There’s something extra special about homemade donuts, especially when they’re shaped like hearts! These Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in sweet granulated sugar, making them the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or any time you want to share a little love.
This yeast-raised donut recipe gives you that classic bakery-style texture, with a pillowy-soft inside and a slightly crisp, sugary coating. Whether you enjoy them plain, filled with jam or cream, or dipped in chocolate, these donuts are guaranteed to steal hearts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Perfectly Fluffy & Soft – The yeast dough creates light, airy donuts that melt in your mouth.
✔️ Beautiful Heart Shape – Perfect for romantic occasions or fun baking days with kids.
✔️ Classic Sweet Coating – The simple sugar coating adds the perfect sweetness without overpowering the donut flavor.
✔️ Customizable – Fill them with jam, custard, or Nutella, or drizzle with chocolate for extra indulgence.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the dough in advance and fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe
Ingredients
For the Donut Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying & Coating:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If the mixture does not bubble, your yeast may be inactive, so start over with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead & First Rise
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
- Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. If you don’t have a cutter, shape them by hand!
- Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady.
- Fry the donuts in small batches, cooking 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Coat with Sugar & Serve
- While still warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar until fully coated.
- Serve fresh and enjoy your homemade heart-shaped sugar donuts!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve:
- Enjoy these warm and fresh for the best taste and texture.
- Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk for a cozy treat.
- Fill them with strawberry jam, chocolate spread, or vanilla custard for extra indulgence.
How to Store:
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If storing for longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but warm them slightly before serving for the best texture.
- To freeze, wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Helpful Notes
- Use a Thermometer for Frying – Keep the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to ensure the donuts cook evenly without burning.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry the donuts in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Shape Without a Cutter – If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, use a knife or kitchen scissors to shape the dough by hand.
- Test for Doneness – If unsure, insert a skewer into a donut. It should come out clean, with no raw dough inside.
- Customize the Coating – Mix cinnamon with the sugar for a spiced twist, or dip the donuts in melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
FAQs
1. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until golden. Brush with melted butter before rolling in sugar.
2. What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying. Avoid olive oil, as it has a strong flavor and a low smoke point.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and cutting.
4. How can I fill these donuts?
Once fried and cooled, use a piping bag with a long tip to inject jam, cream, or chocolate filling into the center.
5. How do I prevent my donuts from becoming greasy?
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying. If it’s too low, the donuts will absorb excess oil.
Final Thoughts
These Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are a delicious and adorable way to share love with friends, family, or that special someone. The combination of soft, pillowy dough and sweet, crunchy sugar coating makes them irresistible!
Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a special breakfast, or just a fun weekend treat, these homemade donuts will bring smiles all around. Plus, they’re so much better than store-bought—fresh, warm, and made with love.
So grab your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy the sweetest homemade donuts ever!
Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts
Ingredients
For the Donut Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk 110°F/45°C
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying & Coating:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup granulated sugar for coating
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If the mixture does not bubble, your yeast may be inactive, so start over with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead & First Rise
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
- Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. If you don’t have a cutter, shape them by hand!
- Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady.
- Fry the donuts in small batches, cooking 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Coat with Sugar & Serve
- While still warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar until fully coated.
- Serve fresh and enjoy your homemade heart-shaped sugar donuts!
Notes
- Use a Thermometer for Frying – Keep the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to ensure the donuts cook evenly without burning.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry the donuts in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Shape Without a Cutter – If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, use a knife or kitchen scissors to shape the dough by hand.
- Test for Doneness – If unsure, insert a skewer into a donut. It should come out clean, with no raw dough inside.
- Customize the Coating – Mix cinnamon with the sugar for a spiced twist, or dip the donuts in melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
