Description
These Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, making them a delightful treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Fried to golden perfection and coated in sugar, these donuts are irresistibly soft and delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying & Coating:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for coating
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, egg, salt, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and stir.
- Gradually mix in flour, kneading until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. (Add a little more flour if too sticky.)
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth.
2. Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Donuts
- Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the donuts.
- Place the cut dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
4. Fry the Donuts
- Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 2-3 donuts at a time, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Coat with Sugar & Serve
- While still warm, roll the donuts in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
- Serve fresh and enjoy!
Notes
- Baking Option: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, then brush with melted butter and coat in sugar.
- Filling Option: Fill with jam, Nutella, or custard by cutting a small hole and piping in the filling.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.