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Sourdough Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

5 from 122 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed. Set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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