Description
Love at First Bite Heart Donuts
These homemade heart donuts are light, fluffy, and coated in sugar, making them the perfect treat for a cozy morning or a sweet surprise!
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
¼ cup sugar
1 packet dry yeast
½ cup warm milk
1 egg
¼ cup melted butter
½ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla
Oil for frying
Sugar for topping
Would you drizzle them with chocolate or caramel?
#HomemadeLove
Step-by-Step Guide
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. 3. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. 4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. 5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. 6. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. 7. Using a heart-shaped cutter, cut out your donuts. Re-roll scraps as needed. 8. Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes. 9. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. 10. Drain on a wire rack set over a paper towel, then immediately roll in sugar while still warm.
Serving Suggestions
These heart donuts are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them for any occasion. For a Valentine’s Day breakfast, serve them on a tiered stand with fresh berries. For a decadent dessert, drizzle them with melted chocolate, caramel, or a simple pink glaze. A dusting of powdered sugar or colored sprinkles adds a festive touch. Pair them with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk.
How-to Summary
Activate yeast in warm milk, then mix with dry ingredients to form a dough. Knead thoroughly, let rise until doubled, then roll out and cut into heart shapes. After a second rise, fry the donuts in hot oil until golden brown. Drain and coat in sugar while warm. Customize with drizzles or sprinkles before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying? Yes. For baked donuts, place the risen shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Brush with melted butter and coat in sugar after baking.
How do I store leftover donuts? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely. After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting.
My dough didn’t rise. What went wrong? The milk may have been too hot, killing the yeast. Ensure the milk is just warm to the touch (about 110°F). Also, check that your yeast is not expired.
What’s the best oil for frying? Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using milk that is too hot, which will kill the yeast and prevent rising.
- Not letting the dough complete its full rise, resulting in dense donuts.
- Overcrowding the pot when frying, which lowers the oil temperature and leads to greasy donuts.
- Adding sugar-coated donuts to a sealed container while still warm, which creates moisture and makes them soggy.
- Rolling the dough too thin, which can yield tough donuts.
Conclusion
Creating these Heart Donuts is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and yields a treat made with love. Whether enjoyed plain, sugared, or drizzled with chocolate, they are sure to bring a smile. This recipe is perfect for sharing and celebrating special moments. So, would you drizzle them with chocolate or caramel? #HomemadeLove
