Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts

Making homemade donuts always feels like a small victory in the kitchen. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into golden, pillowy treats.

One morning, while scrolling through old recipe notes, I stumbled upon a dough recipe I had nearly forgotten. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I decided to shape them into hearts, roll them in sugar, and turn an ordinary breakfast into something special.

As the dough puffed up on the counter, I couldn’t help but smile—it reminded me of baking with my grandmother, who always believed food should be made with love.

The aroma of warm vanilla and butter filled my kitchen, and as the first batch came out of the fryer, I knew I had something worth sharing. These heart-shaped sugar donuts are crisp on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and coated in just the right amount of sugar.

Short Description

Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are light, fluffy, and coated in a sweet sugar dusting. They’re deep-fried to perfection, offering a crisp exterior and a soft, buttery inside.

Key Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand whisk
• Rolling pin
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter
• Baking sheet with parchment paper
• Deep frying thermometer
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive, and you should start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and activated yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to form.

Step 3: Knead and Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll and Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, roll it out to ½-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the donuts. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Fry the Donuts

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, cooking for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Coat in Sugar and Serve

While still warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar for a sweet finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Fluffy: These donuts have a light, airy texture inside with a crisp golden exterior.

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, they’re easy to whip up anytime.

Fun and Festive: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or a special breakfast treat.

Customizable: Can be filled with jam, drizzled with chocolate, or dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Dough Not Rising Properly

Solution: Ensure the yeast is fresh and the milk is warmed to 110°F—too hot or too cold can affect the rise.

2. Dough is Too Sticky to Handle

Solution: Lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour, but avoid adding too much extra flour, as it can make the donuts dense.

3. Oil Too Hot or Too Cool

Solution: Maintain 350°F (175°C) for even frying. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly while remaining raw inside; if too cool, they’ll absorb excess oil.

4. Uneven Donut Shapes

Solution: Use a sharp heart-shaped cutter and press straight down without twisting to maintain the shape.

5. Donuts Too Greasy

Solution: Drain on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil before rolling in sugar.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Classic Pairing: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Fruit Lovers: Pair with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberry sauce.

Fancy Touch: Drizzle with melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Breakfast Delight: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh orange juice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, freeze the donuts in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds to soften.

If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes until golden brown, then brush with melted butter and roll in sugar.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! After the first rise, refrigerate overnight, then roll, cut, and let them rise again before frying.

3. What’s the best oil for frying?
Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, as they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

4. How do I make them extra fluffy?
Let the dough rise fully before frying, and don’t overwork it when shaping the donuts.

5. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Substitute 1 packet of instant yeast and skip the activation step—just mix it directly into the flour.

Tips & Tricks

– For even frying, fry only 2-3 donuts at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
– If the sugar coating isn’t sticking well, lightly brush the donuts with melted butter before rolling in sugar.
– For extra richness, replace some of the milk with heavy cream.
– Use a candy thermometer to keep oil temperature consistent for perfect results.

Recipe Variations

1. Jam-Filled Heart Donuts

After frying, use a piping bag to inject raspberry or strawberry jam into the center.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Replace the sugar coating with a mix of ½ cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.

3. Chocolate-Drizzled Donuts

Melt ½ cup dark chocolate chips and drizzle over the donuts for a decadent touch.

4. Glazed Donuts

Make a simple glaze with 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons milk + ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and dip each donut.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts bring together the best of two beloved desserts in one bite—fluffy, golden doughnuts with a rich, creamy filling. They’re a fun treat to make at home, and the combination of textures and flavors is completely irresistible. Perfect for sharing with family or savoring alongside a cup of coffee, they’re sure to be a new favorite. Once you try them, it’s hard to stop at just one.