Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are the ultimate way to turn your sourdough discard into something magical—soft, golden, and infused with warm spice. This easy Homemade Baked Donuts Recipe walks you through every step, from gathering ingredients to baking, coating, and serving. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting with sourdough, you’ll love how simple it is to make bakery-quality Baked Sugar Donuts right at home. With a delightfully crisp exterior, tender crumb, and a cozy aroma of cinnamon, this guide will help you create irresistible donuts that taste fresh and comforting every single time.

Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – Easy Homemade Baked Donuts Recipe

Why Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Are Everyone’s Favorite

A Cozy Morning Memory with Sourdough Donuts

Imagine waking up on a cool Saturday morning. The kitchen feels warm, the oven hums softly, and the scent of cinnamon and butter fills the air. You pour a cup of coffee, and right there on the counter sit golden, sugar-dusted donuts. That’s the essence of Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts—comfort in every bite.

These donuts bring back memories of home baking, where sweetness meets a hint of spice and everything feels simple again. Baking them is as much about the experience as it is about the taste. You mix, pour, wait, and then watch as the donuts rise beautifully in the oven, filling your home with that nostalgic warmth that only baked cinnamon sugar can create.

Every batch of Homemade Cinnamon Donuts tells a story—of slowing down, of savoring homemade goodness, and of rediscovering joy in simple kitchen rituals. Whether you’re baking for family brunch or treating yourself after a long week, this recipe delivers that cozy, bakery-fresh magic without the need for frying or complicated equipment. This isn’t just another Baked Sugar Donut—it’s your weekend tradition in the making, one that feels both familiar and wonderfully rewarding.

The Magic of Using Sourdough Discard

One of the best parts of this Homemade Baked Donuts Recipe Easy version is how it uses sourdough discard in the most delicious way possible. If you bake bread regularly, you know that sourdough starter often needs to be fed, leaving behind excess discard. Instead of tossing it away, this recipe transforms that byproduct into tender, slightly tangy donuts that are impossible to resist.

The sourdough discard not only enhances the flavor but also adds moisture and depth to the dough. The natural acidity creates a balanced sweetness when paired with cinnamon and sugar, giving each bite a pleasant complexity that fried donuts often lack. It’s the secret ingredient that turns an ordinary donut into something truly special.

Baking instead of frying means your kitchen stays clean and the donuts come out lighter—perfect for an everyday treat or a guilt-free indulgence. With a touch of nutmeg, a swirl of vanilla, and that crunchy cinnamon sugar coating, these donuts are proof that sustainable baking can be every bit as indulgent as it is resourceful.

Once you try baking with sourdough discard, you’ll find yourself saving that jar with excitement, knowing another batch of Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts is just around the corner. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, comfort, and flavor—all rolled into homemade simplicity.

Ingredients & Baking Tools for Homemade Baked Donuts

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Sourdough Discard Donuts

Every great Homemade Baked Donuts Recipe starts with a thoughtful combination of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each element contributes to the texture, flavor, and comforting aroma that make these Sourdough Discard Donuts irresistible. Below is a simple ingredient table along with helpful notes and options to make this Spiced Donut Recipe work perfectly in your kitchen.

Ingredient	Purpose & Notes
1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)	Adds subtle tang and moisture to the donuts; make sure it’s at room temperature.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour	Forms the donut’s structure; you can substitute half whole wheat for a heartier version.
¾ cup granulated sugar	Gives sweetness and helps the donuts brown beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking powder	Provides an airy rise since these are baked.
½ teaspoon baking soda	Works with the discard’s acidity for lift.
½ teaspoon salt	Balances the sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon	Delivers that signature cinnamon-sugar flavor.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg	Enhances warmth and complexity—the secret to Baked Sugar Donuts.
2 large eggs	Add richness; for egg-free use flaxseed meal mixed with water.
½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)	Keeps donuts soft and moist.
4 tablespoons melted butter	Provides tenderness and buttery flavor; coconut oil also works.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)	Enhances aroma and warmth.
A pinch of cloves or allspice (optional)	Adds a cozy autumn twist for a Spiced Donut Recipe variation.

Ingredient Tips:

Sourdough discard can be from your last feeding—it doesn’t need to be fresh.
Swap a bit of milk for sour cream or yogurt for richer donuts.
Reduce sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness—let the coating shine.
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free donuts.

