Glazed Sourdough Donuts
Table of Contents
The smell of freshly made donuts wafting through the house is one of those timeless pleasures that instantly transports me back to my childhood. I remember standing on a wooden stool, barely tall enough to see over the counter, watching my grandmother expertly roll out dough with her worn rolling pin. The warmth of the kitchen enveloped me like a cozy blanket, filled with laughter and stories as we waited for our treats to rise. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that captures that same nostalgic magic — Glazed Sourdough Donuts. These delightful bites combine the rustic charm of sourdough with the indulgence of a classic glaze, creating a treat that’s both old-fashioned and timeless.
What makes these donuts so special is their unique blend of sourdough flavor, which adds a subtle tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness of the glaze. They’re a labor of love with a long rise time, yet remarkably simple, making them the perfect weekend project to fill your home with warmth and joy. The process of kneading and shaping the dough is both therapeutic and satisfying, offering a moment of mindfulness in our busy lives. And when you finally bite into one of these golden rings, the crispy exterior and soft, airy interior will remind you why homemade is always best. Whether you’re sharing them with family over a leisurely breakfast or savoring them with a steaming cup of tea in the afternoon, these donuts are sure to become a cherished part of your baking repertoire.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
These Glazed Sourdough Donuts bring a heartwarming twist to a beloved classic, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:
- Homemade Comfort: There’s nothing like the satisfaction of creating something from scratch, and these donuts bring the cozy, comforting feeling of home-cooked goodness to your kitchen. The act of making these donuts can become a cherished family tradition, where each step is savored and shared with loved ones. Consider setting up a donut decorating station for family and friends to customize their creations, adding to the fun.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The sourdough starter adds a depth of flavor that sets these donuts apart from ordinary ones, offering a delightful tang that complements the sweet glaze. This depth allows for creative variations, such as adding citrus zest or spices like cardamom to the dough for a seasonal twist. You can even experiment with flavored glazes like maple or matcha for an unexpected delight.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these donuts are versatile enough to fit any part of your day. Try pairing them with a variety of toppings, from crushed nuts to a drizzle of dark chocolate, to cater to different tastes. These donuts can also serve as a delicious base for a donut trifle layered with whipped cream and fruit.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Get the whole family involved in the donut-making process, creating cherished memories together as you roll, cut, and glaze your creations. Children can be tasked with mixing ingredients or decorating the donuts, turning baking into an enjoyable family activity. Make it a competition to see who can create the most artistic donut!
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up these delightful bites, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks.
- Large Bowl: Essential for mixing your dough ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of flavors and consistent texture. Consider using a bowl with a non-slip base for added stability.
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Makes kneading the dough a breeze, freeing your hands for other tasks. If you don’t have one, you can achieve great results by kneading the dough by hand, which can be a rewarding experience. For those without a stand mixer, a wooden spoon and some elbow grease work perfectly!
- Rolling Pin: Helps you achieve that perfect 1/2″ dough thickness for even donuts. A wine bottle can serve as a substitute if you don’t have a rolling pin on hand. Remember to dust the rolling surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Biscuit Cutter: Ensures uniform donut shapes, making them look as good as they taste. You can also use the rim of a glass for a similar effect. For donut holes, a bottle cap works wonders!
- Deep Frying Pan: Necessary for frying up your donuts to golden perfection. A thermometer ensures the oil remains at the optimal temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked donuts. A Dutch oven can also be a great option for maintaining even heat.
- Cooling Rack: Allows excess oil to drain off fried donuts, keeping them crisp and light. Place a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips and make cleanup easier. If you don’t have a cooling rack, a paper-towel-lined plate will work in a pinch.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
Dough
– 1 cup 100% hydration sourdough starter (250g)
– 1/2 cup whole milk (115g)
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup raw cane sugar (55g)
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter (50g)
– 1 tsp vanilla (3g)
– 1 tsp salt (4g)
– 2 1/4 cup organic bread flour (290g)
Glaze
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
Other
– 1-3 cups coconut oil for frying
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter and milk until dissolved. Add egg, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla, mixing well. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help the dough rise evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift in flour and salt, mixing until smooth. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky dough.
