Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts
Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts are a delightful treat that brings back nostalgic flavors with every bite. These soft, glazed doughnuts are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack any time of the day. The unique combination of sour cream and nutmeg makes them stand out, ensuring they are a hit at family gatherings, brunches, or whenever you crave something sweet. Enjoy these homemade delights fresh from the fryer for an experience that is truly unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sour cream and nutmeg gives these doughnuts a rich taste that is hard to resist.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, preparing these doughnuts is hassle-free.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy morning at home or a festive gathering with friends.
- Fun to Make: Get the kids involved! Making doughnuts can be a fun family activity.
- Delicious Glaze: The sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and helps achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Doughnut cutter
- Heavy-bottomed pot
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing the dough effortless and ensures even consistency throughout your mixture.
- Doughnut cutter: Using this cutter allows you to create perfectly shaped doughnuts with minimal fuss.
- Heavy-bottomed pot: A sturdy pot maintains an even temperature while frying, which is crucial for achieving golden brown doughnuts.
- Deep-fry thermometer: This ensures that your oil is at the ideal temperature for frying, preventing soggy or unevenly cooked doughnuts.

Ingredients
Soft, glazed old-fashioned doughnuts bursting with sour cream and nutmeg flavor.
For the Doughnuts
- 255 grams of cake flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 100 grams of sugar
- 29 grams butter, at cool room temperature
- 2 large egg yolks
- 113 grams sour cream
- Canola oil, for frying
For the Glaze
- 350 grams powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup hot water
How to Make Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together until sandy. Add the egg yolks and mix until light and thick.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with flour. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until smooth but slightly sticky.
Step 4: Chill Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for one hour or until firm.
Step 5: Shape Doughnuts
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about half an inch thick. Use a doughnut cutter or two differently sized biscuit cutters to cut out as many doughnuts as possible. Refrigerate while heating oil.
Step 6: Heat Oil
Pour two inches of canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot with a deep-fry thermometer attached. Heat to 325°F (163°C).
Step 7: Fry Doughnuts
Fry several doughnuts at a time in hot oil. Cook on each side for about two minutes or until golden brown. Let them drain on a paper bag to soak up excess grease.
Step 8: Make Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, corn syrup, salt, vanilla extract, and hot water until smooth.
Step 9: Glaze Doughnuts
Immerse each doughnut into the glaze and place on a wire rack above a sheet pan to catch excess glaze. Let it sit for about 20 minutes until set.
Enjoy your delightful Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts fresh! They are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts
Old-fashioned sour cream doughnuts are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a midday snack. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your doughnut experience.
With a Cup of Coffee
- Pairing your doughnuts with a rich cup of coffee enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting combination.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the glazed doughnuts for an indulgent twist.
Fresh Fruit Garnish
- Serve alongside fresh berries or slices of banana to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the doughnuts.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two doughnuts as the outer layers and fill them with your favorite ice cream for a delicious dessert sandwich.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Top each doughnut with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle some cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
Breakfast Stack
- Create a breakfast stack by layering doughnuts with yogurt and granola for an exciting morning treat.
How to Perfect Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts
Perfecting old-fashioned sour cream doughnuts takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve the best results every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise and texture in your doughnuts.
- Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill before frying helps maintain its shape and prevents excess oil absorption.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at 325°F is crucial. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your doughnuts tender; overmixing can lead to tough results.
- Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting powdered sugar ensures a smooth glaze without lumps, making it more appealing.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or variations of vanilla extract for unique flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts
Pairing side dishes with old-fashioned sour cream doughnuts can create a well-rounded meal or snack. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that complements the sweetness of the doughnuts. - Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy contrast that balances the sweetness of the doughnuts. - Hash Browns
Crispy hash browns add a savory element that pairs nicely with sweet pastries, making them perfect for brunch. - Cheese Platter
Include mild cheeses like mozzarella or brie alongside nuts and dried fruits for an elegant touch to your serving table. - Breakfast Sausages
Savory breakfast sausages can balance out the sweetness of the doughnuts, creating a satisfying meal option. - Smoothies
A refreshing smoothie made with fruits and greens provides hydration and nutrition while enhancing your sweet treat experience. - Chia Seed Pudding
This healthy option offers creaminess along with added nutrients, making it an ideal accompaniment to sweet treats like doughnuts. - Oatmeal Cookies
Serve these chewy cookies on the side for another layer of flavor and texture that pairs well with your doughnut delight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Using the wrong flour type: Always use cake flour for a tender texture. All-purpose flour can lead to denser doughnuts.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to achieve the perfect dough consistency.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential as it makes it easier to handle and shapes the doughnuts better.
- Frying at incorrect temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain 325°F. Frying at too high or low temperatures can lead to greasy or undercooked doughnuts.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough doughnuts rather than light and fluffy ones.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts
- Place cooled doughnuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one doughnut at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts.
What makes Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts unique?
Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts are known for their moist texture and rich flavor, thanks to sour cream and nutmeg. They offer a delightful taste that sets them apart from regular doughnuts.
Can I substitute sour cream in this recipe?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute if you want a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
How do I know when my doughnuts are done frying?
Doughnuts should be golden brown and cooked through. The best way is to use a thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of around 200°F.
How long do Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts last?
When stored properly, they last about 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months when frozen.
Can I customize my Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like cinnamon or chocolate chips. Toppings like sprinkles or different glazes also add variety.
Final Thoughts
Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them irresistible. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various toppings or flavors. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to make delicious homemade treats!
Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts
Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts are a delightful homemade treat that brings back fond memories with every bite. These soft, fluffy doughnuts are enriched with the tangy flavor of sour cream and a hint of nutmeg, creating a unique taste that is both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, these doughnuts are sure to impress at any gathering. With a simple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness, they become an irresistible delight. Whether enjoyed fresh from the fryer or shared with friends and family, making these doughnuts is an enjoyable experience that will leave everyone craving more.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 255 grams cake flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 100 grams sugar
- 29 grams butter, at cool room temperature
- 2 large egg yolks
- 113 grams sour cream
- Canola oil, for frying
- 350 grams powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup hot water
Instructions
- In a bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until sandy. Add egg yolks and mix until thick.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with sour cream in three additions; mix until smooth but slightly sticky.
- Chill dough for one hour.
- Roll out dough to ½ inch thick on a floured surface; cut out doughnuts using a cutter.
- Heat canola oil to 325°F in a heavy-bottomed pot.
- Fry doughnuts for about two minutes on each side until golden brown; drain excess oil on paper bags.
- Whisk together glaze ingredients and dip each warm doughnut into the glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg