Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts

Nothing says "I love you" like a batch of homemade Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts! These donuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in a sweet sugar glaze that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just because, they are guaranteed to make hearts skip a beat!

I love how easy and fun these are to make, and the best part? You can enjoy them as classic sugar-coated donuts or fill them with jam, cream, or Nutella for an extra indulgent treat. Whether you fry or bake them, these donuts are simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Soft & Pillowy Texture – The perfect balance of airy and chewy.
✔️ Heart-Shaped for a Fun Twist – Perfect for special occasions or gifting.
✔️ Easily Customizable – Coat in sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or fill with your favorite jam.
✔️ Great for Sharing – A wonderful treat for family, friends, or your Valentine!
✔️ Fry or Bake – Choose your favorite method for delicious results.

The Recipe

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F) – Helps activate the yeast.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs – Adds richness and structure.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Makes the dough tender and flavorful.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for cinnamon-sugar coating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
• Let sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy. (If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired.)

2️⃣ Make the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
• Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture to the flour.
• Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook on medium speed.
• Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3️⃣ Roll & Cut the Doughnuts

• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ½-inch thickness.
• Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out doughnuts.
• Place them on a lined baking sheet, cover lightly with a towel, and let them rise for 30 minutes.

4️⃣ Fry the Doughnuts

• Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry each doughnut for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
• Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5️⃣ Coat in Sugar

• While warm, roll each doughnut in granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar for that classic sweet coating.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy

• These donuts taste best fresh and warm, but you can also store leftovers in an airtight container.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Enjoy warm with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the perfect treat.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds to refresh them.
• Freezing Option: Freeze uncoated doughnuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat in sugar before serving.

Helpful Tips & Variations

✅ For Baked Donuts – Brush the tops with melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
✅ Fill for Extra Indulgence – Inject strawberry jam, Nutella, or vanilla cream into the donuts using a piping bag.
✅ Add a Chocolate Glaze – Dip cooled donuts in melted chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
✅ Want Extra Fluffy Donuts? – Let the cut dough rise for 45 minutes instead of 30.
✅ Make Mini Donuts! – Use a smaller heart-shaped cutter for adorable bite-sized treats.

frequently asked question

1. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.

2. What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?

You can use a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass. To make hearts, pinch the top and bottom of the rounds slightly.

3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Just mix instant yeast directly with the flour (skip the activation step) and proceed with the recipe.

4. Why are my donuts dense instead of fluffy?

This can happen if the dough didn’t rise enough or if too much flour was added. Be sure to knead well and let the dough properly proof.

5. Can I use an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with melted butter before air frying for a crispy exterior.

Final Thoughts

These Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are the perfect homemade treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just when you want to share something sweet and special. With their pillowy-soft texture, sweet sugar coating, and adorable heart shape, they are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Make a batch, share them with someone you love, and enjoy every warm, sugary bite!

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