Name: Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup sourdough starter (discard or active); 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If your heart skips a beat for warm, spiced sweets and the playful tang of sourdough, then let me introduce you to Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat. These fluffy, oven-baked rings capture everything wonderful about the holidays: deep gingerbread flavors, just the right touch of sweetness, and that signature hint of sourdough complexity. Topped with a vanilla-kissed glaze and twinkling sprinkles, each bite is pure nostalgia and cheer, perfect for cozy mornings or fireside gatherings. If you’re ready to bring some edible magic to your winter table, you’re in the right place!

Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is, striking the perfect harmony between spice, sweetness, and texture. Every component plays a role in creating Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat that tastes like it came straight from a holiday bakery.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender crumb and just enough structure for that classic donut bite.
Baking powder: Gives extra lift, making the donuts light and fluffy in the oven.
Baking soda: Works with the acidity of sourdough and molasses for a soft, airy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the warm spices.
Ground ginger: The star spice, bringing that signature gingerbread flavor to every morsel!
Ground cinnamon: Adds a comforting, familiar warmth that’s subtle but essential.
Ground cloves: Packs a punch; a little goes a long way in rounding out the spice blend.
Ground nutmeg: Gives a gentle, aromatic lift for true gingerbread authenticity.
Light brown sugar: Provides rich sweetness and moisture with a hint of molasses depth.
Sourdough starter (discard or active): Brings extra rise and a gentle tang that keeps the donuts tender and interesting.
Whole milk: Moistens the batter for donuts that are soft, not dry—no one likes a crumbly donut!
Unsulfured molasses: Deep, dark, and essential for that true gingerbread soul.
Unsalted butter, melted: Lends flavor and richness to keep the crumb melt-in-your-mouth good.
Large egg: Binds everything together and aids in rising.
Vanilla extract: Smooths out the edges, tying the flavors together with a gentle sweetness.
For the glaze: Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and optional holiday sprinkles create that dreamy finish and extra festive flair.

How to Make Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s key to start with a hot oven so the donuts rise beautifully and the spice aromas bloom immediately. Lightly grease your donut pan to guarantee an easy release and perfectly shaped donuts every time. No donut pan? You can try a muffin tin, but traditional donut shape is part of the magic!

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and brown sugar. This not only evenly distributes the leaveners and spices but also breaks up any clumps before they mingle with the wet ingredients. Your kitchen might already start to smell like the holidays at this point!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine your sourdough starter (discard works great for this), milk, molasses, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until perfectly smooth—this ensures all the rich, liquid flavors are ready to meet the dry mixture for optimal texture and flavor development.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; a light hand yields a tender crumb. If the batter looks a bit lumpy, don’t stress—that’s exactly what we want for soft, fluffy Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity of your prepared donut pan, filling each about three-quarters full. Piping usually gives a neater finish and even baking, but a spoon and a steady hand work, too. Leave a little room for the donuts to rise and take their beautiful shape.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when gently pressed. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye after the 12-minute mark. Allow the donuts to rest in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

Once the donuts are cool (patience pays off—it keeps the glaze from melting right off), whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a smooth, pourable glaze. Dip each donut, swirling slightly for that lovely glazed look. Add festive holiday sprinkles if desired. Your batch of Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat is now officially ready to make your day sparkle!

How to Serve Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of presentation! A generous dusting of cinnamon-sugar offers a crunchy, sparkly finish, while classic glaze and cheerful sprinkles turn each ring into a holiday showstopper. For an extra-special touch, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate—both play up the warmth of gingerbread flavor in Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts alongside a warm mug of spiced chai, a festive latte, or even hot apple cider for the ultimate treat-yourself moment. If you’re hosting, an array of fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or even a light brunch egg dish works beautifully, letting these donuts shine as the sweet centerpiece.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the donuts on a tiered cake stand, tuck them into a cute basket lined with holiday napkins, or individually bag them with a bit of ribbon for gifting. For gatherings, try a DIY donut bar: set out bowls of glazes, sprinkles, and nuts for everyone to decorate their own Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat! It’s a surefire way to spread joy and creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra donuts (a rare occurrence in my kitchen!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for about two days. Placing a small piece of wax paper between donuts prevents sticking and keeps that glaze looking gorgeous.

Freezing

Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat actually freeze quite well. Arrange cooled, unglazed donuts on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. For glazed donuts, freeze on a tray, then wrap individually to preserve the finish.

Reheating

To revive day-old or thawed donuts, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven texture and spirit. If you want to re-glaze after reheating, let them cool slightly so your topping doesn’t slide right off.

FAQs

Can I use active sourdough starter or discard?

Absolutely! Both active starter and discard work perfectly in Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat. Discard is a great way to cut down on waste, while active starter adds a bit more lift—both give that lovely tang.

Do I need a donut pan?

While a donut pan creates the traditional shape and texture, you can use a muffin tin in a pinch—just note your donuts will look more like muffin tops, but they’ll still taste delicious!

Can I make these donuts vegan?

With a few swaps, it’s possible! Use your favorite non-dairy milk, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg, and opt for plant-based butter. The key flavors of Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat will still shine through.

Is it okay to skip the glaze?

Of course—these donuts are super tasty on their own. You can toss them in cinnamon-sugar straight from the oven for a sweet crunch, or enjoy them as-is for a cozier feel.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Why not? Mini chocolate chips, toasted pecans, or even dried fruit can add extra excitement and texture. Just fold your add-ins in gently after combining the wet and dry ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about baking Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat: the way those spiced aromas fill your kitchen and how each ring brings out holiday smiles. Whether you share them with loved ones or treat yourself, these donuts are sure to become a beloved seasonal tradition. Pull out your donut pan and let the festive baking begin—you’ve got this!

Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Treat Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 29 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts are a delightful festive treat that combines the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg with the tangy richness of sourdough. Baked to perfection and topped with a sweet glaze, these donuts are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup sourdough starter (discard or active)
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently, then spoon or pipe into the donut pan.
Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes until donuts spring back when pressed. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip cooled donuts into the glaze and decorate with sprinkles if desired.