Ingredients
For the Donut Dough:
3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
½ tsp salt
¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
2 large eggs
4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
For Frying:
Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying
For the Sugar Coating:
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
For Decoration:
½ cup melted chocolate
½ cup pink or strawberry glaze
Heart-shaped sprinkles
👩🍳 Instructions
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and activated yeast mixture.
Knead: Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels very sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time.
First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut the donuts, then use a small round cutter to make the center hole.
Second rise: Transfer the donuts to a parchment-lined tray. Cover loosely and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes.
Fry: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Drain: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to remove excess oil.
Coat with sugar: While still slightly warm, toss the donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Decorate: Dip some donuts in melted chocolate and others in pink glaze. Add heart-shaped sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
Serve: Let the decorations set for a few minutes, then serve these soft, fluffy heart-shaped donuts fresh.
❤️ Heart-Shaped Homemade Donuts
