There’s something special about biting into a soft, fluffy donut coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar. The first time I made these Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts, I was simply looking for a delicious way to use leftover sourdough discard. I wasn’t expecting them to become an instant family favorite.

Fresh from the oven, each donut was light, tender, and perfectly sweet without the mess of deep frying. Now I make these Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts whenever I have extra discard because they’re quick, easy, and always disappear within minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts

If you’re looking for an easy homemade treat that makes the most of your sourdough discard, these Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts are sure to become one of your favorite baking recipes.

A delicious way to use leftover sourdough discard.
Soft, fluffy, cake-like texture.
Baked instead of fried for easy preparation.
Ready in less than 30 minutes.
Coated in sweet powdered sugar.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients for Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts

These Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts use simple baking staples to create soft, tender donuts with a delicate crumb and a sweet powdered sugar coating just like the ones in the photo.

Ingredient Notes

Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts ingredients

Sourdough Discard: Unfed sourdough discard adds a subtle tangy flavor while helping reduce food waste. It also contributes moisture to the batter.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure needed for soft, cake-style donuts with a light crumb.

Baking Powder: Gives the donuts their fluffy rise since this recipe is baked rather than fried.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping the donuts develop a light golden color during baking.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and creates a tender texture.

Whole Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the donuts soft. Buttermilk can also be used for a slightly richer flavor.

Unsalted Butter: Melted butter gives the donuts a rich, buttery taste and helps keep them moist.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic bakery flavor that pairs perfectly with the powdered sugar coating.

Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives these donuts their traditional bakery-style flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Powdered Sugar: Once the donuts have cooled slightly, they’re generously coated in powdered sugar for the soft, snowy finish shown in the photo.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll create Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts that are light, fluffy, buttery, and perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee or an afternoon treat.

How to Make Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts

Making Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts is quick and easy. The batter comes together in just a few minutes, and the donuts bake until light, fluffy, and perfectly golden. Once coated in powdered sugar, they’re ready to enjoy with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts

Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray or brush it with melted butter to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Granulated sugar
Ground nutmeg
Salt

Mix until everything is evenly combined.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

Sourdough discard
Egg
Whole milk
Melted butter
Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture is smooth.

4. Prepare the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.

Gently stir until just combined. The batter should be smooth with only a few small lumps. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts soft and tender.

5. Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off.

Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.

6. Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

7. Coat with Powdered Sugar

Once the donuts are still slightly warm but cool enough to handle, generously coat each one with powdered sugar until completely covered.

Serve immediately for the softest texture and the classic bakery-style finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Although Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts are beginner-friendly, avoiding these common mistakes will help you achieve light, fluffy donuts every time.

Overmixing the Batter

Mix only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in dense donuts instead of a soft, cake-like texture.

Filling the Pan Too Full

Fill each cavity only about two-thirds full. Overfilling can cause the donuts to lose their classic shape as they bake.

Overbaking

Bake just until the donuts are set and lightly golden. Even a few extra minutes can make them dry instead of soft and tender.

Coating While Too Hot

Let the donuts cool for a few minutes before adding the powdered sugar. If they’re too hot, the sugar will melt instead of creating a beautiful snowy coating.

Skipping the Grease

Even nonstick donut pans benefit from a light coating of butter or cooking spray. Properly greasing the pan helps the donuts release easily without breaking.

Variations and What to Serve With

One of the best things about Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts is how easy they are to customize for different flavors and occasions.

For a warm cinnamon flavor, mix a teaspoon of cinnamon into the batter or combine it with the powdered sugar coating.

You can also add fresh lemon or orange zest for a bright citrus twist, or stir mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweeter treat.

If you enjoy bakery-style donuts, a simple vanilla glaze can replace the powdered sugar for a different finish.

Expert Tips for the Best Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts

Making soft, bakery-style Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts is easy when you follow a few simple techniques. These tips will help you create light, fluffy donuts with a tender crumb and a beautiful powdered sugar coating every time.

Measure the Flour Correctly

Too much flour can make the donuts dry and dense. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag.

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Room-temperature eggs, milk, and sourdough discard combine more easily, creating a smooth batter and a more even texture.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Stir only until the dry ingredients are incorporated. A lightly mixed batter produces soft, tender donuts instead of tough ones.

Coat While Slightly Warm

Let the donuts cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. They’ll hold the coating better while still being slightly warm.

Enjoy Fresh

These Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts are at their best the day they’re baked, with a soft interior and a delicate sugar coating.

What to Serve With Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts

These homemade donuts pair perfectly with a variety of breakfast and brunch favorites.

Serve Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts with Spicy Chai for a cozy combination. The warm spices in the chai balance the sweet powdered sugar beautifully.

If you’re planning a complete brunch, Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread adds a savory option that complements the sweet donuts perfectly.

For another delicious sourdough treat, Sourdough Discard Scones create a beautiful bakery-style breakfast spread that’s ideal for holidays, brunches, or weekend gatherings.

If you’re serving a larger breakfast, pair these donuts with Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole for a satisfying sweet-and-savory menu everyone will enjoy.

Other delicious serving ideas include:

Fresh berries
Seasonal fruit salad
Greek yogurt
Vanilla latte
Hot coffee
Cold milk
Hot chocolate
Scrambled eggs
Crispy bacon
Fresh orange juice

Whether you’re baking them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts are sure to become a favorite. Their light texture, buttery flavor, and sweet powdered sugar coating make them a simple homemade treat that’s always a hit.

How to Store Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts

These Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well for a few days if you have leftovers.

Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If you prefer longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm them for a few seconds in the microwave for a softer texture.

These donuts also freeze well. Place the cooled donuts in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

For the best presentation, wait to coat the donuts with powdered sugar until just before serving, as the sugar may dissolve slightly during storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bake sourdough discard donuts instead of frying them?

Yes. These Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts are baked in a donut pan instead of being deep-fried, making them easier to prepare while still producing a soft, tender texture.

Can I freeze baked sourdough discard donuts?

Absolutely. Once completely cooled, freeze the donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.

Why are my baked donuts dry?

Dry donuts usually result from overbaking or adding too much flour. Measure the flour carefully and bake only until a toothpick comes out clean.

How long do baked sourdough discard donuts stay fresh?

These donuts stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. They’re softest on the day they’re are baked.

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes. Active starter works well, although it may create a slightly lighter texture. The overall recipe remains the same.

Can I make these without a donut pan?

Yes. You can bake the batter in a mini muffin pan to make donut bites. Simply reduce the baking time by a few minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

These Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts are the perfect way to transform leftover sourdough discard into a delicious homemade treat. They’re light, fluffy, buttery, and generously coated with powdered sugar for the classic bakery-style finish everyone loves.

Because they’re baked instead of fried, they’re simple enough for beginner bakers while still delivering incredible flavor and texture. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, serve them for brunch, or share them with family and friends, these Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts are sure to become one of your favorite sourdough discard recipes.

Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts