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Irresistible Cranberry Curd Donuts Recipe with Sugared Sage

cranberry curd donuts - featured image

These festive donuts combine the tangy cranberry curd, fluffy golden donuts, and the delicate crunch of sugared sage for a truly unforgettable treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 12 fresh sage leaves
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 egg white, lightly beaten

Instructions

  1. Make the cranberry curd: In a small saucepan, simmer the cranberries and sugar over medium heat until the cranberries burst and soften (about 5 minutes). Press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove skins. Whisk in the egg yolks and return to low heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in butter and lemon juice. Cover and chill.
  2. Prepare the sugared sage: Dip each sage leaf in egg white, then coat it in sugar. Place on a wire rack to dry for at least 1 hour.
  3. Make the donut dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix milk, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually stir wet ingredients into dry until a dough forms.
  4. Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use your donut cutter (or mug and bottle cap) to cut out rounds.
  5. Fry the donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels.
  6. Assemble: Fill a piping bag with the chilled cranberry curd and pipe into each donut. Garnish with sugared sage.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying. Chill the cranberry curd fully before piping to ensure it sets nicely. Don’t skip the sugared sage—it adds a subtle herbal crunch that elevates the flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry curd, donuts, sugared sage, holiday dessert, festive recipe