Indulging in the warm, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of freshly baked donuts is a delight like no other. And when those donuts are homemade, using a recipe that’s been perfected over time, the experience becomes truly exceptional.
Today, we’re sharing a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire – delectable sour cream donuts. These little rounds of heaven are tender, moist, and infused with the richness of sour cream, making every bite an irresistible treat.
So, roll up your sleeves, dust off your apron, and get ready to create a batch of these homemade sour cream donuts that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What Are Sour Cream Donuts?
Sour cream donuts are a type of donut that incorporates sour cream into the batter, resulting in a moist and tender texture with a subtle tangy flavor. The sour cream not only adds flavor but also contributes to the overall richness of the donut. These donuts are typically fried until golden brown and often coated with a glaze for extra sweetness.
The addition of sour cream to the donut batter provides a unique contrast between the slightly tangy taste of the sour cream and the sweetness of the glaze. This combination makes sour cream donuts a delicious treat that’s popular for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Sour cream donuts are commonly enjoyed with a variety of glazes, such as vanilla, chocolate, maple, or even fruit-flavored glazes. They can also be dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for a simpler finish.
Overall, sour cream donuts offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making them a favorite among donut enthusiasts.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- 2 cups all-purpose flour:
- Description: A versatile flour commonly used for baking.
- Substitution: Whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar:
- Description: Refined sugar used for sweetness.
- Substitution: Coconut sugar or brown sugar, but they may alter flavor and color.
- 1 tsp baking powder:
- Description: A leavening agent that helps the donuts rise.
- Substitution: Make your own by combining 1 part baking soda and 2 parts cream of tartar.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda:
- Description: Another leavening agent that contributes to rise.
- Substitution: Use as called for, no direct substitute.
- 1/2 tsp salt:
- Description: Enhances overall flavor.
- Substitution: Kosher salt or sea salt.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg:
- Description: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Substitution: Ground cinnamon or a blend with a pinch of cloves.
- 1/2 cup sour cream:
- Description: Adds moisture and tangy flavor.
- Substitution: Greek yogurt for a similar tangy taste.
- 1/4 cup milk:
- Description: Adds liquid to the dough.
- Substitution: Whole milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
- 2 large eggs:
- Description: Provides structure and moisture.
- Substitution: Applesauce or mashed banana, but texture and flavor may vary.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted:
- Description: Adds richness to the dough.
- Substitution: Vegetable oil or coconut oil, flavor and texture may change.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract:
- Description: Enhances flavor.
- Substitution: Almond or maple extract for unique flavors.
- Oil, for frying:
- Description: Used to fry the donuts to a golden brown.
- Substitution: Canola, sunflower, or peanut oil.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar:
- Description: Creates a sweet glaze.
- Substitution: No direct substitute; try homemade powdered sugar.
- 3 tbsp milk, for glaze:
- Description: Used to thin out the glaze.
- Substitution: Any milk or non-dairy milk to adjust consistency.
Equipment Needed
To make Sour Cream Donuts, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment and tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing and combining the dough ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the wet ingredients and create a smooth batter.
- Plastic Wrap: To cover and chill the dough.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
- Donut Cutter or Round Cookie Cutters: To cut out the donut shapes and their centers.
- Candy Thermometer: To monitor the oil temperature while frying.
- Slotted Spoon: For safely placing and removing the donuts from the hot oil.
- Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried donuts.
- Wire Rack: To cool and glaze the donuts.
- Pot or Deep Fryer: For frying the donuts in oil.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
Optional:
- Kitchen Timer: To keep track of frying time.
- Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper: To place the freshly glazed donuts on for easy cleanup.
Having these tools on hand will make the process of making sour cream donuts smoother and more enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: 3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky. Do not overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: 4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle.
5. Roll: 5. After chilling, lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness using a rolling pin.
6. Cut Donuts: Use a floured donut cutter or round cookie cutters to cut out donut shapes. Use a smaller cutter to remove the centers. Gather and re-roll any scraps to make more donuts.
7. Heat the Oil: 7. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
8. Fry the Donuts: 8. Carefully slide a few donuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Make the Glaze: 9. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth glaze.
10. Glaze the Donuts: 10. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip each one into the glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.
11. Serve and Enjoy: 11. These sour cream donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them as a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.
Preparation Time and Cost
This recipe will make about 12-14 donuts total, and it will take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes (including chilling and cooking time). The preparation is about 20 minutes, chilling time will be around an hour, and total cook time will most likely be anywhere from 15-20 minutes.
The cost of this sour cream donut recipe can vary based on ingredient prices and location, but a rough estimate would be around $8-$10.
Printable Recipe
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Sour Cream Donuts
Equipment
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Candy Thermometer
- 1 Pot or Deep Fryer
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- Plastic Wrap
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Donut Cutteror Round Cookie cutter
- 1 Wire Rack
Ingredients
- 2 Cups All purpose flour
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ½ Cup Sour Cream
- ¼ Cup Milk
- 2 Large eggs
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil Vegetable or canola
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and roll out.
- After chilling, lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a floured donut cutter or round cookie cutters to cut out donut shapes. Use a smaller cutter for the centers.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Carefully slide a few donuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth glaze.
- Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip each one into the glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.
- These sour cream donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them as a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.
If you have any questions about this sour cream donut recipe, do not hesitate to ask! We’re always here to enhance your donut-loving experience. In the meantime, enjoy this sour cream donut recipe, and let us know if there are any other donuts you would like us to make recipes for!
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