If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth doughnut that delivers the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, the Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe is simply a must-try. Each bite is an utter treat—golden and crispy on the outside, delightfully moist within, and finished with a shimmering vanilla glaze that gently cracks as you sink your teeth in. These doughnuts are nostalgic, inviting, and surprisingly simple, making them perfect for lazy weekend mornings or anytime you want to wow your kitchen companions with an irresistible homemade touch.

Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe is short and sweet, but each element is crucial to the magic. Every ingredient brings its own charm, whether that’s airy lift, subtle warmth, or creamy richness that distinguishes these doughnuts from all the rest.

All-purpose flour: Acts as the backbone of the dough, delivering structure without excessive heft so every bite stays light and tender.
Baking powder: Ensure those signature airy pockets—the secret to pillowy doughnuts with a satisfying bite.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet, spiced flavors and keeps each bite from falling flat.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle warmth and that old-fashioned bakery aroma you know and love.
Granulated sugar: Not just a sweetener; it helps create the soft crumb and that subtle crackly texture.
Unsalted butter (softened): Lends a lovely richness and helps the doughnuts achieve their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Egg yolks: Their fat and protein bring unbeatable tenderness and a golden hue to the dough.
Sour cream: The star ingredient—this adds a tang and creaminess that transforms basic doughnuts into something truly special.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil to ensure the doughnuts fry up beautifully crisp and golden without overpowering the flavor.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Gives the glaze its iconic glossy sheen and silky texture that clings just right.
Milk (for glaze): Helps create the perfect dipping consistency so every doughnut gets evenly coated.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Just a splash brings out the sweetness and adds bakery-fresh fragrance.

How to Make Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking your flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg in a medium bowl. Mixing these ingredients together ensures that every bite of your doughnut is evenly seasoned, perfectly spiced, and baked with the right lift for that ideal old-fashioned texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and softened butter until the mixture looks sandy and slightly pale. This step helps create ultra-soft doughnuts, as the tiny air bubbles you whip in contribute to their irresistible crumb.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Sour Cream

Now, blend in the egg yolks until the batter becomes thick and pale. Stir in the sour cream and mix until the batter is smooth. This combination gives your doughnuts their unique richness and delicate flavor—the highlight of any Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle later and enhances the doughnut’s tender texture while they fry.

Step 5: Shape Your Doughnuts

Dust your counter with flour, then gently turn out the chilled dough. Roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness—this ensures each doughnut cooks evenly while staying pillow-soft inside. Use a doughnut cutter (or a large and a small round cutter) to create classic rings, re-rolling the scraps as needed for extra treats.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil to 325°F (163°C) in a deep pot—maintaining this temperature is the secret to doughnuts that are crisp outside and fluffy within, not greasy or underdone. Fry the doughnuts in small batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until gorgeously golden and cooked through, then rest them on paper towels to drain.

Step 7: Glaze While Warm

While your doughnuts are still pleasantly warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for your glaze. Dip the doughnuts in, letting the excess drip off, then place them on a wire rack to let the glaze set up to shiny, sweet perfection. This final touch is what elevates the Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe to an irresistible treat everyone will rave about.

How to Serve Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

Garnishes

These doughnuts are undeniably delicious on their own, but if you’re feeling a little extra, sprinkle them with a touch of finely grated nutmeg or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a bit of sparkle, add a few pastel sprinkles to the glaze while it sets, creating a festive effect that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe is perfectly at home on a brunch spread—serve alongside hot coffee, a big bowl of fresh berries, or a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice. Their gentle sweetness makes them an amazing companion to savory egg bakes or crispy bacon, balancing out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, stack the doughnuts on a cake stand and let guests help themselves, or thread mini doughnuts onto skewers for a whimsical and portable party treat. If you’re baking for kids, allow them to dip and decorate their own for an interactive, hands-on dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These doughnuts are at their absolute best the day you make them—soft, fragrant, and full of just-baked flavor. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their moisture and keeps the glaze from getting sticky.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze unglazed doughnuts for later treats. Once fried and cooled, layer them with parchment in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and whip up a fresh batch of glaze to revive that just-made magic.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers as if they were fresh, pop doughnuts in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or warm them in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. This helps restore their tender crumb and makes the glaze wonderfully glossy again.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! Preparing the dough a day ahead is a fantastic way to streamline your morning. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge and let it rest for up to 24 hours before rolling and frying as usual.

Do I have to use a doughnut cutter?

No special tools required—you can use any round cookie cutter or even the rim of a glass for the outer ring, plus a small lid or bottle cap for the center hole. This Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe is all about making things accessible and fun!

How can I tell if the oil is hot enough?

If you don’t have a thermometer, simply drop a small piece of dough into the oil. It should start bubbling and rise to the surface after a second or two. Too cool and the dough will soak up oil, too hot and it will brown too quickly on the outside.

Can I add flavors to the glaze?

Definitely! Try a dash of almond extract, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a creative spin. The Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe is endlessly customizable depending on your cravings or the season.

Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

While classic old-fashioned doughnuts are fried for that signature crisp and pillowy contrast, you can bake the shaped doughnuts on a parchment-lined tray at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes. They’ll be a bit cakier, but still delicious and lighter on oil.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about crafting your own batch of homemade doughnuts, and this Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe is pure joy from the first whisk to the final, sweet bite. Whether you enjoy them warm with coffee or share with friends for an effortless wow factor, I can’t wait for you to give this time-honored treat a try in your own kitchen.

Classic Sour Cream Glazed Doughnuts Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
Yield: 10–12 doughnuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic flavors of homemade fried doughnuts with a delightful sour cream twist. These old-fashioned doughnuts are light, fluffy, and coated in a sweet glaze that makes them irresistible. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day!

Ingredients

Scale

Doughnuts:

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
1/2 cup sour cream
vegetable oil for frying

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Dough Preparation: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar and butter until sandy. Add egg yolks and beat until thick. Mix in sour cream until smooth. Add dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Doughnut Making: Roll out chilled dough, cut into doughnuts, and fry in oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Glazing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Dip warm doughnuts into the glaze and let set on a wire rack.