Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are a delightful twist on the classic sugar-coated donut. Soft, fluffy, and golden, these donuts are cut into charming heart shapes, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or simply to share a little love any time of the year. With their pillowy texture and sweet sugar coating, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
The process is simple: a yeast dough is mixed, kneaded, left to rise, cut into hearts, fried until golden, and finally rolled in sugar. The result is a bakery-style treat that’s irresistible, especially when enjoyed warm.
Here’s the full recipe for Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
Oil for frying
Additional sugar for coating
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape donuts: Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out donuts. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Second rise: Cover and let the donuts rise again for 30 minutes.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 2–3 at a time until golden brown on both sides, about 1–2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Coat in sugar: While still warm, roll the donuts in granulated sugar until fully coated.
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, when the outside is crisp and coated with sugar, and the inside is soft and fluffy. They can be paired with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy and comforting treat.
If you’d like to add a twist, you can fill them with jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or pastry cream after frying by using a piping bag. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze also adds a lovely finishing touch.
Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts are as pretty as they are delicious. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles with every bite.