Name: Old Fashioned Sourdough Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup Sugar (75 grams); 1 Egg, room temperature; 1 tbsp Salted Butter, melted; 1/4 cup Sourdough Discard (80 grams); 2 tbsp Sour Cream (30 grams); 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (125 grams); 1 tsp Baking Powder; 1/4 tsp Cinnamon; 1/4 tsp Nutmeg; 1/8 cup Sugar; 1/4 tsp Cinnamon; 1 tbsp Salted Butter, melted (for brushing)

Jump to Recipe

There is something truly magical about homemade donuts, especially when they’re infused with the tangy depth of sourdough. This Delicious Recipe for Old Fashioned Sourdough Donuts will take your taste buds on a journey that combines comfort, nostalgia, and a surprising twist of tangy delight. Soft, fluffy, and crowned with a fragrant cinnamon sugar coating, these donuts are perfect for cozy mornings or anytime you want a special treat with a little zing. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s wonderful about this Delicious Recipe is how simple yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in these sourdough donuts. Whether it’s the tangy sourdough discard that gives unique flavor or the warm spices that add cozy notes, you’ll see how these basics come together beautifully.

Sugar (1/3 cup / 75 grams): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb with a lovely golden color.
Egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together and adds richness to the batter.
Salted Butter (1 tbsp, melted): Provides moisture and a subtle buttery note for depth.
Sourdough Discard (1/4 cup / 80 grams): The star ingredient that offers tangy complexity without any loaf-making fuss.
Sour Cream (2 tbsp / 30 grams): Keeps the donuts moist and tender, while enhancing the slight tanginess.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Adds a sweet fragrant warmth that melds with the spices.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies all flavors.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup / 125 grams): The foundation of the batter, providing structure without heaviness.
Baking Powder (1 tsp): Ensures a light, risen texture.
Cinnamon (1/4 tsp plus 1/4 tsp for coating): Brings cozy spice that complements sourdough perfectly.
Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds warmth and a hint of aromatic depth.
Sugar (1/8 cup) for coating: Sweetens and crunches up the donut’s surface.
Salted Butter (1 tbsp, melted) for brushing: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds extra flavor.

How to Make Old Fashioned Sourdough Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying your donut pan with oil. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture lays the flavor and texture foundation for your donuts, so make sure it’s well combined and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Wet Mix

Using your mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip together the sugar, egg, and melted butter on high speed until the mixture turns a pale yellow and becomes slightly fluffy. This step incorporates air, which will help your donuts rise beautifully and stay tender.

Step 3: Add the Sourdough and Sour Cream

Next, add the sourdough discard, sour cream, vanilla, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until there are no streaks remaining. These ingredients bring moisture and a lovely tang that sets this Delicious Recipe apart from your typical donut.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mix and stir on low until just combined. Remember to scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl to ensure an even mix without overworking the batter. The dough should be thick but scoopable.

Step 5: Fill and Bake Your Donuts

Transfer the batter into a quart-sized ziplock bag and snip off one corner to use it as a makeshift piping bag. This makes filling each donut cup precise and mess-free. Fill each of the 6 donut tins evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the donuts are puffed, golden, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While your donuts are baking, melt the butter for coating. In a separate bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, carefully cut out the center hole with a small knife. Brush each donut generously with melted butter, then roll them individually in the cinnamon sugar mixture to create that nostalgic, sweet crust.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Sourdough Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

Garnishes

These donuts shine on their own, but if you want to elevate your presentation, consider dusting with powdered sugar, adding a drizzle of glaze, or even sprinkling chopped nuts for extra crunch. Fresh fruit alongside adds a bright contrast to the warm spices and sourdough tang.

Side Dishes

This Delicious Recipe pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai, or your favorite espresso-style drink. For an indulgent brunch, serve alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a savory frittata to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stacked plates of these donuts with small jars of homemade jams or nut butters make a charming brunch centerpiece. You can also turn the donut holes you cut out into bite-sized treats—dip them in the melted butter and cinnamon sugar for an irresistible bonus snack that’s perfect if you want to sample a little more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, keep your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them moist and soft, just like fresh out of the oven. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can dry them out.

Freezing

To save these beauties for later, freeze the cooled, coated donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature and refresh in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Reheating

Reheat your donuts gently in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to bring back their warm, fresh-baked goodness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the sugar coating soggy and the donut chewy instead of tender and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

While this recipe calls for sourdough discard, you can use active starter if that’s what you have, but reduce the liquid slightly because active starter contains more hydration. Discard is preferable here as it’s less tangy and ensures a balanced flavor.

Do I need a donut pan to make this recipe?

The donut pan helps give these treats their classic shape and ensures even baking. If you don’t have one, you can try using muffin tins, but the result won’t be quite the same shape or texture.

Can these donuts be fried instead of baked?

This recipe is designed for baking, which produces a lighter, less greasy donut. Frying will work but will require adjustments in time and temperature, plus different handling of the dough.

Is it necessary to cut out the donut holes before coating?

Cutting out the center makes a traditional donut shape and creates the perfect place for the cinnamon sugar to stick. If you prefer, you can leave them whole and just sprinkle with cinnamon sugar on top, but they won’t look quite classic.

How long do these donuts stay fresh?

Because they’re made with dairy and sourdough, they are best enjoyed within 1-2 days of baking for peak freshness. Proper storage helps, but the magic is really in eating them warm or soon after making.

Final Thoughts

Making these Old Fashioned Sourdough Donuts is like inviting a little homemade joy into your kitchen. This Delicious Recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that transforms the ordinary into something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor that tender crumb, warm spice, and tangy depth that make these donuts unforgettable. Trust me, once you do, they will become a go-to for every sweet craving and cozy morning.

Old Fashioned Sourdough Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Old Fashioned Sourdough Donuts offer a delightful twist on classic donuts by incorporating tangy sourdough discard into a moist, flavorful batter. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these baked donuts are perfectly finished with a rich buttery brush and a cinnamon-sugar coating for a nostalgic treat that’s easy to make at home.

Instructions

Prepare dry ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray your donut pan with oil. In a medium-size bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
Mix wet ingredients: In a Kitchenaid mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 1/3 cup sugar, 1 room temperature egg, and 1 tbsp melted salted butter. Mix on high speed until the mixture becomes pale yellow and fluffy.
Add sourdough and flavorings: To the wet mixture, add 1/4 cup sourdough discard, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure an even batter without overmixing.
Fill the donut pan: Transfer the batter into a quart-size ziplock bag and cut off one corner to create a makeshift pastry bag. Pipe the batter evenly into the 6 donut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.
Bake the donuts: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts have risen, are golden brown, and set in the center.
Prepare cinnamon sugar and butter: While the donuts bake, melt 1 tbsp salted butter in a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/8 cup sugar and 1/4 tsp cinnamon for the coating.
Finish the donuts: Once baked, remove donuts from the oven and allow them to cool just enough so you can handle them comfortably. Use a small knife to cut out the center hole to mimic traditional donut holes. Brush the tops of the donuts generously with the melted butter, then toss each donut individually in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.
Serve: Enjoy the donuts immediately while fresh and warm, ideally paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Notes

Using sourdough discard adds a subtle tang and moist texture to the donuts.
Ensure the egg is at room temperature to allow proper mixing and aeration.
Do not overmix the batter once combining wet and dry ingredients to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and adjust baking time slightly.
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
For a vegan alternative, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter and sour cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American