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Cozy Sourdough Discard Doughnuts

There’s something so magical about the aroma of freshly fried doughnuts wafting through the kitchen. It invokes warm memories of mornings spent surrounded by loved ones, laughter, and the occasional heroic effort to snag the last sprinkle-covered treat! These Cozy Sourdough Discard Doughnuts are the perfect handmade indulgence to bring that sense of nostalgia to life. Utilizing sourdough starter not only helps to reduce waste but adds an incredible depth of flavor to these tender, cinnamon-kissed delights. Perfect for cozy weekends or as a weekend treat for your family, this is one recipe you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A delightful balance of tenderness and flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance!
Uses leftover sourdough starter, making it a genius way to reduce kitchen waste.
Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for a cozy weekend treat or a last-minute snack.
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing, ideal for brunch gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Coated in warm sugar and cinnamon, each bite is a comforting hug for your palate.

What You’ll Need

Gather These Simple Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sourdough starter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
Oil for frying
Sugar and cinnamon for coating

Let’s Make It Together

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until well combined, like a little hug of dry goodness.
In another bowl, combine the sourdough starter, milk, eggs, and melted butter, whisking until everything is velvety smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our doughnuts to be tender, not tough!
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). A hot, bubbly bath awaits our dough!
Drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, frying until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Try to resist the urge to peek too soon, or they might not tan as beautifully.
Remove the doughnuts and allow them to drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil, which keeps them light and fluffy.
While they’re still warm, toss them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated in this sweet embrace.
Serve and enjoy immediately, preferably with a warm mug of coffee or tea nearby!

Fun Ways to Customize It

Feeling creative? Here are some delicious variations to try!

Zesty Lemon Glaze: Add some lemon zest to the dough for a bright burst of flavor, and finish with a sweet lemon glaze for a tangy delight.
Chocolate Dipped: Once cooled, dip the tops in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles for an indulgent twist.
Maple Infusion: Swap the sugar in the dough with maple sugar and drizzle with a maple syrup glaze for a rich, autumn-inspired treat.
Nutty Brown Butter: Use browned butter instead of melted butter for a nutty flavor that elevates each doughnut to gourmet status.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make-Ahead Advice: You can prepare the dough the night before. Just cover it and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before frying.
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of milk, almond milk or any plant-based milk can work beautifully in this recipe.
Slicing Tricks: For easier doughnut drops, consider using a small cookie scoop; it’ll give you perfectly shaped doughnuts with minimal mess.
Storage Suggestions: These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for those late-night cravings!

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

Let’s take a peek at the nutrition of these cozy treats.

Serving Size: 1 doughnut

Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 8g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 100mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough in advance and let it rest in the fridge overnight.

Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap the milk for any non-dairy milk or the sugar for your favorite sweetener.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can freeze them for longer freshness!

How long does it last?
These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can last in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month.

A Cozy Closing Note

There’s something so comforting about taking a moment to indulge in these homemade Cozy Sourdough Discard Doughnuts. Each tender bite is like a warm hug on a chilly morning, bringing smiles to faces young and old. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them solo with a cup of coffee, these doughnuts hold the warmth of a thousand cozy moments.

Save this Cozy Sourdough Discard Doughnuts recipe to your weekend treats board so it’s ready when you need a sweet escape! Happy frying!