If you have a craving for something irresistibly nostalgic and utterly comforting, then this Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe is absolutely for you. These donuts strike the perfect balance between tender crumb and slightly crisp edges, all thanks to the richness of sour cream that makes every bite luxuriously moist. Whether you’re breakfasting, snacking, or indulging in a sweet treat alongside your afternoon coffee, these homemade donuts bring a warm touch of Americana straight to your kitchen. They’re classic, simple, and truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, these ingredients come together to create a donut that’s fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly textured. Each component plays a key role, from the tang in the sour cream to the warm hint of nutmeg that brings depth and nostalgia to every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and body to your donuts.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the donuts rise beautifully, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warm spice that’s classic in old fashioned donuts.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetness that also helps create that slightly crisp crust.
- Unsalted butter, softened (2 tablespoons): Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Large egg yolks (2): Provide moisture and aid in binding the dough.
- Sour cream (2/3 cup): The secret ingredient that keeps the donuts unbelievably moist and tender inside.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral oil that reaches the perfect temperature for frying without overpowering flavors.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups, for glaze): Sweet, smooth coating to finish the donuts.
- Milk (1/4 cup, for glaze): Creates the ideal glaze consistency for dipping.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, for glaze): Adds a wonderful aromatic note to the glaze.
How to Make Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This combo sets the stage for the perfect texture and flavor balance in your donuts.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture looks crumbly and well combined. This step ensures a tender crumb and a touch of sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Sour Cream
Next, stir in the egg yolks until smooth, then mix in the sour cream. The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that’s signature to this Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms. This dough is soft and a bit tacky—that’s exactly what you want for a tender donut!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling firms it up, which makes it easier to roll out and cut without sticking.
Step 6: Shape Your Donuts
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about half an inch thick. Use a floured donut cutter to cut out your donuts, rerolling scraps to maximize the yield. This keeps things fun and hands-on!
Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat around two inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 325°F (165°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 8: Glaze Your Donuts
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze and let them rest on a wire rack to set. This glaze adds that classic sweet shine and flavor that makes these donuts so special.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
While the traditional glaze is perfection on its own, you can jazz things up by sprinkling a little cinnamon sugar, crushed nuts, or even a light dusting of cocoa powder. Fresh berries on the side add a pop of color and freshness if you want a fruity twist.
Side Dishes
Donuts and coffee are a timeless match, so serve with your favorite brew—be it rich espresso or a creamy latte. For a brunch feel, pair these donuts with a bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to balance sweet and smooth textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, arrange the donuts on a tiered cake stand during a brunch or party. You can also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the glazed donuts for extra decadence. Mini holiday-themed sprinkles turn them into festive treats that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any donuts left over (though that’s rare!), keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within two days to maintain that ideal softness and glaze shine.
Freezing
You can freeze these donuts to enjoy later—wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen donuts keep well for up to a month and are a handy treat whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen donuts at room temperature or warm them gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds. If you want to refresh the glaze, simply dip the warm donut in extra glaze or sprinkle a little powdered sugar. This quick step revives their just-made charm.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream instead of sour cream?
Sour cream is key to this recipe because it provides moisture and a slight tang that balances sweetness and creates a tender crumb. Using regular cream won’t give the same texture or flavor, so sour cream is highly recommended.
Why is the oil temperature important?
Keeping the oil at 325°F ensures the donuts cook evenly and develop that beautifully crisp exterior without absorbing too much oil. Too low, and they’ll become greasy; too high, and they might brown too quickly without cooking through.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
While the recipe is designed for frying to achieve the classic texture and flavor, you can try baking them at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. However, expect a different texture—baked donuts will be lighter and less crisp.
How do I keep the glaze from melting off?
Dipping the donuts when they are warm but not hot helps the glaze adhere nicely. Let the glaze set on a wire rack at room temperature; if the donuts are too warm, the glaze may drip off faster.
Can I make these donuts vegan?
Traditional recipes like this rely on eggs, butter, and sour cream, so to make a vegan version, you’d need to substitute with plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind this will change the texture and flavor, but with some experimentation, you can achieve a delicious vegan version.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing an Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe with those you love. The joy in the process, the warm aroma filling your kitchen, and that first bite of tender, sweet donut glazed to perfection make it all worthwhile. Don’t hesitate to give this classic recipe a whirl—you might just find it becoming your new favorite homemade treat!
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Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts are delightfully tender and moist with a classic crackly glaze. Made with simple ingredients and fried to golden perfection, they offer a nostalgic homemade treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and softened butter together until the mixture is crumbly. Add the egg yolks and continue mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dough: Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
- Roll and Cut Doughnuts: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a floured donut cutter to cut out donuts, rerolling scraps as needed to use all the dough.
- Heat Oil: In a heavy pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 325°F (165°C). Maintaining this temperature is essential for proper frying.
- Fry Donuts: Fry the donuts in batches, cooking each side for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until smooth and lump-free.
- Glaze Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set before serving.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature at 325°F for the classic crackly texture and even cooking.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days without losing texture.
