What makes a glazed sourdough donut truly irresistible? It’s all about the combination of tangy sourdough and sweet glaze, made easy with a simple homemade recipe using active yeast and flour. Perfect as a quick breakfast treat or family favorite snack, Save this idea for a delicious weekend baking project.

glazed sourdough donuts recipe on a baking sheet with text overlay that reads glazed sourdough donuts recipe

Introduction

Imagine waking up to the sweet, fluffy aroma of freshly baked donuts, made all the more special by the tang of sourdough and the crunch of a golden glaze. With this glazed sourdough donuts recipe, you can achieve bakery-quality treats in the comfort of your own home, using everyday ingredients and a simple baking sheet. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease, flavor, and the creative freedom it offers, allowing you to experiment with various toppings and glazes to make each batch uniquely yours. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a sweet treat or impress friends and family with a delicious homemade gift.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of sourdough starter, sugar, and spices creates a deep, balanced flavor that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores.
• Ease of preparation: Unlike fried donuts, baking them on a sheet requires minimal equipment and less mess, making the process enjoyable and stress-free.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: With a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, you can transform these baked donuts into stunning, professional-looking treats that are sure to impress.

Key Ingredients

The heart of this recipe is the sourdough starter, which gives the donuts their unique flavor and texture. Other key ingredients include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, whole milk, active dry yeast, salt, large eggs, and unsalted butter, melted. For the glaze, you’ll need powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt. Practical substitutions can be made for the sourdough starter (such as using a mixture of flour and water with a commercial yeast starter) and for the type of milk and sugar, allowing for some flexibility based on dietary preferences and pantry staples.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by activating your sourdough starter according to your usual method, or by making a quick starter if you don’t have one ready. Then, mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, yeast, and salt) in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, and melted butter). Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Then, add the sourdough starter and mix until the dough comes together in a sticky ball.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the donuts. Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each donut. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown. While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Once the donuts are done, let them cool for a few minutes before glazing.

Handy Tips

• Make sure your sourdough starter is active and healthy before using it, as this will greatly affect the flavor and rise of your donuts.
• Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough donuts.
• Experiment with different flavorings in the dough, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, to create unique variations.

Heat Control

For baking the donuts, it’s crucial to maintain an oven temperature of 375°F (190°C). The donuts are done when they are golden brown and springy to the touch. If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature; donuts are typically done when they reach an internal temperature of 190°F to 200°F (88°C to 93°C).

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these donuts comes from the glaze, which sets to form a crispy exterior. To enhance this, make sure to glaze the donuts while they are still slightly warm, and let the glaze set completely before serving. For an extra crunchy topping, you can also sprinkle the glazed donuts with chopped nuts or shredded coconut before the glaze sets.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, as this can affect the baking time and quality of the donuts.
• For a more golden glaze, add a teaspoon of light corn syrup to the powdered sugar and milk mixture before whisking.
• Keep your sourdough starter healthy by feeding it regularly and storing it in the right conditions. A healthy starter will give you better flavor and rise in your donuts.

Storage Tips

• Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you won’t be consuming them within this time, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the glazed donuts in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
• For longer storage of the dough, you can refrigerate it after the first rise for up to 24 hours, or freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen dough overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These glazed sourdough donuts are perfect for gifting, especially when packaged in a decorative and protective way. Consider placing a few donuts in a paper bag, a cardboard box, or a reusable cloth bag, and tying it with a ribbon or twine. For a more luxurious look, use a gift box or a tin container lined with parchment paper. Don’t forget to include a personal touch, such as a handwritten note or a small packet of coffee or tea, to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for unique flavor profiles.
• Creative toppings: Instead of the traditional glaze, try topping your donuts with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even candy pieces.
• Ingredient swaps: Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your donuts turn out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough. Try to mix the ingredients just until they come together, and avoid over-kneading.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can make a quick substitute by mixing flour and water with a commercial yeast starter. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
• Over/undercooking signs: If your donuts are undercooked, they might be pale and soft. If they’re overcooked, they could be dark brown and dry. Adjust your baking time accordingly to achieve the perfect golden brown color and springy texture.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked donuts. See the storage tips section for more details.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to create a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to make more donuts. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.

Conclusion

With this glazed sourdough donuts recipe, you’re not just baking a treat; you’re creating an experience. The combination of sourdough’s tanginess, the sweetness of the glaze, and the simplicity of baking on a sheet makes this recipe a must-try for anyone who loves donuts. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own, whether that means trying different flavors, toppings, or presentation ideas. Share your creations with friends and family, and enjoy the joy of baking something special. Happy baking!