I still remember the first time I made sourdough discard sugar donuts—it was one of those mornings where the house was sleepy, and I had a bowl of tangy sourdough discard just sitting in the fridge. You know, that little leftover you hesitate to toss because it feels like kitchen magic waiting to happen? That day, I decided to turn that sourdough discard into something sweet and cozy: sourdough discard sugar donuts. The moment those fried sugar donuts hit the pan, the warm, yeasty aroma filled every corner of my kitchen, a fragrant promise of treats to come.
Sourdough discard sugar donuts became a family favorite almost overnight. My kids—usually picky with new foods—were instantly hooked, smearing the sugary coating on their fingers and asking for more. Funny enough, I learned baking with sourdough discard is a little like life: sometimes you don’t know exactly what you’ll get, but you trust the process and enjoy the results. Those initial sourdough discard sugar donuts had a slight tang balanced perfectly by the light, fried sweetness. It was a small kitchen victory that turned into a weekend ritual.
I won’t pretend sourdough discard sugar donuts are always flawless in my house. I’ve had a batch that sank too fast or fried a little too long (hello, crispy edges!). But each “oops” taught me something valuable about timing, temperature, and loving the dough just right. Between soccer practices and bedtime stories, making sourdough discard sugar donuts became my little pocket of calm—plus, it’s a clever way to avoid throwing away that spirited sourdough discard.
If you’ve been wondering what to do with your own sourdough discard, this recipe is for you. Together, we’ll make sourdough discard sugar donuts that taste like comfort and care, served warm with a sprinkle of sugar and perhaps a cup of something hot. So, pull up a chair—let’s dive in and make a batch of sourdough discard sugar donuts that will leave your family grinning and your kitchen smelling like morning magic. And if you want some inspiration from another great take on sourdough discard donuts, you might like the Sourdough Discard Donuts Recipe – Goodie Godmother, which I checked out early on to get ideas.
Ingredients:

- 1 cup sourdough discard (I always use cold discard straight from the fridge because it holds its texture perfectly in this sourdough discard sugar donuts recipe)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (budget-friendly and versatile, I keep a sack of this handy especially for my sourdough discard sugar donuts dough)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (essential for that sweet dough base that turns into fried sugar donuts)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to help the sourdough discard sugar donuts puff up light and airy)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (adds a subtle lift, balancing the sourdough tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (because even sourdough discard sugar donuts need a pinch of seasoning)
- 1 large egg (for binding, which I never skip in my sourdough discard sugar donuts)
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind works here; whole milk gives my sourdough discard sugar donuts a rich softness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (injects a cozy warmth I adore in sourdough discard sugar donuts)
- Neutral oil for frying (I use vegetable oil to keep the flavor clean and the frying even)
For the sugar coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for tossing the hot sourdough discard sugar donuts right after frying)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (my family loves a cinnamon twist on these sourdough discard sugar donuts)
By the way, if you’re curious about sugar choices in baking or want tricks to tweak sugar levels without losing flavor in your sourdough discard sugar donuts, I highly recommend this brown sugar info guide. It’s helped me understand how sugars play their part perfectly.
Making this ingredient list is like prepping ingredients for a cozy weekend morning. I’ve tested substitutions here too—if you’re dairy-free, almond milk works great for these sourdough discard sugar donuts, and coconut sugar can swap for granulated sugar, though it slightly changes the finish. Always handy to know since my household sometimes shifts dietary preferences on the fly.
How to Make – Step by Step
- Mix your dry ingredients together first—flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Getting the dry mix ready for these sourdough discard sugar donuts makes the later steps smoother.
- Whisk your wet ingredients separately: the sourdough discard (cold from the fridge!), egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Combining these flavors early sets the tone for the tangy sweetness in your sourdough discard sugar donuts.
- Fold the wet into dry gently. My tip is to mix just until combined—don’t overwork it or your sourdough discard sugar donuts will turn tough. The dough should be soft but pliable, a bit sticky.
- Roll out the dough: lightly flour your surface and roll it out about 1/2 inch thick. I use a donut cutter for neat circles, but a glass and a bottle cap work just fine for making sourdough discard sugar donuts by hand.
- Heat your oil to 350°F. This temperature is the sweet spot for frying sourdough discard sugar donuts—too cool, and they absorb too much oil; too hot, and they brown too fast outside but stay raw inside. I use a candy thermometer to stay precise.
- Fry the sourdough discard sugar donuts in batches: about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. You’ll hear a lively sizzle when they hit the oil—that’s the cue your sourdough discard sugar donuts are cooking properly.
- Drain and coat: remove the sourdough discard sugar donuts with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels briefly, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mix while still warm. This step is my favorite—the sugar clings beautifully thanks to the residual oil.
If you want extra tips on frying and dough prep for sourdough discard sugar donuts, I found these frying tips and tricks on the Sourdough Discard Donuts Recipe and Frying Tips Facebook group invaluable when I was perfecting my method.
