If you’ve ever longed for a donut with that perfect tender crumb, delicate nutmeg warmth, and a rich, slightly tangy bite, then this Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These fried beauties are a nostalgic hug for your taste buds, glistening with a luscious vanilla glaze that brings out every bit of their golden magic. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to treat for mornings, gatherings, or any moment that calls for a sweet, satisfying snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing to the donuts’ tender texture, subtle spice, and mouthwatering glaze.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the donut, providing structure without heaviness.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps create a light, fluffy inside.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds warm, aromatic depth that’s so classic in old-fashioned donuts.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes during frying for golden color.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
- Large egg yolks: Boost moisture and add a lovely golden color.
- Sour cream: The secret ingredient for moist, tender donuts with a subtle tang.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures even cooking and that perfect crispy exterior.
- Powdered sugar: For the glossy, sweet glaze glaze that finishes the donuts beautifully.
- Milk: Helps create the perfect glaze consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant sweetness to the glaze.
How to Make Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg in a medium bowl. This blend is the foundation for the donut’s texture and subtly spiced personality. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures even distribution so every bite has that perfect nostalgic flavor.
Step 2: Cream the Sugar and Butter
In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until crumbly. This step is key because creaming these together introduces air, leading to light, tender donuts. It also makes the batter fluffy and smooth for easy mixing with the wet ingredients later.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Sour Cream
Next, mix in the large egg yolks until the mixture feels smooth and creamy. Stir in the sour cream, which lends the donuts that moist, tender crumb and a little tang that sets these apart from ordinary fried treats. The batter will start to come together nicely here.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Being gentle at this stage prevents overworking the dough, which keeps your donuts tender—not tough. Once combined, cover the dough and chill it for at least 1 hour to firm up for rolling.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Donuts
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the chilled dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out your donuts with a floured donut cutter. Don’t worry about scraps; just reroll them for more donuts. This step is so satisfying because you can see the classic old-fashioned shape taking form.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot until it reaches 325°F (165°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until irresistibly golden brown. Ensure the oil temperature stays steady to achieve that classic crackly crust. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to keep them light and not greasy.
Step 7: Glaze the Donuts
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze and transfer to a wire rack, letting the glaze set just enough to give you that shiny, sweet finish. This glaze is the perfect balance to the subtle spices and tender dough.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic glaze is pure perfection, you can sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the glaze for an added aroma and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar or even a handful of chopped nuts can add delightful texture contrast. These small touches brighten up the presentation and make your donuts look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
These donuts shine on their own but pair beautifully with a cozy cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a frothy latte. If you want a heartier breakfast, serve alongside some fresh fruit or creamy yogurt—this balance of flavors is fantastic and feels like a special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your glazed donuts on a pretty cake stand or arrange them around a bowl of dipping chocolate or caramel sauce for festive gatherings. You can also thread them on skewers for an interactive donut display at brunches or celebrations. The Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be tough), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This prevents them from drying out and helps maintain the lovely texture and flavor you worked so hard to perfect.
Freezing
To freeze, place fully cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When you crave a treat, just thaw them at room temperature; the freshness will come right back.
Reheating
Warm your donut gently in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you’re short on time. This refreshes their tender crumb and reactivates their lovely scent, making each bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream instead of sour cream?
Sour cream adds tang and moisture to the donuts, giving them their signature texture. Using regular cream will result in a different texture and less tanginess, so sour cream is highly recommended for the best result.
What can I substitute if I don’t have nutmeg?
If you don’t have nutmeg, ground cinnamon can be a good alternative, as it also adds warm spice notes. However, nutmeg is classic here, so try to grab some for the authentic flavor of this Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe!
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll and cut while helping the donuts hold their shape during frying. It also improves texture, ensuring a tender crumb with a slight crispness outside.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
This recipe is designed for frying to achieve that classic crunchy-crisp outside and tender inside. Baking will change the texture and won’t create the delightful crust, so frying is best here.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
A kitchen thermometer is the most reliable tool to keep the oil at 325°F. If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small bit of dough in the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly without browning too fast.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe is a delicious slice of sweet nostalgia that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special breakfast for friends, these donuts bring a little extra joy and warmth to your table. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with every bite!
Print
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 a classic American treat featuring a soft, tender texture enhanced by sour cream and a hint of nutmeg. Fried to golden perfection and dipped in a sweet vanilla glaze, these homemade donuts offer a nostalgic taste with a delicious crackly finish.
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 (about 2 inches deep)
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until crumbly. Add the egg yolks and continue mixing until smooth. Stir in the sour cream thoroughly.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Roll and Cut Donuts: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a floured donut cutter to cut out donut shapes, rerolling scraps as needed to make more donuts.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot to a depth of about 2 inches and heat to 325°F (165°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry Donuts: Fry donuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove donuts and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and free of lumps.
- Glaze Donuts: Dip the warm donuts into the prepared glaze, then place them on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Maintain the oil temperature at a consistent 325°F to achieve the classic crackly texture on the donuts.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Use a thermometer for precise oil temperature control to prevent greasy or undercooked donuts.
