Description
Celebrate your Valentine’s Day with these delightful heart-shaped glazed donuts, perfectly soft and fluffy with a sweet vanilla-almond flavor and a festive red-tinted glaze. Crisply fried to golden perfection and decorated with sprinkles or mini heart candies, these homemade donuts make a charming treat for loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Donut Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 drops of red food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles, mini heart candies, or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Donut Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Then add the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), stirring to combine well.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky; if too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the donuts, and optionally use a round cutter for the holes or leave as is for filled donuts.
- Heat Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil— it should immediately sizzle.
- Fry Donuts: Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown, turning gently. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prepare Glaze: In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar with milk (or cream), vanilla extract, and red food coloring if using, until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place them on a wire rack and immediately decorate with sprinkles, mini heart candies, or nuts if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow glaze to set for a few minutes before serving these charming heart-shaped donuts fresh for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract if preferred.
- Use a thermometer to maintain accurate oil temperature for even frying and less greasy donuts.
- Leftover donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat briefly before serving.
- For a healthier option, bake the donuts at 350°F for 10-12 minutes instead of frying.
- If glaze becomes too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
