Best Chocolate Old-Fashioned sour cream donuts

You know those days when nothing seems to go right in the kitchen and that was me last Saturday because I was all pumped to make these sour cream donuts but then I thought how hard can it be yet the dough had other plans.

so it stuck to the counter and the rolling pin and even my fingers therefore I ended up with a few lopsided sour cream donuts that looked questionable however they still tasted amazing so have you ever had that happen because something looks messy maybe even a little ugly but then you take a bite of sour cream donuts and wow it turns out perfect.

I remember my little niece watching me and giggling while she asked are those supposed to look like that so I laughed and shrugged and said well sort of and honestly, that’s the fun of it.

since making sour cream donuts isn’t about being perfect but it’s about the smells and the laughter and the little moments that make baking feel like a tiny adventure therefore if your first batch isn’t Pinterest-perfect don’t sweat it because you can grab a cup of coffee and a warm sour cream donut and enjoy the chaos since sometimes the best bites come from the slightly messy ones.

ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying

ingredients notes

• Flour: This helps make the donuts soft but firm enough to hold their shape.
• Sugar: Sweetens the donuts so they taste yummy.
• Baking powder and soda: These make the donuts rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Just a little to make flavors pop.
• Nutmeg: Adds a tiny bit of warm spice, but you can leave it out if you want.
• Sour cream: Makes the donuts tender and gives a soft texture.
• Eggs: Help the donuts stay together and give them structure.
• Butter: Makes them richer and tastier.
• Vanilla extract: Gives a sweet, comforting flavor.
• Vegetable oil: For frying, makes the outside golden brown.

How to make sour cream donuts?

step 1: prepare the dough

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk the sour cream, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix, or the sour cream donuts may become tough.

step 2: roll out the dough

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. You want it thick enough to puff up when fried but not too thick that it won’t cook through.

step 3: cut the donuts

Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cookie cutters to cut out donut shapes. Make sure to save the small holes—they fry up deliciously too!

step 4: heat the oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one; this ensures the donuts cook evenly without burning.

step 5: fry the donuts

Carefully place a few donuts in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn them and remove them from the oil.

step 6: drain excess oil

Place the donuts on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil. This keeps them from being greasy and makes them easier to handle.

step 7: add toppings

While still warm, roll the donuts in sugar, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle them with glaze. You can also dip them in chocolate if you like. Be creative!

kitchen equipment needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter or cookie cutters
• Deep frying pan or pot
• Thermometer (optional but helpful)
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Measuring cups and spoons

storage options!

Sour cream donuts are best enjoyed the same day they are made because they are at their softest and fluffiest. If you need to store them, place cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the donuts after they have cooled completely. To freeze, wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to make them soft again.

variations!

There are so many ways to make sour cream donuts unique. You can add chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet surprise inside each bite. Another fun variation is to fill them with jam or custard after frying. For a healthier twist, you can bake the donuts instead of frying. Simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. You can also experiment with different glazes and toppings, such as maple glaze, lemon glaze, or sprinkles for a festive touch.

what to enjoy with sour cream donuts?

Have you ever had one of those mornings when you wake up craving something sweet but also a little special and that was me last Sunday because I wanted to make sour cream donuts but also thought what could I eat them with therefore, I tried a few things and found seven fun ideas first I love having sour cream donuts with a hot cup of chocolate

it melts just right and makes every bite cozy next I paired them with some fresh strawberries and blueberries which was surprisingly refreshing and then, I tried them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream which felt like a little dessert breakfast however my favorite has to be eating sour cream donuts with some Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

The flavors dance together and make me smile every time then I tried dipping them in maple syrup which was sweet and sticky and fun and also with peanut butter spread which was creamy and rich and even with a little cinnamon sugar on top which added a nice crunch and lastly I shared them with my niece and nephew along with mini chocolate chips because seeing their happy faces made everything better so have you ever tried combining sour cream donuts with other treats because it’s more fun than you might think

I remember my niece giggling when I put a Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie on top of a sour cream donut because she asked why do they look like a tower, and I laughed and said well it’s a little breakfast experiment

honestly that’s the joy of it, since making sour cream donuts isn’t just about eating it alone but about trying different combos and enjoying the little surprises and flavors. Therefore next time you make sour cream donuts maybe try them with a cookie or fruit or syrup and see what makes you happiest, because sometimes the best part is discovering your favorite pairing

tips for making the best sour cream donuts

• Make sure your oil is the right temperature. Too hot, and the donuts burn; too cold, and they absorb too much oil.
• Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can make the donuts tough instead of fluffy.
• Fry a few test donuts first to check your oil temperature. Adjust the heat as needed.
• Work quickly but carefully when shaping the donuts; the dough can dry out if left too long.
• Use fresh ingredients, especially baking powder and soda, for the best rise.
• If you don’t have a donut cutter, use round cookie cutters or even a glass and a smaller cap for the hole.
• Always let the donuts cool slightly before glazing or adding sugar to prevent melting.

FAQ

what is this recipe made of?

It’s made of flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg (optional), sour cream, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, and oil for frying.

what does it taste like?

The donuts taste soft, fluffy, and slightly tangy from the sour cream, with a sweet outer coating or glaze.

can i bake instead of fry?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

can kids help make these donuts?

Absolutely! Kids can help mix ingredients, cut the dough, and roll toppings on the donuts.

how long do they stay fresh?

They are best the same day but can be stored for up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container.

can i freeze them?

Yes, wrap cooled donuts individually and freeze for up to 1 month.

can i add chocolate chips?

Yes, adding chocolate chips to the dough is a fun variation.

what if i don’t have a donut cutter?

Use round cookie cutters, a glass, or any small round lid to make shapes.

can i make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour, but texture may be slightly different.

what is the best topping?

Sugar, cinnamon sugar, glaze, or chocolate all work well—your choice!

how do i know the oil is ready?

Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), or test by dropping a small piece of dough; it should sizzle immediately.

can i use low-fat sour cream?

Yes, but full-fat sour cream gives the best texture and flavor.