Name: Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/3 cups cake flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg; 2 egg yolks, at room temperature; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended); 3 cups confectioners sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup hot water (additional tablespoons as needed to thin glaze)

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

If you have a soft spot for classic treats that bring a comforting smile with every bite, you are going to adore this Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe. Picture warm, tender donuts with a subtle tang from sour cream, perfectly balanced by a sweet, glossy glaze that cracks just right. These donuts are not just a breakfast delight but a nostalgic journey back to simpler days. With a recipe that’s surprisingly straightforward, you’ll find yourself reaching for these time and time again to share with friends and family or to enjoy during a cozy afternoon break.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and a small clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a large white bowl filled with a heap of white flour with a slightly crumbly texture. Above it to the left, a white bowl contains two bright yellow egg yolks mixed with clear egg whites. To the right, a white bowl holds thick white cream with a smooth texture. Next to that is a white bowl filled with granulated white sugar. Below, two small white bowls hold fine white powder, one likely baking soda or powder, and the other some brown spice, possibly cinnamon. Another small clear glass bowl contains a pale yellow cube of butter. The bowls are neatly arranged in an oval shape with a soft gray cloth partially visible to the left side. The overall mood is clean and ready for baking preparation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Trust me, these simple staples come together to give you donuts that are tender, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

2 1/3 cups cake flour: Cake flour’s fine texture ensures a soft, tender crumb for your donuts.
1 1/2 tsp baking powder: This helps give your donuts a lovely rise and fluffy texture.
1 tsp salt: A little salt enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle warmth and traditional donut spice.
2 egg yolks at room temperature: Provides richness and helps create a tender dough.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature: Butter adds flavor and a moist crumb.
1/2 cup white sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering.
1/2 cup sour cream: The star of the recipe, offering tang and moistness that make these donuts unique.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Delivers a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.
Oil, for frying: Essential for that golden, crispy exterior.
3 cups confectioners sugar: The base for the irresistible glaze coating the donuts.
1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Infuses the glaze with a classic vanilla taste.
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for glaze): Adds a subtle richness and sheen to the glaze.
1/4 cup hot water (for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg in a medium bowl. This mixture lays the foundation, making sure your donuts have that subtle spiced flavor and the perfect texture.

Step 2: Beat Butter and Sugar Until Sandy

In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and white sugar until you get a sandy texture. This step is key to incorporating air, which makes your donuts nice and light.

Step 3: Add the Egg Yolks, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Beat in the egg yolks until the mixture is pale and light. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and the sour cream. This combination brings tremendous tang and tenderness to your dough.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients Slowly

Add the dry flour mixture in batches to the wet ingredients, folding it in each time. The dough will be a little sticky, which is totally fine as that moisture ensures soft donuts.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into perfect donut shapes.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your dough chills, combine the confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and hot water in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more hot water to get just the right drizzle-friendly consistency. Set this aside to work its magic later.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured silicone mat, roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Don’t be shy about flouring the surface and rolling pin—it helps prevent sticking.

Step 8: Cut Out Donut Shapes

Use a donut cutter or two circular cookie cutters to cut out your donuts and holes. Gather the scraps, roll again, and keep cutting until the dough is all used.

Step 9: Freeze Before Frying

Place the cut donuts on parchment paper and pop them into the freezer for 10 minutes. This step helps the donuts hold their shape while frying and prevents them from absorbing too much oil.

Step 10: Fry Until Golden and Dip in Glaze

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed wok to frying temperature. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and deliciously crisp. Drain excess oil, then immediately dip each donut into the glaze. Place glazed donuts on a rack and let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before diving in.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe

The image shows a pile of nine glazed donuts stacked in layers on crinkled white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. The donuts have a shiny, light brown color with a thin layer of shiny glaze. Scattered around the donuts are five small round donut holes with the same glaze and color. At the top right corner, there is a white plate with two glazed donuts, and at the bottom left corner, there is another white plate with multiple glazed donut holes. The overall look is soft and sweet with a slightly shiny texture from the glaze. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Feel free to personalize your donuts with a dusting of cinnamon sugar, a sprinkling of chopped nuts, or even tiny edible flowers for a whimsical touch. Each garnish brings a new layer of flavor and visual appeal that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

These donuts love company! Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee, spiced chai, or creamy hot chocolate for a classic breakfast or snack combo that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a small tower of donuts on a pretty plate with fresh berries and whipped cream for a decadent brunch idea. Or serve them alongside a bowl of fresh fruit to balance sweetness with brightness and add some nutritional oomph.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any donuts left (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze might soften slightly, but the donuts remain tender and tasty.

Freezing

You can freeze the plain, unfrosted donuts after they’ve been cut out and slightly frozen—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, fry straight from the freezer and then glaze.

Reheating

To refresh your donuts, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This restores that freshly-fried crispiness perfectly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the glaze intact and the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but your donuts might turn out a bit denser. Cake flour has less protein, making the crumb lighter and softer, which is why it’s ideal here.

Why do these donuts use sour cream?

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the donuts tender and flavorful. It’s the secret ingredient that really sets this recipe apart from others.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

While these are traditionally fried for that golden crust, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes for a lighter version, though you’ll miss some of the classic crispiness frying provides.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?

Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to keep the oil around 350°F (175°C). If it’s too cool, donuts absorb oil and get soggy; too hot, and they can brown too fast on the outside while remaining raw inside.

Can I add flavors like cinnamon or lemon zest?

Absolutely! A teaspoon of cinnamon or a teaspoon of lemon zest mixed into the dough adds a fun twist. Just keep the balance so it complements the sour cream’s tanginess.

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe is a treasure trove of pure joy, blending nostalgic flavors with simple techniques. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a comforting treat, these donuts never fail to please. Give this recipe a try and watch your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of freshly fried, glazed perfection. Once you do, it might just become your new favorite go-to indulgence.