though results may vary.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and aids in browning; for a deeper flavor, feel free to replace it with brown sugar.
- Eggs – Provide richness and binding; a vegan egg substitute works well for a plant-based option.
- Butter – Adds incredible moisture and flavor; swap in dairy-free margarine for a vegan treat.
- Milk – Essential for the tangzhong, creating a tender texture; any non-dairy milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses wonderful flavor; consider using almond extract for a twist.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness beautifully; no substitutions are recommended here.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – The base for a creamy glaze that adheres perfectly to the donuts.
- Milk (or Non-Dairy Milk) – Provides the right consistency for the glaze; adjust to your preferred thickness.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of your glaze; you could also add cocoa powder for the chocolate option.
Dive into this delectable experience of making Sourdough Raised Donuts, and let your home be filled with sweet, sweet happiness!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Raised Donuts
Step 1: Prepare Tangzhong
In a small saucepan, combine milk and flour over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens—approximately 2-3 minutes. You want a smooth, pudding-like consistency that pulls away from the sides. Once ready, transfer to a bowl and let it cool completely; this step ensures a soft texture in your sourdough raised donuts.
Step 2: Mix Dough
Once the tangzhong is cool, add your active sourdough starter, eggs, granulated sugar, and unbleached organic bread flour into a large mixing bowl. Mix until combined and allow it to rest for 30 minutes—this autolyse period helps develop gluten, vital for the light texture. You’re creating the foundation for your sourdough raised donuts!
Step 3: Knead Dough
After resting, sprinkle in the salt and gradually add softened butter, kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes in a stand mixer. You’ll know it’s ready when it stretches without tearing. This vital step ensures your donuts will be delightfully airy.
Step 4: Bulk Fermentation
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm space until nearly doubled, which should take about 4 hours. After that, gently deflate the dough and refrigerate it overnight. This slow fermentation imbues the sourdough raised donuts with depth and flavor, making every bite delightful.
Step 5: Shape Donuts
The next day, remove the chilled dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut shapes, then place them on floured parchment squares. It’s important to handle the dough gently to preserve its airiness, ensuring your sourdough raised donuts achieve their perfect fluffiness.
Step 6: Proof Donuts
Cover the cut donuts loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and allow them to proof in a warm area until very puffy, around 3 hours. The donuts should be nearly doubled in size. Be patient; this step is crucial for achieving the airy texture of your sourdough raised donuts.
Step 7: Fry Donuts
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 360°F (180°C). Carefully place the proofed donuts into the hot oil, frying for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Watch closely to avoid burning, then remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
Step 8: Glaze Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled completely, prepare your glazes by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (and cocoa powder for chocolate) to your preferred consistency. Dip each donut in the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then set aside to let them set for about 20 minutes. Your scrumptious sourdough raised donuts are now ready to be savored!
What to Serve with Sourdough Raised Donuts
Elevate your breakfast or snack time with delightful pairings that complement sweet, fluffy donuts.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the donuts.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee balance the sweetness perfectly, making your morning truly special.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai create an enticing warmth that complements the donuts’ fluffy texture.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a rich depth of flavor.
- Custard Dip: A silky custard dip offers an indulgent twist, perfect for those who enjoy a creamy texture with every bite.
For a unique experience, consider serving the donuts alongside spiced apple cider. The warm spices will harmonize beautifully with the donuts, enhancing their scrumptiousness while creating a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy your homemade indulgence!
Make Ahead Options
These Sourdough Raised Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy mornings! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by completing the mixing and bulk fermentation steps, then refrigerating it overnight. Additionally, you can shape the donuts and let them proof for up to 3 hours before frying if you prefer a fresh-out-of-the-oil experience. To maintain quality, ensure the dough is covered tightly when refrigerating to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to indulge, simply fry, glaze, and savor these delightful donuts with minimal effort, delivering fresh, homemade goodness that everyone will love!
Expert Tips for Sourdough Raised Donuts
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Active Starter Required: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active to achieve the best rise and flavor in your donuts.
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Adequate Rest: Don’t skip the 30-minute rest after mixing the dough; it significantly aids in gluten development for softer donuts.
