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Mixing bowls
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Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional)
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Rolling pin
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Heart-shaped cookie cutter
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Deep pot or Dutch oven
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Thermometer (recommended)
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Slotted spoon
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Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your donuts will rise properly.
Tip: If the yeast doesn’t foam, your milk may be too hot or the yeast expired.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix:
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Flour
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Remaining sugar
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Salt
Add:
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Yeast mixture
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Eggs
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Melted butter
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Vanilla extract
Knead by hand or with a mixer for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
3. First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Roll and Cut
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch (1.2 cm) thickness.
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out donuts. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut again.
5. Second Rise
Place the heart-shaped donuts on a parchment-lined tray. Cover lightly and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes. This step is key for fluffy donuts.
6. Fry the Donuts
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully lower 2–3 donuts at a time into the oil. Fry:
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30–45 seconds per side, until golden brown
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.
7. Sugar Coating
While the donuts are still warm, toss them generously in granulated sugar (or cinnamon sugar).
✨ The warmth helps the sugar stick perfectly.
Texture & Flavor Profile
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Inside: light, airy, pillowy
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Outside: delicate crispness with sparkling sugar
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Flavor: buttery, vanilla-kissed, not overly sweet
These donuts melt in your mouth.
Pro Tips for Perfect Donuts
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✔ Keep oil temperature steady—too hot burns the outside, too cool makes greasy donuts
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✔ Don’t overcrowd the pot
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✔ Use room-temperature eggs for better texture
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✔ Coat in sugar immediately after frying
Delicious Variations
❤️ Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Mix 1 tbsp cinnamon into the sugar coating.
❤️ Vanilla Bean Sugar
Add scraped vanilla bean or vanilla powder to the sugar.
❤️ Filled Heart Donuts
Inject with strawberry jam, raspberry filling, or vanilla cream.
❤️ Baked Version (Lighter Option)
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, brush with butter, then coat in sugar.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Best eaten: same day
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Room temperature: up to 24 hours in an airtight container
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Freeze (uncoated): up to 2 months
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Reheat: 5–8 seconds in the microwave
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping the second rise
❌ Over-kneading the dough
❌ Frying at the wrong temperature
❌ Letting donuts cool before sugar coating
Serving Ideas
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With hot coffee or tea ☕
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As a Valentine’s breakfast surprise 💝
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Dessert platter centerpiece 🎂
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Gift box with parchment and ribbon 🎁
Nutritional Note (Approximate per donut)
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Calories: 260
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Carbohydrates: 35 g
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Fat: 11 g
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Protein: 5 g
(Values vary based on size and frying method.)
Final Thoughts
These Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Soft, sweet, and made with love, they’re the kind of treat that brings smiles instantly. Whether you’re baking for someone special or just treating yourself, this recipe guarantees success—and compliments.
💗 Once you make them, they’ll become a tradition.
