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Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts

Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts

Patricia
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 12 donuts
Calories 250 kcal

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

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.

Notes

✅ 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.