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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While still warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar until fully coated.

Serve fresh and enjoy your homemade heart-shaped sugar donuts!