Hey y’all! Nothing says love quite like a batch of Heart-Shaped Doughnuts—golden, pillowy, and glazed to perfection. They’re a fun surprise for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or any day you want to spread a little sweetness. Whether you’re new to homemade doughnuts or a seasoned pro, this easy recipe delivers delicious results every time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- They’re light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Perfect for sharing at holidays, parties, or breakfast-in-bed surprises.
- Customizable with your favorite glazes, fillings, and toppings.
- Fun to make with kids or loved ones—get creative with the decorating!
- Much tastier and fresher than store-bought doughnuts.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup (160ml) whole milk, warmed (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: food coloring and sprinkles
Directions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, combine warmed milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt. Mix on medium speed or knead by hand for 6–8 minutes, until a soft, elastic dough forms.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts
- Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Roll to 1/2″ thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 3–3.5″) to cut out hearts. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut additional hearts.
- Place cut doughnuts onto parchment-lined trays, cover lightly, and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts
- Heat 2–3″ of vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add 2–3 doughnuts at a time. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.
- Transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain and cool slightly.
Step 4: Glaze and Decorate
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Dip one side of each warm doughnut into the glaze. Place back on the rack and immediately add sprinkles.
- Let set for 15–20 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Knead the dough until it’s soft and elastic for the fluffiest doughnuts.
- Let the oil return to 350°F/175°C between batches for even frying.
- If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, use a round cutter and pinch the top for a heart effect.
Variations
- Chocolate Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, and 2 tbsp milk for a rich chocolate topping.
- Filled Doughnuts: Pipe raspberry jam or vanilla custard inside after frying.
- Vegan Version: Substitute plant milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg for a dairy-free treat.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter (3–3.5″)
- Rolling pin
- Large pot or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Wire rack
- Parchment paper
Storage Instructions
Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best taste, enjoy the same day. To extend freshness, refrigerate for up to 4 days and briefly warm in the microwave before serving. Un-glazed doughnuts can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity touch.
- Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for added flair.
Pro Tips
- Let all ingredients come to room temperature before starting for smoother dough.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying—doughnuts need space to puff up perfectly.
- Dip the doughnuts in glaze while still a little warm for best absorption and shine.
FAQ
Can I bake these heart-shaped doughnuts instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, then dip in glaze. They’ll have a slightly different texture but are still delicious.
Why didn’t my doughnuts rise enough?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm—not hot—when combining. Let the dough rise fully before shaping and frying.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. After the first rise, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and continuing the recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar or glaze for topping
Instructions
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1In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon sugar. Let it stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
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2In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
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3Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
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4Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out doughnuts. Re-roll scraps and cut more hearts as needed.
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5Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
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6Dust with powdered sugar or dip in glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
220 caloriescal
Protein:
4gg
Fat:
9gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
31gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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