Sourdough Discard Doughnuts: A Cozy Treat for Any Day
Ah, the joy of homemade doughnuts! There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a fluffy, golden doughnut, still warm from the fryer, with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar melting into every soft bite. For those of us who cherish sourdough bread-making, there’s an added thrill; the opportunity to turn ordinary sourdough discard into a delightful treat. This recipe for Sourdough Discard Doughnuts not only reduces waste but also yields an irresistible sweet that will make your kitchen feel like a cozy haven. Perfect for chilly mornings or lazy afternoons, these doughnuts embody warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings around the breakfast table. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, these doughnuts are perfect for any home cook craving a warm treat.
- Utilizes sourdough discard, making them a fantastic way to reduce waste and make the most of your sourdough starter.
- Family-friendly fun! Kids will love helping to roll and cut the dough into fun shapes.
- The warm cinnamon sugar coating brings a comforting touch that’s hard to resist.
- Fluffy and tender, these doughnuts are a perfect pairing for a cozy cup of coffee or tea.
What You’ll Need
To whip up these delightful Sourdough Discard Doughnuts, gather the following simple ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- Oil for frying
How to Make Sourdough Discard Doughnuts
Let’s dive into this cozy cooking adventure! Follow these simple steps for a batch of tender, golden doughnuts:
In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, sugar, milk, melted butter, and egg until well combined. You should see a lovely creamy texture forming—this is the base of your doughnut goodness!
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until it’s light and fluffy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Your kitchen will start to smell oh-so-delicious!
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into doughnut shapes. If you have fun cookie cutters, feel free to use those to create festive shapes!
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Be careful here—safety first! You want the oil to be hot enough for the doughnuts to fry perfectly.
Fry the doughnuts until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Watch them puff up and turn that beautiful shade of gold!
Remove and drain the fried doughnuts on paper towels. You want to soak up any excess oil—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside!
In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together, and coat the warm doughnuts with the mixture before serving. This is where the magic happens, turning each bite into a sugar-dusted dream!
Variations & Creative Twists
There are so many fun ways to customize your Sourdough Discard Doughnuts! Here are a few creative ideas to sprinkle into your baking adventure:
- Zesty Lemon Glaze: Add zest from one lemon into the dough for a bright, fresh flavor and drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for a sweet tang.
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip cooled doughnuts in melted chocolate for an indulgent treat, and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for that festive touch.
- Cranberry Orange: Fold in dried cranberries and a tablespoon of orange zest into the dough for a seasonal delight that dances on your palate.
- Nutty Cinnamon Twist: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for an extra crunch alongside the warm cinnamon flavor.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To achieve perfect results, here are a few of my special tips:
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can prepare the dough the night before! Just cover it tightly and place it in the refrigerator. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out.
- Oil Temperature Check: If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it bubbles and rises to the surface, it’s ready!
- Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to a month, then just warm them in a microwave!
Nutrition Information per Serving
Let’s talk about what’s inside those cozy doughnuts! Each serving (about one doughnut) contains approximately:
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s tackle some common inquiries about these delightful Sourdough Discard Doughnuts:
Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to fry.
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! You can substitute almond milk for the regular milk or swap out the butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for longer storage.
How long do they last? If stored properly, they should stay fresh for about two days, but they are always best when enjoyed fresh!
Wrapping It Up
Baking Sourdough Discard Doughnuts is not just about creating a delicious treat; it’s about the warmth and love infused in each batch, making every bite simply unforgettable. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a casual weekend gathering, these doughnuts bring a smile to anyone who enjoys them. Save this Sourdough Discard Doughnuts recipe to your cozy baking board so it’s ready when you need a sweet pick-me-up! Happy frying, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth and delicious aromas!
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Sourdough Discard Doughnuts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful doughnuts made from sourdough discard, perfect for a cozy treat any time of the day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the sourdough starter, sugar, milk, melted butter, and egg until well combined.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into doughnut shapes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the doughnuts until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain the fried doughnuts on paper towels.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon together, and coat the warm doughnuts with the mixture before serving.
Notes
You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sourdough doughnuts, homemade donuts, frying doughnuts, comfort food, sweet treats