Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of freshly fried donuts wafting through the kitchen. Imagine waking up on a cozy Sunday morning, sunlight streaming through your windows, and the aroma of warm, sugary donuts inviting you to the kitchen. Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the tanginess of sour cream with a soft, tender crumb—each bite melting in your mouth. With a light dusting of powdered sugar, these donuts are the epitome of comfort food and a wonderful way to start your day or brighten up a gathering.

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Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 180
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 8g

Why Make This Recipe

Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts are simple to make and deliver an irresistible taste that will transport you back to simpler times. The combination of rich flavors and beyond-soft texture makes them perfect for cozy mornings, family gatherings, or simply as a treat to indulge in during a mid-afternoon slump. Plus, the ease of making this recipe makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. In just under an hour, you can enjoy a batch of delightful donuts that will fill your kitchen with enchanting aromas.

How to Make Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup butter, melted
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting

Optional Ingredients and Substitutions:

Pecans or walnuts (chopped)
Whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose
Coconut oil for frying

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the sour cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Blend Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Chill Dough: Chill the dough for approximately 30 minutes for easier handling.
Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
Cut Donuts: Cut out donuts using a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters.
Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or heavy pan, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
Fry Donuts: Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Drain: Remove the donuts and drain on paper towels.
Finish: Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Cooking Tips

Always test the oil’s temperature with a small piece of dough. If it sizzles and rises, it’s ready!
Don’t rush the chilling process; it helps the texture of the donuts.
If you notice any lingering oily texture on your donuts, they may need to drain longer on paper towels.

How to Serve

These Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts are best served warm and fresh out of the fryer! Enjoy them plain or with a butter spread. Pair with your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat, or toast them lightly before drizzling with honey for a sweet breakfast.

How to Store

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before eating.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Expert Tips

For a little crunch, consider adding finely chopped nuts to the batter before frying.
If your donuts are turning out dense, check your measurements; too much flour can lead to a heavier texture.
Feel free to experiment with different spices or chocolate chips in the batter for unique flavor combinations!

Delicious Variations

Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based sour cream.
Cinnamon Swirl: Add ground cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a suitable alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits?
- While this recipe focuses on the richness of sour cream, you can add pureed fruits (like bananas) for extra flavor, but this may alter the texture.
Why is it dry/dense?
- This often results from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly.
What can I do with leftovers?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. Consider heating them lightly before serving!
Can I use frozen ingredients?
- Yes, as long as you properly thaw them first, frozen eggs or sour cream can be effective substitutes in this recipe.

Conclusion

Don’t let the opportunity pass you by—try making these Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts, and watch your kitchen transform into a warm, inviting haven filled with delightful fragrances. Whether you share them with friends or keep them all for yourself, these tender, sugar-dusted rings of joy will surely bring a smile to your face. We’d love to hear your variations—share your thoughts or any creative spins you tried on this classic recipe! Enjoy!