Warm, sugary, and perfectly poppable, these cinnamon sugar sourdough discard donut holes bring comfort and joy to your kitchen while using up your discard with zero waste. They’re crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar for the perfect bite-sized dessert or cozy snack. Whether you’re new to sourdough or looking for another fun way to use your discard, these donut holes are easy and beginner-friendly. Let’s turn your sourdough discard into a sweet treat that your family and friends will love, making your baking days even more rewarding and delicious.
Table of Contents
Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Discard Donut Holes Recipe
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 donut holes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crisp, fluffy cinnamon sugar sourdough discard donut holes, a sweet treat to use up your discard easily while creating warm, comforting bites.
Ingredients
1 cup sourdough discard
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
2 tbsp melted butter
Oil for frying
1/2 cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon for coating
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In another bowl, mix sourdough discard, milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
4. Heat oil to 350°F in a heavy pan.
5. Drop small spoonfuls of dough into oil, frying until golden, about 2–3 minutes.
6. Drain on a rack or paper towels.
7. Roll warm donut holes in cinnamon sugar to coat.
8. Serve immediately or freeze for later.
Notes
For a lighter option, bake at 375°F for 12–14 minutes.
Add mini chocolate chips or diced apples for variety.
Freeze cooled donut holes in a sealed bag and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fry or Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 donut holes
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 25
Keywords: cinnamon sugar sourdough discard donut holes, discard recipe, sweet snacks
The Story & Intro
Baking Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Discard Donut Holes in My Kitchen
One chilly Indiana morning, I found myself with a jar of sourdough discard and a craving for something warm and comforting. I remembered the delight of cinnamon sugar on freshly baked treats, so I decided to create these cinnamon sugar sourdough discard donut holes. As they fried, my kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon, reminding me of cozy mornings and shared moments around the table.
Using sourdough discard in sweet recipes feels like a small act of joy, transforming what would otherwise be waste into something comforting and delicious. Just like when I bake sourdough discard raspberry cream cheese danishes or sourdough discard cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, these donut holes remind me that good food often comes from what’s already in our kitchens.
Why You’ll Love These Donut Holes
These cinnamon sugar sourdough discard donut holes are soft, airy, and filled with a gentle tang that makes each bite interesting without overpowering the sweetness. They’re quick to prepare, making them perfect for weekend mornings or a last-minute dessert for guests. The warm cinnamon sugar coating adds an extra layer of comfort, creating a snack that’s hard to resist. If you love cozy, simple recipes that use your sourdough discard creatively, these donut holes will quickly become a favorite in your baking routine.
Ingredients & Prep Guide
When Should You Not Use Sourdough Discard?
Before diving into making your cinnamon sugar sourdough discard donut holes, it’s important to know when not to use your discard. If your sourdough discard has pink streaks, fuzzy mold, or an unpleasant, rotten odor, it’s time to compost it and refresh your starter. Good discard should smell pleasantly tangy, and using it ensures your baked goods are safe and flavorful. This is the same approach I take when preparing sourdough discard apple fritters or sourdough discard cinnamon roll bites, ensuring every recipe starts with healthy, active discard.
If your discard is very runny, you may want to reduce the liquid in your recipe slightly or add an extra tablespoon of flour to help the donut hole dough hold its shape while frying or baking.
Ingredient Tips for Fluffy Donut Holes
To make these donut holes light and fluffy, use all-purpose flour for structure while keeping your batter easy to handle. Cold ingredients like milk and eggs help the dough hold shape, and adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can enhance the warmth of the cinnamon sugar coating.
You can also fold in mini chocolate chips or finely diced apples for an extra layer of flavor. Once fried or baked, rolling the warm donut holes in a cinnamon sugar mix ensures the coating sticks beautifully, adding that classic sweet crunch to each bite.
These small adjustments will help you confidently turn your sourdough discard into a delightful dessert, filling your kitchen with warmth while keeping your baking easy and rewarding.
Frying, Baking, and Freezing
Frying vs Baking Donut Holes
When making cinnamon sugar sourdough discard donut holes, you can fry or bake them depending on your kitchen preference. Frying creates a classic crisp exterior with a fluffy interior, while baking offers a lighter, hands-off approach.
