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How to Make Tim Hortons Sour Cream Old-Fashioned Donuts – Copycat Recipe

The Tim Hortons Sour Cream Old-Fashioned Donut is a Canadian classic, known for its crisp, crackly glaze and soft, tender cake inside. It pairs perfectly with a coffee, like a Tim Hortons double-double, for a nostalgic treat.

With this copycat recipe, you can make these donuts at home without visiting a drive-thru. The step-by-step instructions and expert tips help you achieve bakery-quality results. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy, fun, and delivers that iconic Tim Hortons flavor every time.

Why Tim Hortons Sour Cream Old-Fashioned Donuts Are So Loved

Tim Hortons is more than a coffee shop—it’s a Canadian favorite, with nearly 5,000 locations nationwide and fans around the world. The Sour Cream Old-Fashioned Donut, also called the Sour Cream Glazed Donut, stands out for its unique taste and texture. Its outside is crisp and lightly cracked, perfectly soaking up a sweet, shiny glaze. The inside is soft, tender, and slightly dense, with a subtle tang from sour cream and a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon. Compared to sweeter options like Boston Cream or Apple Fritter, it strikes the perfect balance of rich flavor and gentle sweetness.

This homemade recipe recreates the classic Tim Hortons flavor, capturing the dense, cakey texture and sweet-tangy taste that fans love. Whether you’re enjoying a single donut or a box of Timbits with coffee, this recipe brings that iconic Tim Hortons experience straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients for Tim Hortons Sour Cream Old-Fashioned Donuts

For the Donuts

  • 2 cups (240 g) cake flour – for a light, tender texture (see substitution below)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (or cinnamon for a warmer flavor)
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (120 g) full-fat sour cream
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp whole milk, as needed for dough consistency
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)

For the Glaze

  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) hot water
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp light corn syrup (optional, for a shiny finish)

Substitutions and Tips

  • Sour Cream: Full-fat Greek yogurt works well. Avoid low-fat or fat-free versions to keep the donuts rich and tender.
  • Cake Flour: If you don’t have cake flour, mix 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour with ¼ cup cornstarch. Note: donuts may be slightly denser.
  • Spices: Adjust nutmeg or cinnamon to taste, or use a combination for a balanced flavor.

Equipment Needed

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Donut cutter (or 3-inch and 1-inch round cutters)
  • Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Candy thermometer (for oil temperature)
  • Wire rack
  • Slotted spoon
  • Piping bag (optional, for glaze application)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tim Hortons Sour Cream Old-Fashioned Donuts

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  2. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment—or a large bowl with a hand mixer—beat sugar and butter on low for 1 minute until sandy.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  4. Stir in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low for about 30 seconds until you form a soft, slightly sticky dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
  6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up.

2. Roll and Cut the Donuts

  1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about ½-inch thickness.
  2. Dust your donut cutter (or two round cutters) with flour to prevent sticking, then cut out donuts and holes. You should get 8–10 donuts plus holes.
  3. Gather scraps, re-roll once, and cut additional donuts. If the dough softens too much, refrigerate for 15 minutes before continuing.

3. Fry the Donuts

  1. Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature.
  2. Carefully add 2–3 donuts at a time, avoiding overcrowding.
  3. Fry donuts for 15 seconds until they float, flip, then fry for 75–90 seconds until golden and slightly cracked. Flip again and fry the first side for 60–75 seconds for even cooking.
  4. Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain.

4. Make the Glaze

  1. In a large bowl, whisk powdered sugar, hot water, vanilla extract, salt, and corn syrup (optional) until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable; add more water 1 teaspoon at a time if needed.
  2. Dip one side of each warm donut into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place on a wire rack to set for 10–15 seconds.

5. Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve donuts warm for the best Tim Hortons-style experience, alongside a hot coffee or iced cappuccino.
  • Enjoy the crisp, glossy glaze and soft, tender interior with that classic sour cream tang!

Tips for Success

  • Measure Flour Carefully: Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense donuts. Accurate flour measurement keeps the texture light and tender.
  • Keep Oil at the Right Temperature: Maintain frying oil between 370–375°F (188–190°C) to prevent greasy or undercooked donuts. Use a thermometer for best results.
  • Mix Dough Gently: Stir the dough just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make donuts tough.
  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Cold dough is easier to roll and shapes better for frying.
  • Check Glaze Consistency: The glaze should be thick but pourable. Add a little water if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Storing Donuts: Keep your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may become softer over time, but the flavor stays delicious.
  • Freezing Donuts: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature, then apply the glaze before serving for a fresh taste.
  • Reheating Donuts: Warm donuts in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with Coffee: Enjoy these donuts with a Tim Hortons-style double-double (coffee with two creams and two sugars) for an authentic café experience.
  • Add Fresh Sides: Serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to turn them into a light dessert.
  • Perfect Anytime: These donuts work well as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack alongside hot chocolate, French vanilla cappuccino, or your favorite coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them, but the texture won’t match the crisp, crackly finish of Tim Hortons’ fried donuts. If baking, place the cut dough in greased donut pans and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, then dip in glaze.

Can I use all-purpose flour?
Cake flour gives a lighter, tender texture. Using all-purpose flour can make the donuts slightly denser. To mimic cake flour, mix 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup cornstarch.

Why is my dough too sticky?
Sticky dough often comes from humidity or incorrect flour measurement. Gradually add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable. Avoid adding too much to keep the donuts soft.

How do I get the sour cream flavor right?
Use full-fat sour cream for rich flavor and tang. Low-fat or fat-free versions may weaken the taste.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour (like Bob’s Red Mill). The donuts may be slightly denser, but they still taste delicious.

Conclusion

Making Tim Hortons’ Sour Cream Old-Fashioned Donuts at home is simple, and the results are just as satisfying as a fresh donut from the store. These donuts have a crisp, glossy glaze, a soft and tender interior, and that classic sour cream tang that makes them a Canadian favorite.

Try this recipe, enjoy it with family and friends, and share your results in the comments below. For more Tim Hortons-inspired treats, check out our Boston Cream Donut recipe for another nostalgic bakery-style experience.

Mark Taylor
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I’m not affiliated with Tim Hortons or any of its official partners. This website is based on my personal experiences, visits, and research across various Tim Hortons locations in Canada. All the information shared here is for general reference and is meant to help fellow coffee and donut lovers make the most of their next visit. Thanks for reading—and enjoy your Tim's run!

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