Description

Sour Cream Donuts are moist, tender, and richly flavored donuts made with pantry staples and sour cream which adds a subtle tang and soft crumb. This easy-to-make recipe produces donuts perfect for frying or baking, offering versatile finishing options like glaze, cinnamon sugar, or powdered sugar for a delightful treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1 cup sour cream (use plant-based for vegan)
2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter)
1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying

Oil for frying (neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil)

Finishing Options

Powdered sugar
Cinnamon sugar mixture
Vanilla or maple glaze
Melted chocolate or crushed nuts (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional spices. In a separate bowl, blend the wet ingredients including sour cream, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
Roll and cut the donuts: Lightly flour a work surface and roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donut shapes. Gather the scraps and re-roll as needed, being careful not to overwork the dough.
Fry to golden perfection: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry a few donuts at a time, cooking each side for 1-2 minutes until golden and puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
Add finishing touch: While still warm, dip the donuts in glaze, toss in cinnamon sugar, or dust with powdered sugar. Optionally, drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle crushed nuts for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and smooth batter.
Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough donuts.
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to achieve crisp texture and reduce oil absorption.
Drain donuts well on paper towels to avoid sogginess.
Enjoy them fresh the day they are made for the best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 220
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg