Delicious Sourdough Discard Donuts You’ll Love to Make
Why make this recipe
Delicious Sourdough Discard Donuts are a great way to use leftover sourdough starter. These donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. They are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Plus, making them helps reduce waste in the kitchen!
How to make Delicious Sourdough Discard Donuts
Making these donuts is simple. You’ll start by mixing together your wet ingredients and dry ingredients separately. Then, combine everything and let the dough rise. After that, you’ll shape the donuts, fry them, and finally, glaze them for a sweet touch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sourdough discard (adds a tangy flavor and helps reduce waste)
- 1 cup Whole milk (ensures a soft, rich texture; use any milk if needed)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (sweetens the dough, balancing the sour notes perfectly)
- 1 packet Active dry yeast (creates the rise and airy consistency in the donuts)
- 2 large eggs (enhance moisture and richness; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melts into the dough for a buttery flavor; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version)
- 3 cups All-purpose flour (provides structure; use bread flour for extra chewiness)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (elevates flavors and enhances all the ingredients)
- 2 cups Powdered sugar (sweetens and gives the glaze that signature smoothness)
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream (creates a rich and luscious glaze; you can replace it with milk for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (adds a warm and aromatic flavor; feel free to use almond extract for a different twist)
- 1 pinch salt (balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor)
Directions
- In a bowl, mix the sourdough discard, warm milk, and sugar. Stir until combined.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Whisk in the eggs and melted butter until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
- Once a dough forms, knead it for a few minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- After rising, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Dip the warm donuts in the glaze and let them set.
How to serve Delicious Sourdough Discard Donuts
Serve these donuts warm or at room temperature. You can pair them with coffee, tea, or milk for a delightful snack. They are great as is but feel free to sprinkle with extra powdered sugar or add colorful sprinkles for a fun touch!
How to store Delicious Sourdough Discard Donuts
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
Tips to make Delicious Sourdough Discard Donuts
- Be sure to let the donut dough rise fully for the best texture.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature before frying to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; this helps maintain the oil temperature.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for extra flavor. If you prefer baked donuts, you can adapt the recipe and bake them in a donut pan instead of frying.
FAQs
Can I use fed sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, you can use fed sourdough starter, but the donuts may have a milder tangy flavor.
Can I make these donuts vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and the butter with coconut oil to make them vegan-friendly.
What can I use instead of active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast in the same amount, or you can make these donuts with a sourdough starter that is very active, skipping the yeast altogether.
Sourdough Discard Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the sourdough discard, warm milk, and sugar. Stir until combined.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Whisk in the eggs and melted butter until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
- Once a dough forms, knead it for a few minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- After rising, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Dip the warm donuts in the glaze and let them set.
Notes
