There’s something delightfully comforting about a tray of warm, sugar-dusted donuts emerging from the oven on a slow morning. These quick baked sourdough donuts are an easy way to transform your leftover starter into a cozy small batch treat that’s both nostalgic and practical. Using sourdough discard adds gentle tang and moisture, giving the donuts a tender crumb without any deep-frying. Rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar, they deliver all the classic flavor in a lighter, quicker form—perfect for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up. Ideal for anyone seeking quick sourdough recipes easy enough for everyday baking.
The Story Behind These Quick Baked Sourdough Donuts
A Warm Memory of Weekend Baking
It started on a quiet Saturday morning when I found myself with an overflowing jar of sourdough discard and a craving for something freshly baked. The smell of coffee lingered in the kitchen, and instead of pulling out the frying oil for a typical donut batch, I reached for my donut pan. The idea of sourdough discard donuts felt like the perfect solution—an indulgent yet simple way to cut waste and create joy.
What emerged from the oven was pure coziness: soft, golden rings dusted in baked sugar donuts’ signature cinnamon-sweet sparkle. The aroma filled the room, warm and spicy, wrapping around the quiet hum of weekend life. I loved that this small batch treat didn’t demand a large commitment—just enough for two or three people to share. For those moments when comfort calls but time (or appetite) is limited, baked sourdough donuts became my new go-to ritual. They deliver that same nostalgic satisfaction but without oil splatter or heavy cleanup—just gentle sweetness and a fragrant crunch of cinnamon sugar.
Sourdough discard is the portion of starter you remove during feeding—often a byproduct that many home bakers struggle to use efficiently. But in quick recipes like these baked donuts, it becomes a secret weapon. Its mild tang adds depth to each bite, balancing the sweetness of the baked sourdough donuts with subtle complexity. It also contributes moisture, yielding soft and tender crumb interiors that stay fresh longer than most standard batters.
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Quick Baked Sourdough Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar – Small Batch Treat
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 donuts 1x
Description
These quick baked sourdough donuts use discard for a tender, tangy crumb and are coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar layer. Perfect for a cozy brunch or breakfast, this small batch recipe yields 6 to 8 soft, flavorful donuts without any frying or proofing.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a six-cavity donut pan
2. Whisk together flour baking powder cinnamon nutmeg and salt in a medium bowl
3. In a separate bowl whisk sourdough discard melted butter sugar egg and milk until smooth
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined without overmixing
5. Transfer batter to a piping bag or spoon and fill each donut cavity two thirds full
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until tops spring back lightly and edges are pale golden
7. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack
8. Stir sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl and melt butter in another dish
9. Brush each warm donut with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar until coated
10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
Keywords: quick baked sourdough donuts, sourdough discard donuts, small batch treat, baked sugar donuts, quick sourdough recipes easy, sourdough donut recipe baked
Beyond its flavor, sourdough discard embodies the essence of sustainable baking. Instead of tossing it away, you can fold it into quick sourdough recipes easy enough for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings. There’s no complicated fermentation step here—just mix, pour, and bake. It’s a practical, no-waste approach that feels both efficient and wholesome. Whether you’re maintaining an active starter or just love exploring new textures in baked goods, sourdough discard truly shines in this application. Its natural acidity keeps the donuts light, mildly tangy, and uniquely satisfying—proof that every spoonful of discard can become something delicious.
Ingredients and Tools for the Perfect Small Batch Treat
Essential Ingredients for Sourdough Donuts
Making quick baked sourdough donuts doesn’t require anything fancy—just a few pantry staples and that reliable jar of sourdough discard waiting in the fridge. Each ingredient has a simple role, from creating structure and tenderness to imparting warmth and sweetness. Below is a small batch recipe designed to yield about six to eight donuts—perfect for sharing without excess.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Substitution Ideas | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sourdough discard | ½ cup (120g) | Active starter or yogurt (for subtle tang) | Adds flavor depth, mild acidity, and keeps donuts moist. |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup (125g) | Whole wheat pastry flour for a heartier bite | Provides structure and light crumb texture. |
| Butter, melted | 3 tbsp | Coconut oil or plant-based butter | Contributes richness and tender texture. |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Light brown sugar for caramel notes | Sweetens the batter and aids golden color. |
| Egg | 1 large | Flax egg for egg-free baking | Binds ingredients and adds lightness. |
| Milk | ¼ cup | Any plant-based milk | Helps create a smooth, pourable batter. |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | — | Ensures lift and soft crumb in baked donuts. |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | Increase or combine with cardamom for variation | Adds warmth and cozy flavor. |
| Nutmeg | ¼ tsp | Skip or substitute with allspice | Enhances the “bakery” aroma. |
| Salt | ⅛ tsp | — | Balances sweetness and sharpens flavor. |
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Melted butter | 2 tbsp | Acts as glue for the sugar mixture. |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Adjust for desired sweetness. |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Classic flavor pairing with sourdough donut texture. |
This ingredient base supports countless variations of sourdough discard donuts and baked sugar donuts—easy to customize whether you crave citrus brightness or deeper spice warmth.
