I still remember the afternoon I first made sourdough discard sugar donuts in my cozy kitchen. It was one of those moments when I faced the inevitable pile of sourdough discard and wondered if there was a way to make it disappear with style—and comfort. My kids had just come home, famished after a long day at school, and I wanted a treat that felt homemade but didn’t demand hours of prep. That’s when I found a simple sourdough discard sugar donuts recipe that promised fluffy, lightly sweetened donuts that could turn a routine afternoon into something a little magical.
Making my first batch felt like a small victory against the chaos of the kitchen. The house quickly filled with the warm, inviting smell of cinnamon and sugar, which had my kids pressing their noses against the oven window, excited and impatient. I was surprised how much the slight tang of sourdough discard added to the flavor. It wasn’t overpowering but gave these donuts a unique twist that made them stand out from the usual store-bought treats. After tasting, my little ones declared them “the best donuts ever,” and my husband requested them for his work snack.
This sourdough discard sugar donuts recipe became a staple for us, especially on those days when comfort food meant more than just dinner—it meant connection and calm after the busy hum of daily life. I loved how it solved the sourdough discard dilemma and gave my family something to look forward to. Fellow busy moms, if you are hunting for a simple, cozy recipe that works with your sourdough discard load, trust me, these sourdough discard sugar donuts are a lifesaver. Plus, the joy they bring to your family’s faces is priceless.
I’ve learned a lot since that first batch, from balancing the sugar coating to perfecting the fry time so they’re crispy yet tender. If you want to try—whether you’re new to sourdough discard baking or a seasoned pro—I’m here to share all the comfort hacks I’ve picked up along the way. This recipe isn’t just about making donuts; it’s about feeding your family with something wholesome and satisfying without overwhelm. Check out this easy sourdough donut recipe for another angle on making the most of your discard, and keep reading for my personal tips on how to turn simple ingredients into homemade sourdough treats everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll want to gather to make these comforting sourdough discard sugar donuts. Trust me, this ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard – This is the star of the show and adds a lovely tang and texture.
- 1 large egg – For richness and structure.
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk – You can use whole, skim, or even oat milk for a twist. I often grab whatever’s easiest in the fridge.
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar – Sweetens just enough without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – My family gets extra comfort from that warm vanilla aroma.
- 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour – You can swap part of this with whole wheat for a nuttier bite.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – The magic behind that light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps balance the acidity from the discard.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- Oil for frying – I use neutral vegetable oil; works like a charm.
Comfort-focused ingredient swaps:
No worries if you don’t have all-purpose flour on hand—I often use gluten-free blends for my guests, and these sourdough discard sugar donuts still come out fantastic.
Budget-friendly shopping tips:
You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, and since this recipe uses small amounts, it’s easy on the wallet. I love that sourdough discard baking helps reduce waste and adds a homemade touch without extra cost.
Ingredient prep shortcuts:
Want to save even more time? Measure and mix your dry ingredients during your weekday lunch break. Then, when the kids are back from school, you’re all set to go with this comforting dough.
If you want more ideas for incorporating sourdough discard into treats, check out my sourdough discard lemon loaf for a fruity, fresh change or sugared cranberries for a tangy sweet snack that pairs perfectly with these donuts.
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Mix your wet ingredients first: In a large bowl, combine your sourdough discard, egg, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk it up until everything feels smooth and cozy. These sourdough discard sugar donuts start with a simple batter, and getting the wet mix right sets you up for success.
- Sift your dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps avoid lumps, but if your kitchen is busy, just stir well. This step ensures your sourdough discard sugar donuts have a fluffy, light crumb.
- Combine and stir: Slowly add the dry mixture into your wet bowl, folding gently until it’s just incorporated. Don’t overmix—overworked batter can make your sourdough discard sugar donuts tough instead of tender.
- Heat your oil: Fill a heavy-bottomed pan with about 2 inches of oil over medium heat. The perfect frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C). A quick test: drop a tiny bit of batter in the oil; if it sizzles and rises quickly, you’re ready.
- Shape your donuts: If you don’t have a donut cutter, no worries! Use two round cutters or even shape simple rounds by hand with a hole in the center using a bottle cap or spoon handle. The homemade imperfection adds charm and makes your sourdough discard sugar donuts feel even cozier.
- Fry in batches: Place your donuts gently in the oil, frying about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip carefully. Keep an eye on them; smaller donuts cook faster.
- Drain and sugar coat: Once fried, let your sourdough discard sugar donuts rest on a paper towel-lined plate. While still warm, toss them in a bowl with cinnamon sugar—a simple mix of sugar and ground cinnamon. The warmth helps the coating stick perfectly.