- Strengthen the Dough: Cover dough with a damp cloth, resting for 30 minutes. Knead with a stand mixer on medium speed for 12 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to absorb moisture, improving dough elasticity.
- Bulk Rise: Let dough rise overnight for 8-10 hours at 70°F until doubled. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in the oven with just the light on to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/2″ thickness. Cut with a 2 3/4″ biscuit cutter. Gather and re-roll scraps once to maximize yield.
- Shape Donuts: Pierce the center with a chopstick, spinning to form a hole. This simple technique helps create even rings, ensuring consistent frying.
- Second Rise: Place donuts on parchment, cover, and let rise 2 hours at room temperature. For an expedited rise, set them near a warm oven or a sunny window.
- Fry Donuts: Heat coconut oil to 350°F. Fry donuts one minute per side until golden. Drain on paper towels. Maintain oil temperature by frying in small batches.
- Make Glaze: Stir powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip fried donuts in glaze and let set on a rack. For a thicker glaze, let the donuts cool slightly before dipping.
Difficulty: Intermediate • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 15 minutes • Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes (includes rising time) • Calories: 220 per donut • Servings: 12 donuts
Note: For a quicker second rise, place donuts in a warm spot in your kitchen.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These Glazed Sourdough Donuts not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:
- Sourdough Starter: Adds probiotics which are great for gut health and provides a unique, tangy flavor. It’s a natural leavening agent that can be more digestible than commercial yeast. Plus, maintaining a sourdough starter encourages sustainable baking practices.
- Whole Milk: Contributes creaminess and offers essential vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D, which support bone health. Its richness enhances the dough’s texture, making each bite soft and tender.
- Coconut Oil: Known for its healthy fats, it adds a subtle, tropical flavor to the frying process. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for frying, reducing the risk of burning. Coconut oil is also a great vegan alternative to butter or vegetable oil.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These donuts are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:
- Hot Coffee: The robust, bitter notes of coffee perfectly counterbalance the sweetness of the glaze. A latte or cappuccino can add a creamy contrast to the crisp donuts. For a special treat, try a flavored coffee like caramel or hazelnut.
- Chai Tea: The warming spices in chai enhance the aromatic vanilla and butter in the dough. Herbal teas like chamomile also provide a soothing pairing. For a refreshing option, serve with iced tea or lemonade.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries like raspberries or blueberries complements the sweet and tangy notes of the donuts. Consider a berry compote for an added layer of flavor. You could also top the donuts with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh berries.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
Glazed Sourdough Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting delicious. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to enjoy them warm, just pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes, and they’ll taste as good as new. For a fun twist, slice a donut in half and use it as a base for an indulgent ice cream sandwich — the perfect treat for a lazy afternoon.
The joy of homemade cooking lies not only in the flavors we savor but in the memories we create. These Glazed Sourdough Donuts are a delicious reminder of the warmth and love that go into every home-cooked meal. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the fryer or sharing them with loved ones, they bring a piece of that nostalgic kitchen magic to your table. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the comforting aroma of freshly made donuts fill your home with happiness.
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Glazed Sourdough Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter and milk until the starter is fully dissolved.
- Add the egg, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until everything is well incorporated.
- Sift in the flour and salt, and mix until no lumps remain.
- Strengthen the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
- Knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 12 minutes, or until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Bulk Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and allow the dough to rise overnight for 8-10 hours at 70°F(21°C).
- Roll and Cut: Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into 1/2″ thickness.
- Use a 2 3/4″ biscuit cutter to cut out the donuts. Allow them to rest for 30 minutes before re-rolling.
- Pierce the center of each donut with a chopstick and stretch to form a donut shape.
- Second Rise: Place the donuts on a parchment-lined surface and cover with a damp cloth. Allow them to rise for about 2 hours.
- Instructions for Fried Donuts: Heat coconut oil in a frying pan to 350°F(180°C). Fry donuts for 1 minute on each side until golden.
- Transfer to a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Glaze: Mix the glaze ingredients together. Dip one side of each donut into the glaze and allow to set.
