Cinnamon Orange Sour Cream Donuts
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these homemade cinnamon orange sour cream donuts, reminiscent of the delectable treats found at autumn cider mills. With a soft and fluffy texture, each donut is infused with the warm essence of orange zest and a hint of nutmeg, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. Inspired by cherished memories of charity fundraisers, these donuts are perfect for sharing — they vanish quickly! Whether you're enjoying them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or at gatherings, these donuts are sure to impress friends and family alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
2 (beaten until light)
Sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
Sour Cream
1 cup
Milk
3/4 cup (whole or 2%)
Flour
3 cups (all-purpose)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Nutmeg
1 teaspoon (freshly grated or ground)
Baking Soda
1/3 teaspoon
Baking Powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Orange Rind
1 (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat the two eggs until they are light and fluffy.
2
Gradually add sugar, sour cream, and milk to the eggs, mixing until smooth and well-combined.
3
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt several times to incorporate air and ensure even distribution of ingredients. Add the grated orange rind and mix well.
4
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — be careful not to overmix, as this will affect the texture of the donuts.
5
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). If using a donut maker, preheat according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6
Using a spoon or a donut maker, carefully drop the batter into the hot oil, shaping into circles. Cook until the bottom side is golden brown, then flip to cook the other side.
7
Once cooked through, remove the donuts from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Repeat until all batter is used.
8
Allow donuts to cool slightly before serving. For an extra treat, dust them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon Orange Sour Cream Donuts?
They are homemade treats with a fluffy texture, flavored with orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg, reminiscent of autumn cider mill donuts.
What ingredients give these donuts their unique aroma?
The combination of grated orange rind, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg creates their signature irresistible aroma.
How many eggs are used in the batter?
The recipe calls for two eggs, which should be beaten until light and fluffy.
What is the purpose of the sour cream?
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang, contributing to the soft and fluffy texture of the donuts.
Can I use different types of milk?
Yes, you can use either whole milk or 2% milk as specified in the ingredients list.
How much flour is required for the dough?
You will need 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
Why do I need to sift the dry ingredients several times?
Sifting the flour, spices, and leavening agents multiple times incorporates air and ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed.
At what temperature should I heat the oil?
The oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) in a deep fryer or large pot.
How do I incorporate the orange flavor?
You add the grated rind of one orange into the sifted dry ingredients before mixing with the wet ingredients.
Should I use a mixer to combine the wet and dry ingredients?
No, you should gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can negatively affect the texture of the donuts, making them less fluffy and potentially tougher.
How do I shape the donuts for frying?
You can use a spoon to drop the batter into hot oil shaping it into circles, or use a specialized donut maker.
How do I know when to flip the donuts?
You should cook them until the bottom side turns golden brown, then flip them to cook the other side.
What should I do after removing the donuts from the oil?
Place the cooked donuts on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Is nutmeg a necessary ingredient?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of freshly grated or ground nutmeg is used to provide a warm essence and characteristic flavor.
Can I use a donut maker instead of deep frying?
Yes, if using a donut maker, preheat it according to the manufacturer's instructions instead of heating oil in a pot.
What are some recommended toppings?
You can dust the donuts with powdered sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture once they have cooled slightly.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Is there any baking soda in these donuts?
Yes, 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda is included in the dry ingredient mix.
How much sugar goes into the batter?
The batter requires 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
Do these donuts contain salt?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the dry ingredients for flavor balance.
What inspired this specific donut recipe?
These donuts were inspired by cherished memories of charity fundraisers and autumn treats found at cider mills.
Are these donuts suitable for gatherings?
Yes, they are perfect for sharing at gatherings, as a breakfast treat, or as an afternoon snack.
How many ingredients total are in the recipe?
There are 11 distinct ingredients listed in this recipe.
Should I let the donuts cool before serving?
It is recommended to allow the donuts to cool slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Is orange juice required for the recipe?
No, the orange flavor comes specifically from the grated orange rind rather than the juice.
Can I use ground nutmeg if I don't have fresh nutmeg?
Yes, the recipe allows for either freshly grated or ground nutmeg.
What kind of flour should I use?
The recipe specifies using all-purpose flour.
What is the primary texture of these donuts?
These donuts are designed to have a soft and fluffy texture.