- Take a deep breath and enjoy: Your kitchen should smell amazing by now, and your family will be ready to dig in. These sourdough discard sugar donuts usually take less than 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for those hectic afternoons when you want a quick comfort win.
While your sourdough discard sugar donuts are frying, it’s the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or sneak in a tea break. Don’t stress if your donuts look a little different each time; my family loves the unique homemade feel.
If you want a spin on this, Feast and Farm’s sourdough discard cinnamon sugar cake donuts offer a baked version that’s just as cozy with less oil.
How We Love to Eat This!
My family’s favorite way to eat these sourdough discard sugar donuts is fresh and warm, with cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa. The kids adore the sugary crust with a hint of tangy sourdough inside—it’s like a little cozy hug in every bite.
We often pair these donuts with simple sides, like fresh fruit or a batch of my soft sugar cookies for extra sweetness at gatherings or after-school snacks. The contrast of fruity freshness and that sugary crisp donut hits the mark every time.
These donuts shine at weekend brunches or lazy weekend mornings when the whole family can enjoy them without rushing. They’re perfect for celebrations, too—everyone raves about these homemade sourdough treats. One time, friends who stopped by for tea couldn’t stop complimenting these sourdough discard sugar donuts, and one even grabbed a second!
Because leftovers happen, I pop them in the toaster the next day. They warm up beautifully and keep that comforting sugar crunch. Sometimes I add a dollop of cream cheese or a smear of jam—extra comfort points right there!
Seasonal variations are fun, too. In winter, I add a pinch of nutmeg or swap cinnamon sugar for a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cocoa powder mix. It feels like holiday magic in donut form.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this sourdough discard sugar donuts really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The combination of flour, egg, and sourdough discard gives a nice balance of carbs and protein. My kids find them satisfying, especially when paired with milk or fruit.What if my picky eater won’t try this sourdough discard sugar donuts?
Try rolling the donuts in just sugar first instead of cinnamon sugar. Sometimes simpler flavors win. Also, inviting them to help with the rolling is a fun way to get them interested!Can I meal prep this sourdough discard sugar donuts for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! You can fry and cool them, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the toaster or oven for a quick fix. I freeze small batches to pull out on hectic mornings.Is sourdough discard sugar donuts a good way to use sourdough discard?
Definitely. It’s one of my go-to sourdough discard recipes because it’s delicious and reduces waste beautifully. Plus, it gives that mild tang that makes homemade sourdough donuts special.Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can. For a lower-fat option, check out recipes like Amy Bakes Bread’s sourdough donuts discard recipe. Baking changes texture but keeps the comfort.What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
No worries at all. Use round cookie cutters or even improvise shapes with cups and bottle caps. Homemade sourdough treats welcome imperfections!How do I know if my oil is the right temperature?
A simple test: drop a small piece of batter in. If it bubbles and rises immediately, it’s ready. Too hot and donuts brown too fast; too cool and they soak oil. Practice and patience pay off.
Final Thoughts:
These sourdough discard sugar donuts support my family’s comfort food goals by turning leftover sourdough into something cheerful and homemade. They help me feed my family well without extra stress, which feels like a victory.
Here are my sourdough discard sugar donuts Comfort Hacks I want to share:
- Use the shortcut of mixing dry ingredients ahead to save time.
- Don’t overmix your batter—softness is key.
- Roll donuts in sugar while warm to keep that sweet coating intact.
My family loves different versions: my kids prefer the classic cinnamon sugar, my husband enjoys adding a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness, and I sometimes bake a batch for a lighter option like this soft sugar cookie goes well with.
I encourage you to make these sourdough discard sugar donuts your own. Maybe add spices, top with fresh berries, or keep them plain for simple comfort. What matters is that these treats bring smiles to your family’s table without overwhelming your day.
For more comfort food inspiration that works with your sourdough discard stash, take a peek at my sourdough discard lemon loaf and sugared cranberries.
Fellow comfort seekers, making sourdough discard sugar donuts is a small step that fills your kitchen with warmth and your family with joy. You’ve got this—happy cooking!
sourdough discard sugar donuts
Delight in these light and fluffy sourdough discard sugar donuts, perfectly fried and coated in cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat that’s easy to make and delicious to share.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to form a soft dough.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a spoon or donut cutter, shape the dough into small donuts or donut holes.
- Carefully fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Mix the 1/2 cup sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- While still warm, roll the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve warm and enjoy your sourdough discard sugar donuts!
Notes
For an extra indulgent touch, serve the donuts with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream.