Name: Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup sugar; 2 large eggs (Grade A); ½ cup sourdough discard; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup half and half (can substitute with milk); ¼ cup butter, melted; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

If you're looking for a delightful treat that blends a touch of tangy sourdough with sweet, warm spices, this Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These donuts bring together the rustic charm of sourdough discard with a crispy cinnamon sugar coating that’s simply irresistible. The beauty of this recipe lies in how the flavors and textures come together to create a donut that’s gloriously soft on the inside, with just the right crunch outside. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these donuts feel like a hug in pastry form, ready to brighten your day with every bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white marbled surface holds several baking ingredients in clear glass and white bowls and containers: a large clear bowl filled halfway with white flour at the bottom, a medium clear bowl with white granulated sugar near the top right, and a small white bowl with white powder (baking powder and salt) to the bottom left. There are two brown eggs placed side by side near the center. A glass jar with olive oil and a glass measuring cup with cream sit above the eggs. A small white cup labeled

The magic behind this Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Donuts Recipe starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the flour providing structure to the sourdough discard adding a subtle tang, every element contributes to the perfect donut experience.

1½ cup all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for tender, fluffy donuts.

2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise, making them light and airy.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works with sourdough to boost the rise and texture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and soft.

½ cup sugar: Sweetens the batter for that perfect donut base.
2 large eggs: Adds richness and binds everything together.
½ cup sourdough discard: Gives a subtle tang and depth that sets these donuts apart.
2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cinnamon.

1 cup half and half (or milk): Makes the batter smooth and tender.
¼ cup melted butter: For rolling the donuts before coating with cinnamon sugar.
½ cup sugar (for topping): Combines with cinnamon to create the classic coating.

2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that cozy, inviting spice to finish off the donuts.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Donut Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 °F. Lightly spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray so your donuts don’t stick and come out clean every time. Setting the stage right is key to great donuts.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is evenly combined. This blend forms the structure and determines how your donuts rise and texture.

Step 3: Combining the Wet Ingredients

In a larger mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil and sugar until they start to blend smoothly. Then, add the eggs, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract. Mix these components well to create a rich and flavorful batter base.

Step 4: Incorporating Flour and Half and Half

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the half and half. Stir gently until all the flour is just combined—try not to overmix, as that can make the donuts tough rather than tender.

Step 5: Filling and Baking

Transfer your batter into a piping bag (or a Ziplock bag with the corner snipped off). Pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Let them cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create your signature topping. While the donuts are still warm, gently brush them with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. This step is what transforms these donuts from delicious to absolutely magical.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Donuts Recipe

A cooling rack holds twelve light golden brown ring-shaped cakes, each with a smooth texture and small holes on the surface, arranged on a white marbled tabletop. Above the rack, two white bowls sit side by side; one contains a yellow melted substance, likely butter, and the other holds a fine light brown powder, possibly cinnamon sugar. A crumpled navy blue cloth is placed to the top right on the wooden background beside the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these donuts shine on their own with the cinnamon sugar coating, you can elevate them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra sweetness and visual appeal. Fresh berries on the side also add a lovely contrast.

Side Dishes

For a complete morning spread, serve these donuts alongside freshly brewed coffee or a chai latte. A side of Greek yogurt with honey and nuts complements the cinnamon flavors and boosts the indulgent breakfast vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the donuts on a pretty cake stand or arrange them in a circle on a serving platter for a warm, inviting centerpiece. You can also serve them with small bowls of flavored butters, jams, or cream cheese spreads for your guests to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their texture soft and the cinnamon sugar coating fresh for your next sweet craving.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When properly stored, they keep well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Donuts Recipe at their best after storage, warm them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300 °F) for a few minutes. This revitalizes their soft texture and fresh flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

It’s best to use sourdough discard as it is less active and won’t interfere with the donuts’ rise. Using an active starter might alter the texture and flavor balance.

Can these donuts be fried instead of baked?

This recipe is specifically designed for baking in a donut pan to keep things lighter and easier, but you could experiment with frying if you prefer a classic fried donut texture.

What can I substitute for half and half?

Milk or a non-dairy milk alternative works just fine if you don’t have half and half handy. The donuts might be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Why is sourdough discard used in this recipe?

Sourdough discard adds a subtle tanginess and complexity to the donuts that sets them apart, plus it’s a fantastic way to reduce waste from your starter maintenance.

Can I make these gluten-free?

While this recipe isn’t designed for gluten-free flours, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but you’ll need to monitor the liquid quantities and texture closely to get the best results.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Donuts Recipe is like inviting a little bit of baking magic into your kitchen. Its unique blend of tangy sourdough and sweet cinnamon sugar is a combination that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough fan or a donut lover eager for a new twist, this recipe is approachable, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Give it a go and watch your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas and joyful smiles.

Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Donuts Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need