This Glazed Sourdough Donuts recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and features the simplicity of frying for a quick and easy treat that your family is sure to adore! Switch up the toppings and fillings to suit your taste or even use it as a way to clean out your pantry. I mean, who doesn’t love a sweet donut to start the day?
Ingredient Breakdown
- Sourdough Starter : 1 cup (250g) 100% hydration sourdough starter
- Whole Milk : 1/2 cup (115g) whole milk
- Egg : 1 large egg
- Raw Cane Sugar : 1/4 cup (55g) raw cane sugar
- Unsalted Butter : 1/4 cup (50g) melted unsalted butter
- Vanilla Extract : 1 teaspoon (3g) vanilla
- 1 teaspoon (4g) salt
- 2 1/4 cups (290g) organic bread flour
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1-3 cups coconut oil (enough for frying)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by mixing together your sourdough starter, whole milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir until combined, and then add the salt and flour, mixing until a sticky dough forms. It should be cohesive yet still a bit tacky to the touch.
Step 2: Strengthen the Dough
Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic. You should feel the dough becoming less sticky and much more manageable. This step is crucial for developing the gluten and gives you that delightful chew in your donuts!
Step 3: Bulk Rise
Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. You’re looking for it to roughly double in size, just keep your eyes on it. When you come back, you’ll be hit with that lovely smell of yeast coming alive!
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles for the donuts, and then use a smaller cutter (or a shot glass!) to make the holes in the center. Don’t forget to save those donut holes; they’re just as tasty!
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the cut donuts on parchment paper or a baking sheet, and cover them again. Allow them to rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully!
Step 6: Frying the Donuts
While your donuts are doing their second rise, it’s time to heat the coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. You want it to reach about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts a few at a time, don’t overcrowd the pot! Fry for 1-2 minutes each side or until golden brown. It’s so satisfying to watch them bubble and sizzle!
Step 7: Glaze It Up!
Once all the donuts are fried and cooled slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dunk those donuts in the glaze and let the excess drip off. You can sprinkle some extra toppings like sprinkles or crushed nuts if you’re feeling extra fancy!
Step 8: Enjoy!
The moment of joy is here! Serve these incredible glazed sourdough donuts warm, with a side of coffee or milk. They’re simply irresistible!

My Go-To Recipe for Sweet Treats
This is my go-to recipe when I’m in need of a little something sweet to brighten up my day! You can’t help but smile when you smell those donuts cooking away, it’s definitely comfort food at its finest. And the best part is, you can customize them however you like! I’m a real sucker for donuts, and having this easy recipe on hand? Total game changer.
If you loved this glazed sourdough donuts recipe, be sure to check out my Sourdough Raspberry Lemon Rolls, my Sourdough Pretzel Bites, or my Sourdough Blueberry Bagels!
Why This Recipe Works
Comfort Food
These glazed sourdough donuts are loaded with tons of flavor and they truly bring back images of childhood, dunking them in coffee with a friend or savoring them on lazy Saturday mornings.
Quick & Easy
Comes together in about 30 minutes you can whip them up on a whim! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Customizable
This recipe is so flexible! Whether you want chocolate glaze, maple syrup drizzle, or even fun colorful sprinkles, the possibilities are endless. Use whatever ingredients you have on hand!
Sourdough Goodness
Using sourdough starter not only makes for a great-tasting donut but also helps you utilize that starter before it gets too out of control. No waste here!
Fun for the Whole Family
This is a fantastic recipe to get the kids involved with; they’ll love forming the donuts (and eating them, of course!). It can turn into a fun family activity that everyone will enjoy.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
These donuts are perfect alongside a warm cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk. They also make for a delightful dessert at family gatherings!
Storage
Store your leftover glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, they’ll still be good but may lose a bit of their incredible freshness.
Reheating Instructions
If they start to sit around, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up before serving again!
Freezer Friendly? Yes!
You can freeze these glazed donuts! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid and then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature and glaze when ready to serve.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sourdough starter and let’s make some amazing glazed sourdough donuts that your family will love!
Remember: A delicious recipe can be a warm hug on a plate and the best part? You made it yourself. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!

Glazed Sourdough Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the sourdough starter, whole milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and sugar until well combined.
- Add salt and flour, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll out dough to about 1/2 inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Use a round cutter to cut out circles for donuts, and a smaller cutter to make holes in the center.
- Place cut donuts on parchment paper and cover to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully fry donuts for 1-2 minutes each side until golden brown.
- Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth for the glaze.
- Dunk fried donuts in the glaze and let excess drip off.
- Serve warm with coffee or milk; enjoy your delicious donuts!