Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts Recipe

These Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are a sweet, fun, and festive treat, perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or anytime you want to add a little extra love to your dessert. Soft, fluffy, and coated in sugar, these donuts will melt in your mouth!

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Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for flavor)
• 1/4 cup water (if needed)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sugar Coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C) with 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and bubbly.

2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and nutmeg (if using). Add the eggs and melted butter to the yeast mixture, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water to bring it together.

4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

1. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick.

2. Cut the heart shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the donut shapes. If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, you can use a round cutter for the main donut shape and a small round cutter for the center hole. Make sure to keep the dough scraps to re-roll and cut more donuts.

3. Let the donuts rise: Place the cut-out donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a clean towel and let them rest for about 30 minutes to rise again.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

1. Heat the oil: In a deep pan or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil – it should bubble and rise to the surface immediately.

2. Fry the donuts: Carefully place the heart-shaped donuts into the hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Drain the donuts: Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Coat the Donuts

1. Prepare the sugar coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon (if using).

2. Coat the donuts: While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the sugar mixture to coat them evenly. For extra sweetness, you can double-coat the donuts by rolling them in the sugar mixture a second time.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts fresh, warm, and sweet! They make a perfect treat for special occasions or as a fun, festive snack for your loved ones.

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Tips for the Best Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts

• Frying temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil gets too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside but remain raw inside. If it’s too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Fluffier donuts: For even fluffier donuts, make sure to let the dough rise properly before frying. Don’t rush the rise time!
• Flavor variations: You can add a little vanilla extract or lemon zest to the dough for a different flavor, or drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze or chocolate icing for an extra treat.
• Baking option: If you prefer baked donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the donuts on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

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Storage

• Room temperature: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooled, uncoated donuts for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and coat them in sugar before serving.

Enjoy your Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts – a sweet, festive, and fun treat perfect for any occasion! 💖🍩