What a wonderful day to whip up something special! Have you ever tried sweet sourdough donuts? If not, get ready for a delightful treat that will bring a little sunshine to your kitchen. Fluffy, tender, and dusted with powdered sugar, these donuts are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a fun afternoon snack. Plus, they’re made with your sourdough starter, so it’s a great way to use it up. Who doesn’t love that?

why make this recipe

Making sweet sourdough donuts is a fantastic way to blend the tangy goodness of sourdough with a simple donut recipe. The sourdough adds depth to the flavor, and the texture is just divine. Your friends and family will be impressed when you serve these homemade goodies. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “I’ll have another!”

how to make Sweet Sourdough Donuts

Ingredients:

1 cup sourdough starter

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Vegetable oil for frying

Powdered sugar for dusting

Sweet Sourdough Donuts

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix together your sourdough starter, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Get in there and mix well! You want everything to be nice and combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Now, gradually add those dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix; we want these donuts tender and light!
Pop that dough in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour. Trust me; it makes a difference. It’s like giving your donuts a little beauty sleep!
When you’re ready, heat up some vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). It’s time to fry!
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to shape your donuts.
Fry the donuts in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Yum!
Carefully remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Don’t forget to dust them with powdered sugar before serving!

how to serve Sweet Sourdough Donuts

These donuts shine on their own, but feel free to pair them with coffee or hot chocolate. I love serving these with a side of homemade raspberry jam or even a tasty glaze—like my easy maple glaze for that extra sweetness! If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling some melted chocolate on top. The possibilities are endless!

how to store Sweet Sourdough Donuts

If you have any leftovers (though I can’t imagine there being many!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed the day of baking, but you can keep them for 1-2 days. I wouldn’t recommend refrigerating them, as it can make them a bit tough. And let’s be honest—nothing beats a fresh donut!

tips to make Sweet Sourdough Donuts

Make sure your sourdough starter is active for the best results. If you can, feed it a few hours beforehand to give it a little oomph!
If you want a twist, try adding some cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor. You could also mix in some mini chocolate chips for a sweeter finish, inspired by my chocolate chip sourdough muffins!
Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent. Too many donuts at once can lower the oil temperature and make them greasy.

variation (if any)

Looking for a fun variation? You can easily turn these donuts into filled donuts by injecting them with your favorite filling, like pastry cream or jam. Just use a piping bag and fill them right after they cool. So delicious!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes! You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but it may change the texture a bit. I also love mixing half all-purpose and half whole wheat for added nutrition.

Do I need to have a sourdough starter to make these donuts?

Yes, a sourdough starter is essential for this recipe. If you don’t have one yet, you can find an easy guide to create your own sourdough starter on my site. It’s worth the effort!

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

Absolutely! If you’d rather bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spoon the dough into a greased donut pan. Bake for about 15-18 minutes or until golden. They won’t have the same texture as fried donuts, but they’ll still be yummy!

Sweet Sourdough Donuts

Don’t forget to enjoy your sweet sourdough donuts with loved ones. A cozy kitchen and good company make everything better.

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