Sourdough Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
These Sourdough Doughnuts are a delightful twist on classic doughnuts, featuring the tangy flavor of sourdough starter in a fluffy, tender dough. Coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Fried until golden and crispy on the outside, these doughnuts are perfect for breakfast or a special treat.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1 cup (198 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
Doughnuts:
- 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (98 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (100 g), room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (227 g) sourdough starter, unfed/discard
- ¼ cup (57 g) buttermilk, room temperature
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until fully combined. Set this mixture aside for coating the doughnuts after frying.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for a tender doughnut texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Sourdough Starter and Buttermilk: Pour in the sourdough starter (discard) and buttermilk. Attach a dough hook to the mixer and continue mixing on low speed.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing with the dough hook. Beat until just combined and no dry patches remain, ensuring not to overmix.
- Knead and Roll Out Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently 3 to 4 times to bring it together. Dust the surface lightly with flour and roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
- Cut Doughnuts: Use a doughnut cutter or a large circular cutter to cut out doughnut shapes. Use a smaller cutter to remove the centers, creating doughnut holes.
- Heat Oil: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven filled with oil to 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature.
- Fry Doughnuts: Using a slotted spoon or skimmer, carefully lower the doughnuts into the hot oil. Fry each doughnut for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and fry for an additional 1 minute on the other side. The doughnuts should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Remove doughnuts from the oil using the slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss gently to coat thoroughly.
- Cool and Serve: Place the coated doughnuts on a cooling rack to cool slightly before serving. This allows excess oil to drain and ensures the coating sticks well.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use unfed sourdough starter discard to add a mild sourdough flavor without an overly tangy taste.
- Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to help ingredients combine smoothly and achieve better dough texture.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature for even frying; too hot will burn doughnuts, too cool will make them greasy.
- Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them soft.
- If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, use a large round cutter and a smaller round cutter (like an empty bottle cap) for the center hole.
Keywords: sourdough doughnuts, cinnamon sugar doughnuts, fried doughnuts, homemade doughnuts, sourdough discard recipe