❤️ Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts: Made with Love, Rolled in Sugar
There’s something extra special about baking from scratch—especially when the results are soft, fluffy, and shaped like hearts. These Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are golden, slightly crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and rolled in sweet sugar while still warm. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, brunch tables, or just to surprise someone with a little edible affection.
Unlike baked cake donuts, these are made with a yeast-raised dough for that light, airy texture you know and love from bakery-style donuts. And with their charming shape, they’re guaranteed to make anyone smile.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
- Light, fluffy yeast dough – soft and tender inside
- Classic sugar coating – simple and nostalgic
- Festive heart shape – perfect for holidays or just because
- Made with pantry staples – no special ingredients required
- Kid-friendly and great for gifting – wrap them up with ribbon for a sweet surprise
📝 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make 12 heart-shaped sugar donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- Extra granulated sugar, for rolling
🔄 Ingredient Tips & Notes
- Flour: All-purpose works best for a tender crumb. Bread flour makes them chewier.
- Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh and active! Frothy = alive and ready.
- Sugar coating: You can roll them in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or even drizzle with glaze.
- No heart cutter? Use a round cutter and shape gently with your hands.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This confirms your yeast is alive.
2️⃣ Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
Make a well in the center. Add the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Mix until a dough forms.
3️⃣ Knead the Dough
Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
4️⃣ Roll and Cut
Punch down the dough and roll it out to ½ inch thick.
Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out donuts and donut holes.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise another 30 minutes.
5️⃣ Fry the Donuts
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
6️⃣ Sugar Them Up
While still warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar until fully coated.
7️⃣ Serve and Share
Serve warm and fresh, with smiles guaranteed!
⏱ Quick Info
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories: ~250 kcal per donut
💡 Tips for Success
- Oil temp matters! Keep it steady at 350°F for even browning.
- Work in batches to avoid crowding the pot and cooling the oil.
- Let them drain well before rolling in sugar so it sticks perfectly.
- Add your own twist with jam fillings, glazes, or chocolate drizzle.
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These donuts shine on their own but go beautifully with:
- Blueberry Lemonade – a refreshing sip to balance the sweetness
- Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups – for an over-the-top dessert moment
- Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies – keep the cute and colorful theme going
- Chocolate Oreo Hearts – make a full platter of love-themed treats
- Valentine’s Day Heart Crayons – a sweet activity to pair with a baking day
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Best fresh: Donuts are at their prime within a few hours of frying.
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to revive their fluffiness.
- Freeze: Donuts can be frozen uncoated and reheated before rolling in sugar.
🍴 More Recipes You’ll Love
For more sweet, fun, and crowd-pleasing recipes, check out:
- Chocolate Oreo Hearts
- Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
- Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Valentine’s Day Heart Crayons
🥄 Final Thoughts
These Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are more than just a treat—they’re a little homemade gesture of love. Whether you’re surprising your kids, hosting a brunch, or baking with friends, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to the table.
Tried them out? Tag @ChefManiacKitchen on Instagram to show off your sweet creations. Don’t forget to follow us for more baked-with-love recipes and kitchen inspiration.
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