Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The charming heart shape adds a special touch, making these donuts ideal for celebrations and loved ones.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The yeast-leavened dough ensures a light and airy donut that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable Fillings: Enjoy them plain, or fill with your favorite jams, creams, or chocolate spreads for added indulgence.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these donuts are both easy and economical to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Additional granulated sugar, for coating

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a small bowl, combine warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and salt.
   • Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough:

   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Donuts:

   • Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
   • Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the donuts. Re-roll scraps as needed.
   • Place the heart-shaped dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

4. Fry the Donuts:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the donuts completely.
   • Carefully add a few donuts at a time to the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
   • Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.

5. Coat with Sugar:

   • While the donuts are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
   • For filled donuts, allow them to cool slightly before injecting your choice of filling using a piping bag fitted with a nozzle.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12-15 donuts, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Roll the warm donuts in the mixture for a spiced sweetness.
• Glazed Donuts: Prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of milk and a dash of vanilla extract. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and let them set on a wire rack.
• Filled Donuts: After frying, use a piping bag to fill the donuts with raspberry jam, chocolate ganache, or vanilla custard.
• Baked Version: For a lighter option, bake the shaped donuts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated, unfrosted donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. If coated with sugar or glaze, monitor closely to prevent melting or burning.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. Instant yeast doesn’t require proofing; you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

How can I ensure my donuts are soft and fluffy?

Proper kneading and allowing the dough to rise adequately are key. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk is at the correct temperature to activate the yeast.

What oil is best for frying donuts?

Neutral oils with

Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts

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These Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are light, fluffy, and coated in sweet sugar, making them a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with jam or chocolate, these homemade donuts will melt in your mouth!

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20min
• Cook Time: 30min
• Total Time: 2hours 20min
• Yield: 12-15 donuts
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Additional granulated sugar, for coating

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Instructions

• Prepare the Dough:

  • In a small bowl, mix warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ¼ cup sugar, and salt.
  • Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

• Knead the Dough:

  • Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
  • Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.

• Shape the Donuts:

  • Punch down the dough and roll it out to ½-inch thickness.
  • Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out donuts. Re-roll scraps as needed.
  • Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

• Fry the Donuts:

  • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot.
  • Fry in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

• Coat with Sugar:

  • While warm, roll donuts in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
  • For filled donuts, allow them to cool slightly before injecting jam or chocolate with a piping bag.

Notes

• For a baked version, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes instead of frying.
• For a cinnamon-sugar coating, mix 1 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon before rolling donuts.
• For a glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, then dip cooled donuts.