Description
This easy sourdough donut recipe makes delicious cinnamon sugar donuts with an amber glaze, perfect for a special family treat. It uses an active sourdough starter to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a comforting cinnamon aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter, fed and active
- 0.5 cup warm whole milk
- 0.25 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar, for dough
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon, for dough
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg, for dough
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar, for coating
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon, for coating
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6–8 cups neutral frying oil (e.g., vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare Sourdough Dough: Combine fed sourdough starter, warm milk, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, yeast, and salt. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (2-4 hours).
- Shape Donuts: Gently punch down the dough. Roll it out to about 0.5-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to cut out donuts and holes. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped donuts and let them rise again in a warm place until visibly puffy (30-60 minutes).
- Fry Donuts: Heat 2-3 inches of frying oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot to 350-360°F (175-180°C). Carefully lower 2-3 donuts into the hot oil. Fry for 30-60 seconds per side, until golden brown and puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon to a wire rack set over paper towels.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While donuts are still warm, toss them gently in a bowl with 0.5 cup granulated sugar and 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Prepare Amber Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Dip a few Cinnamon Sugar donuts into the glaze, letting excess drip off.
Notes
Use a stand mixer for effortless kneading. For gluten-free versions, use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and handle gently. Maintain frying oil temperature between 350-360°F (175-180°C) for best results; the oil should sizzle gently. Consider dairy-free (plant-based milk/butter) or reduced sugar options. You can also substitute up to 1/4 of the flour with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor, or add unflavored protein powder for a high-protein snack, adjusting liquid if needed.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: sourdough, donuts, cinnamon sugar, amber glaze, easy, breakfast, dessert, homemade, frying, yeast