Kitchen Tools That Make Baking Easier

A batch of Homemade Baked Donuts Recipe Easy style doesn’t call for fancy equipment—just reliable tools that make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need for those soft, golden Baked Sugar Donuts straight from your oven.

Mixing Bowls: Have separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk & Spatula: A whisk blends evenly; a silicone spatula folds discard gently.
Donut Pan: The key to shaping perfect baked donuts. Nonstick preferred. Use a muffin pan with foil molds if needed.
Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag: Makes filling each cavity evenly easy.
Cooling Rack: Prevents steaming for lightly crisp exteriors.
Pastry Brush: Perfect for applying melted butter before coating in cinnamon sugar.

Pro Tips:

Grease the donut pan thoroughly for easy release.
Fill each cavity two-thirds full for even rise.
Work neatly with a piping bag to avoid overflow.
Avoid overmixing to keep texture light.
Prepare coating while donuts bake for faster finishing.

No fancy gear needed—just simple tools and patience. This Homemade Baked Donuts Recipe Easy approach ensures anyone can create warm, aromatic Sourdough Discard Donuts anytime the craving strikes.

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Making the Batter the Right Way

Now that everything is prepped, let’s move to mixing. Making the batter for these Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts is quick and straightforward.

Preheat & Prep: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan lightly with butter or oil.
Dry Mix: In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and any optional spices.
Wet Mix: In another bowl, whisk eggs, butter, milk, vanilla, and sugar until smooth and light.
Add Discard: Stir the sourdough discard into the wet mixture until fully combined.
Combine: Pour wet into dry and fold gently until just blended. Batter should be thick but scoopable.
Rest: Let the batter sit 10–15 minutes to hydrate for softer donuts.
Fill: Pipe or spoon batter into donut molds about two-thirds full. This ensures proper rise and shape.

Baking, Coating & Serving Tips

Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes until donuts spring back lightly when touched and are just golden. Avoid overbaking.
Cool: Cool 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a rack.
Make Coating: Mix ½ cup sugar with 1–2 teaspoons cinnamon. Add nutmeg or cardamom for a spiced variation.
Brush & Coat: Brush warm donuts with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar until fully covered.
Serve: Enjoy fresh with coffee, cocoa, or brunch spreads. The light tang and warm cinnamon aroma make them irresistible.

Expert Tips:

Storage: Store in airtight container up to 2 days; refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Reheating: Warm 10–15 seconds in microwave or 5 minutes in 300°F oven.
Make-Ahead: Bake the night before and coat before serving for a fresh finish.
Optional Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk for a drizzle if desired.

These Homemade Cinnamon Donuts strike the perfect balance of spice, tang, and sweetness. Fluffy inside, crisp outside, and coated in sugar—they’re proof that bakery-quality Baked Sugar Donuts can be simple to make at home. Each warm batch makes your kitchen smell amazing and your morning feel special.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I fry these instead of baking?

Yes. Heat neutral oil to around 350°F and fry each donut for 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Baking, however, keeps them lighter and lets the tangy flavor of Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts shine.

2. How long does sourdough discard last?

Sourdough discard lasts up to one week refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before using for the best texture.

3. Can I make them dairy-free or egg-free?

Yes. Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use melted coconut oil instead of butter. Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a plant-based option.

4. How do I store leftover donuts?

Keep Baked Sugar Donuts in an airtight container for up to two days or refrigerate for a few extra days. Avoid sealing them warm—it softens the coating.

5. What’s the best way to reheat?

Warm donuts in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly until soft and fragrant again.

The Joy of Homemade Sourdough Donuts

Baking Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts turns leftovers into an indulgent treat. These golden spiced donuts combine homemade comfort with sustainable baking. They’re ideal for brunch, dessert, or simply to brighten your weekend routine.

Each donut carries warmth from cinnamon sugar, gentle tang from sourdough, and the satisfaction of creating something special from scratch. This Homemade Baked Donuts Recipe proves you don’t need deep-frying or special tools to enjoy bakery-quality flavor—just a few ingredients and a bit of care.

So go ahead—preheat your oven, reach for that sourdough discard, and fill your home with the aroma of freshly baked donuts. Share them with family or savor one quietly with your morning coffee, and you’ll understand why Sourdough Discard Donuts make homemade baking so rewarding.