To fry: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F, gently drop spoonfuls of dough, and fry until golden, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on a rack before rolling in cinnamon sugar.
To bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F, place dough balls on a parchment-lined tray, and bake for 12–14 minutes until lightly golden. Brush the warm donut holes with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar for the best coating.
Both methods produce warm, soft, cinnamon-kissed bites, making it easy to adapt the recipe to your mood or time constraints, much like when preparing sourdough discard coffee cake or lemon blueberry sourdough bread.
Can You Freeze Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze these cinnamon sugar sourdough discard donut holes, making them a perfect prep-ahead dessert or snack. Let the donut holes cool completely, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a sealed bag.
When ready to enjoy, reheat frozen donut holes in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. For the best texture, roll them again in fresh cinnamon sugar while warm. This method keeps your donut holes fluffy inside with a crisp coating, ensuring a quick, cozy snack whenever cravings strike.
Freezing helps you use your discard efficiently while having a comforting, sweet treat ready to brighten any day.
Using and Disposing of Discard
How to Dispose of Old Sourdough Discards
If your sourdough discard shows pink streaks, mold, or an unpleasant odor, it’s best to dispose of it safely rather than using it in recipes. Composting is the best option, allowing you to feed your garden while reducing kitchen waste. If you don’t compost, it’s safe to dispose of discard down the drain, but flush it with plenty of water to prevent clogging. These practices help maintain a healthy kitchen rhythm, allowing you to focus on recipes that bring comfort and joy, like these cinnamon sugar sourdough discard donut holes, without worrying about food safety.
For bakers aiming for zero-waste, planning discard bakes like sourdough discard crackers or sourdough discard waffles alongside your donut holes can help keep your starter routine sustainable while filling your kitchen with warm, homemade treats.
How Does Sourdough Discard Affect Baked Goods?
Sourdough discard affects baked goods by adding a subtle tang, gentle complexity, and moisture without requiring additional leavening. The acidity in the discard can help tenderize doughs and batters, resulting in softer textures and balanced flavors in recipes like these donut holes. The tang complements sweet coatings like cinnamon sugar while adding depth to your treats.
Using discard regularly helps you build confidence in your baking while keeping your sourdough routine sustainable. You’ll notice that discard-based recipes often feel lighter and more flavorful, making them perfect for everyday baking, whether you’re creating fluffy waffles for breakfast or sweet donut holes for a cozy afternoon snack.
By understanding how discard functions in recipes, you can confidently transform it into comforting, delicious bakes that nourish and reduce waste in your kitchen.
FAQS
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When should you not use sourdough discard?
Do not use sourdough discard if it shows pink streaks, mold, or has a foul odor. Discard should smell pleasantly tangy. If it smells rotten or looks fuzzy, compost it to keep your bakes safe and healthy.
Can you freeze cinnamon sugar donuts?
Yes, you can freeze cinnamon sugar sourdough discard donut holes. Let them cool completely, freeze on a tray, then store in a sealed bag. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes, and re-roll in cinnamon sugar if desired.
How to dispose of old sourdough discards?
Compost old discard whenever possible to reduce waste. If composting isn’t an option, discard it down the drain with plenty of water to prevent clogs, ensuring your kitchen remains clean while you keep baking.
How does sourdough discard affect baked goods?
Sourdough discard adds tang, moisture, and a gentle lift to baked goods without requiring proofing. It can enhance the flavor and texture of recipes like donut holes, waffles, and crackers, making your bakes taste richer and more complex.
Conclusion
Turning your sourdough discard into cinnamon sugar donut holes is a small act of cozy magic in the kitchen, transforming leftovers into warm, sweet bites that bring joy. These donut holes are crisp, fluffy, and easy enough to make on a quiet weekend morning or to share with friends. Using your discard creatively not only reduces waste but also adds a gentle tang and depth to your bakes. Keep experimenting and let your discard become part of your kitchen’s rhythm. More recipes? Follow me: Facebook – Pinterest.