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Perfect Proofing: Allow the donuts to proof until very puffy; under-proofed donuts lead to dense textures. A tester donut can indicate if they’re ready.
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Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature while frying; too hot and they’ll burn, too cold and they’ll absorb excess oil.
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Creative Glazing: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and colors in your glaze; it’s a fun way to personalize your sourdough raised donuts for any occasion!
Storage Tips for Sourdough Raised Donuts
Room Temperature: Store leftover donuts in a bakery box or covered with a clean dish towel at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain freshness.
Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, place donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They may lose some of their fluffiness but will still be tasty.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: Warm in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore that soft and fluffy texture, bringing your delicious sourdough raised donuts back to life!
Sourdough Raised Donuts Variations
Looking to add a personal twist to your sourdough raised donuts? Let your imagination run wild with these delightful variations!
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Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy milk and a vegan egg substitute to make these donuts suitable for a plant-based diet.
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Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier texture with a nutty flavor. The result will be pleasantly earthy.
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Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Once fried, roll the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar for a classic treat that adds extra flavor.
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Chai Spice Glaze: Mix chai spices into your frosting for a cozy, aromatic glaze that brings warmth to every bite. It’s like a hug for your taste buds!
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Fruit-Infused Glaze: Add pureed berries or citrus juice to your glaze for a burst of fruity flavor. This twist will brighten your donuts and add a pop of color!
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Chocolate Chips: Fold mini chocolate chips into your dough before frying for an indulgent surprise in each bite. Who can resist chocolatey goodness?
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Minty Freshness: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into your glaze for a refreshing twist. Perfect for the holidays or whenever you want a lift!
For more ideas on glaze variations, don’t miss my curated list on creative donut glazes! You’ll find endless ways to elevate your homemade treats.
Sourdough Raised Donuts Recipe FAQs
How can I ensure my sourdough starter is active?
Absolutely! Your sourdough starter should be bubbly and have risen significantly within a few hours after feeding. To test its activity, drop a small spoonful into a glass of water; if it floats, it’s ready to use! I recommend feeding your starter 4 to 6 hours before starting your donut recipe for the best results.
What’s the best way to store leftover donuts?
Very! If you have any leftover sourdough raised donuts, store them in a bakery box or lightly cover them with a clean dish towel at room temperature for up to 1 day. For prolonged freshness, transfer them to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re feeling inventive, try reheating them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their delightful fluffiness!
Can I freeze my sourdough raised donuts?
Absolutely! I often freeze these little gems for later indulgence. To freeze, place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat if desired.
What can I do if my donuts turn out dense?
Oh no! If your donuts are dense, it could be due to under-proofing or not using an active sourdough starter. Ensure your donuts rise until very puffy before frying, ideally doubling in size, and consider testing your starter’s active state prior to mixing. If they are fried too quickly in oil that’s too hot, it can also lead to a dense result—timing is everything, my friend!
Are these donuts suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
The more the merrier! You can definitely adapt this recipe to make it more inclusive. For a vegan option, substitute the eggs with a flax or chia egg and replace the butter with dairy-free margarine. Use non-dairy milk to maintain the full flavors while keeping everyone happy. Just be mindful of any other personal dietary needs, and adjust accordingly.
Deliciously Soft Sourdough Raised Donuts with Glaze Options
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, combine milk and flour over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cool completely.
- Mix Dough: Add active sourdough starter, eggs, granulated sugar, and unbleached organic bread flour to a large mixing bowl. Mix until combined and rest for 30 minutes.
- Knead Dough: Sprinkle in salt and gradually add softened butter, kneading until smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes in mixer.
- Bulk Fermentation: Cover dough with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm space until nearly doubled, about 4 hours. Refrigerate overnight.
- Shape Donuts: Roll out chilled dough to 1/2-inch thickness; cut shapes with donut cutter and place on floured parchment.
- Proof Donuts: Cover cut donuts loosely and proof in warm area until very puffy, around 3 hours.
- Fry Donuts: Heat oil to 360°F (180°C). Fry donuts for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Glaze Donuts: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make glaze. Dip each cooled donut in glaze, allow excess to drip off, and set aside for 20 minutes.