Simple Tools That Make a Difference
You don’t need a professional bakery setup to make these quick sourdough recipes easy to execute. A few well-chosen tools streamline the process and guarantee consistently shaped, tender donuts.
- Donut Pan: A non-stick six-well donut pan works best for this sourdough donut recipe baked. If you use a 12-cavity pan, halve the recipe to keep uniform size. Silicone molds or mini pans work too—just reduce baking time.
- Mixing Bowls and Whisk: One for dry ingredients, one for wet ensures even distribution without overmixing. A whisk aerates and blends spices smoothly.
- Piping Bag or Spoon: A piping bag (or zip-top bag) offers neat filling. Spoon-filling also works—just smooth tops slightly before baking.
- Silicone Brush: Ideal for brushing melted butter evenly, ensuring a uniform cinnamon sugar coat. Easy to clean and heat-resistant.
- Cooling Rack: Keeps donuts from absorbing steam underneath, preserving that soft yet crisp texture typical of baked sugar donuts.
- Time-Saving Tip: Lightly grease pans for effortless release and tidy results. Keeping a damp towel nearby simplifies mid-batch cleanup.
These small adjustments ensure your quick sourdough donut recipe baked stays efficient, approachable, and mess-free even on the busiest mornings.
Step-by-Step Baking Method for Soft and Fluffy Donuts
Mixing and Baking the Donuts
This sourdough donut recipe baked is incredibly straightforward—perfect for both new bakers and seasoned pros seeking a small batch treat that’s ready fast. The tang from sourdough discard creates balance and gentle lift without time-consuming fermenting.
- Preheat and Prepare: Warm oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan lightly and place it on a baking sheet for even handling.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until mixed thoroughly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together sourdough discard, butter, sugar, egg, and milk for a creamy blend.
- Bring Together: Add wet to dry ingredients, stirring just until smooth. Overmixing can toughen the texture, so stop when combined.
- Fill Wells: Pipe or spoon batter to fill each cavity two-thirds full. Smooth tops so they bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes until golden and springy. This quick sourdough recipes easy approach takes donuts from bowl to plate in under 30 minutes.
- Cool Slightly: Let rest for 5 minutes, then move to a rack—soft inside, delicately firm outside, ready for coating.
Coating with the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Layer
The cinnamon sugar finish makes these sourdough discard donuts sparkle and enhances flavor with warmth and crunch.
- Mix Coating: Blend sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt butter separately.
- Brush and Roll: While donuts are warm, brush with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar until evenly covered.
- Customize: Adjust cinnamon-to-sugar ratio, or add seasonal spices for depth. A touch of brown sugar brings caramel richness.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy right away or keep in an airtight container up to two days. Refresh in a 300°F (150°C) oven for five minutes when ready to serve again.
The final result—baked sugar donuts with tender centers and aromatic spice—showcases how beautifully sourdough discard can elevate everyday baking.
Tips, FAQs, and Conclusion
FAQs About Baked Sourdough Donuts
1. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes. Once cooled, store sourdough discard donuts airtight. Reheat gently for that warm, just-baked texture. The sourdough donut recipe baked is designed to stay moist longer than traditional ones.
2. How long do they stay fresh?
They’re best the first day but last up to two days sealed at room temperature. Sourdough discard keeps them naturally soft—a bonus for quick sourdough recipes easy that last beyond breakfast.
3. Can I fry instead of bake?
You can—try pan-frying each side 30–45 seconds for a crispier edge—but baking keeps them lighter and simpler to clean.
4. What other sugar coatings work well?
Powdered sugar, vanilla glaze, or cocoa sugar all fit this quick baked sourdough donuts style. Try seasonal twists with pumpkin spice or espresso sugar too.
5. Can I use active starter instead of discard?
Yes, though reduce milk slightly since active starter is looser. The flavor deepens subtly—but still fits the easy sourdough donut recipe baked format perfectly.
Conclusion – A Small Batch Donut Recipe Worth Keeping
There’s a unique pleasure in baking quick baked sourdough donuts that sparkle with cinnamon sugar. They’re soft inside, gently crisp outside—a comforting small batch treat ready whenever a craving hits. Simplicity meets tradition here: minimal cleanup, no waste, and plenty of warmth.
Each golden ring embodies what makes homemade baking special—creativity, comfort, and care. Let these baked sugar donuts remind you how sourdough discard can turn even a little leftover starter into something beautifully satisfying. This humble recipe is both a time-saver and a keeper—quick to make, delightful to share, and destined to be a favorite.