Putting together this sourdough discard sugar donuts recipe always feels like weaving a little magic in my kitchen, even if the dough needs a gentle hand or the oil acts up. Every batch has its quirks, but the sweet, fried warmth makes all the waiting worth it.
Serving & Enjoying:

I have to confess, sourdough discard sugar donuts shine brightest straight from the pan. My youngest loves to dip them in a swipe of homemade jam while my husband prefers his with a strong cup of black coffee—the perfect pairing for these tangy, fried sugar donuts.
For family gatherings or lazy weekend breakfasts, sourdough discard sugar donuts always bring smiles. Their dusting of cinnamon sugar lets them feel like a treat without turning into a sugar overload, which works well if you’re juggling little ones with sweet tooths but mindful habits.
When serving sourdough discard sugar donuts, I love to arrange them on a big plate or cake stand—makes them look irresistible. If I want to jazz them up for company, a drizzle of glaze or sprinkles of powdered sugar add just enough sparkle. For more ideas on presenting fried sugar donuts, check out this Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts recipe; it gives me inspo for variety.
Leftovers? They don’t hang around long here, but I’ve found gently reheated sourdough discard sugar donuts retain their tender crumb. My teens sometimes slice them open, add a smear of peanut butter, and call it dessert. Every family has their secret twist!
Guests often ask for this sourdough discard sugar donuts recipe because they remember the warm, nostalgic smell filling the room. It’s such a lovely thing to pass around—part comfort, part sweetness, all kinds of home.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I freeze sourdough discard sugar donuts?
Absolutely! Freeze them after frying and cooling. When you want a quick treat, pop your frozen sourdough discard sugar donuts in the oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes. I’ve done this a ton when life’s busy, and the flavor holds up nicely.Q2: What’s the best sourdough discard to use in these sugar donuts?
I find unflavored, fridge-cold sourdough discard works best for these sourdough discard sugar donuts. I avoid overly fermented discard as it can make the dough too tangy or loose. This tip saved me after a batch went overly sour!Q3: Can I bake instead of fry sourdough discard sugar donuts?
Yes, though frying gives that perfect crispy outside and tender inside for sourdough discard sugar donuts. Baking is healthier but yields a different texture—so if you try baking, lower the oven temp to 350°F and brush with butter to mimic that fried richness. This Sourdough discard cinnamon sugar cake donuts is a fantastic baked option you might like.Q4: What’s the best oil for frying sourdough discard sugar donuts?
I always use vegetable oil—neutral flavor and good smoke point. I’ve made these sourdough discard sugar donuts with canola oil too, but olive oil’s flavor can overpower the sweet dough.Q5: Why are my sourdough discard sugar donuts heavy or dense?
Likely overmixing or oil too hot. Overmixing activates gluten, making your sourdough discard sugar donuts tough instead of tender. Make sure to fold gently and fry at 350°F for that light texture.Q6: Can I add flavors like chocolate or fruit to sourdough discard sugar donuts?
Yes! I’ve mixed cocoa powder into the dough and even folded in some zest. Chopped berries are trickier because the dough’s sticky, but for a fun twist, adding cinnamon or nutmeg works wonders.Q7: How long can I keep sourdough discard sugar donuts?
They’re best fresh but will keep airtight at room temperature for 2 days—though my family never lets them last that long. Leftovers taste best gently warmed.
If you want to dive deeper into common sourdough discard sugar donuts questions, the community at Sourdough Discard Donuts Recipe – Goodie Godmother is a friendly spot with lots of tips.
Closing:
This sourdough discard sugar donuts recipe really feels like a little family heirloom in the making. Every time I fry up a batch, I think of those early mornings when I was just trying not to waste my beloved sourdough discard. That tiny kitchen win turned into a ritual that fills our home with warmth, snack-time joy, and lots of laughter.
My Personal sourdough discard sugar donuts Tips:
1. Always measure your oil temperature carefully.
2. Don’t overmix the dough—tenderness beats gluten toughness here.
3. Toss the hot doughnut rings immediately in sugar for the best coating.
I’ve tried variations like plain sugar, cinnamon sugar, and even adding a glaze, tailoring the sourdough discard sugar donuts to everyone’s unique preferences. My youngest loves them extra sweet with a chocolate drizzle, while my husband sticks to the classic cinnamon sugar.
I really hope this sourdough discard sugar donuts recipe inspires you to turn your discard into delicious moments—because sourdough discard is too good to waste. If you give this recipe a go, I’d love to hear how your family reacts! And for a quick alternative, don’t miss my Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts, a fun close cousin to this sourdough discard sugar donuts recipe.
Happy frying and sweet sharing, friend!
sourdough discard sugar donuts
These sourdough discard sugar donuts are a delicious way to reduce waste while enjoying soft, fluffy fried treats coated in cinnamon sugar. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into small rounds or donut shapes.
- Carefully fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the donuts and drain on paper towels.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. While warm, roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a fun twist, try glazing the donuts with a simple vanilla glaze or adding sprinkles after coating in cinnamon sugar.

