Sourdough Discard Donuts Baked to Golden Perfection

My Story with Sourdough Discard Donuts

The first time I made sourdough discard donuts, I was skeptical. No oil? No frying? But it was a rainy Sunday, and I had extra sourdough starter and a donut pan begging for a purpose. The smell that drifted from my oven after just 15 minutes? Sweet, cinnamon-kissed magic. These baked sourdough donuts have become a staple in my kitchen—not just because they’re healthier, but because they’re honestly more delicious. Soft, fluffy, and slightly tangy from the discard, they’re the kind of treat that makes you feel like a weekend baker even on a Monday morning.

Sourdough Discard Donuts Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 100g (½ cup) sourdough discard
• 2 large eggs
• 60g (¼ cup) melted butter
• 120ml (½ cup) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Topping (Optional but encouraged)

• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing

Want to try a chocolate variation? Replace 2 tbsp flour with unsweetened cocoa powder and skip the cinnamon.

How to Bake Sourdough Discard Donuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk sourdough discard, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until no flour streaks remain—don’t overmix.
5. Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool for 5 minutes, then remove donuts and place on a wire rack.
8. Brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar while still warm.

These baked sourdough donuts are best served fresh but hold up well for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for Perfect Donuts

Get the Texture Right

• Don’t overmix the batter—overworked dough creates tough donuts.
• Room temperature eggs and milk make for better texture.
• For extra rise, use discard that’s only 1–2 days old.

Bake Like a Pro

• Use a piping bag for a neat donut shape.
• Want a glazed version? Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk and dip once cooled.
• Prefer mini donuts? Reduce baking time by 2–3 minutes.

Try these next: sourdough discard muffins or our cozy sourdough banana fritters.

Storage & Freezing Sourdough Donuts

Storage Tips

• Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration will dry them out—only refrigerate if topped with dairy-based glaze.

Freezing Instructions

To reheat, microwave for 10 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs About Sourdough Discard Donuts

Can you make doughnuts from sourdough?
Yes! You can use sourdough starter or discard to make yeasted or quick-style donuts. In this recipe, discard provides a subtle tang and tender texture, no fermentation required.

What can you make with sourdough discards?
You can turn discard into cookies, muffins, pancakes, crackers, and of course baked donuts. Explore more ideas on our sourdough discard recipes page.

What’s the difference between sourdough donuts and regular donuts?
Sourdough donuts often have a slight tang, softer crumb, and better shelf life. They’re often lighter and made with discard rather than commercial yeast.

Are sourdough donuts healthy?
While still a treat, baked sourdough donuts are lighter than fried versions. Plus, sourdough discard adds natural fermentation benefits and helps reduce food waste.

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking on a lazy weekend or need a midweek pick-me-up, these baked sourdough discard donuts are the answer. Light, golden, and sugar-dusted, they deliver on flavor without the fryer. If you’ve got a jar of starter discard sitting in the fridge, don’t toss it—transform it. Grab your donut pan, and let your sourdough starter shine one sweet circle at a time.

Want more ideas like this? Browse all sourdough breakfast recipes or explore sourdough discard cookies next.