Easy Heart Doughnuts are a delightful and simple way to add a touch of sweetness and charm to any occasion, perfect for beginners looking for a satisfying baking project. This recipe makes creating adorable, delicious heart-shaped treats achievable even for those new to baking.
Key Ingredients for Easy Heart Doughnuts:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for yeast
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- For Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Decoration (Optional):
- Sprinkles
- Food coloring (for glaze)
How to Make Easy Heart Doughnuts:
This recipe for easy heart doughnuts offers a quick and rewarding baking experience, delivering fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts with a delightful heart shape. The simplicity of the dough and the straightforward glazing process mean you’ll be enjoying these sweet treats in under an hour of active preparation time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, the room temperature egg, and the slightly cooled melted butter.
- Combine Wet and Yeast: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the salt and 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
- First Rise (Optional but recommended for fluffier doughnuts): Lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until doubled in size. For a quicker, less fluffy doughnut, skip this step and proceed directly to shaping.
- Shape the Hearts: Punch down the risen dough (if you did the rise) or simply turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out your doughnuts. You can also use a round cutter and then gently pinch two sides to create a heart shape before cutting a small slit in the “point” for the hole if desired, or leave them as solid hearts. Reroll scraps and cut more shapes.
- Second Rise (Optional for solid hearts): If you’re making solid heart doughnuts, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let them rest for about 15-20 minutes while you heat the oil. This helps them puff up.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully place 2-3 doughnut shapes into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffy.
- Drain and Cool: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried doughnuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk or water, and the vanilla extract. Add more liquid, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. If you want colored glaze, divide the glaze into smaller bowls and stir in food coloring.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip the cooled doughnuts into the glaze, or drizzle it over the tops. Immediately add sprinkles or other decorations while the glaze is still wet. Let the glaze set before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Heart Doughnuts:
You’ll adore these adorable Easy Heart Doughnuts because they bring a homemade charm and delightful sweetness that’s simply unmatched. Imagine biting into a perfectly fluffy, slightly sweet doughnut, kissed with a delicate glaze – it’s pure joy! This recipe offers a wonderful alternative to store-bought treats, providing a budget-friendly way to impress family and friends with handmade goodness. The customizable glaze and fun decorations make them incredibly special, transforming simple ingredients into edible works of art that are perfect for any celebration.
Unlike a more complex brioche-style doughnut, these Easy Heart Doughnuts are designed for speed and simplicity, meaning you can whip up a batch for a weekend brunch or last-minute treat without a fuss. The cost savings of making these at home are significant, especially considering the charming presentation. They’re incredibly versatile; whether you prefer a classic vanilla glaze, a rich chocolate drizzle, or a vibrant colored coating adorned with sprinkles, these doughnuts are a delightful canvas for your creativity. Don’t wait for a special occasion to make these; you’ll want to try this easy recipe tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To store your delicious Easy Heart Doughnuts, it’s best to keep them at room temperature in an airtight container. They are freshest within 1-2 days, as the glaze can start to soften over time. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make the doughnuts tough and dry. If you find yourself with more doughnuts than you can enjoy immediately, you can freeze unfrosted doughnuts before glazing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.
For best results when reheating, you can gently warm plain unfrosted doughnuts in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes until slightly warm. However, glazed doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature. If you need to make them ahead, consider making the glaze separately and applying it just before serving to maintain its texture.
Final Thoughts:
These Easy Heart Doughnuts are a fantastic way to bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces with minimal effort. Give this simple and delightful recipe a try, and experience the joy of homemade treats!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Easy Heart Doughnuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast, 0.5 cup warm milk, 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, the room temperature egg, and the slightly cooled melted butter.0.25 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 0.25 cup unsalted butter
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir until well combined.2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- Add the salt and 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable.0.5 teaspoon salt, 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
- Lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until doubled in size. For a quicker, less fluffy doughnut, skip this step and proceed directly to shaping.
- Punch down the risen dough (if you did the rise) or simply turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out your doughnuts. You can also use a round cutter and then gently pinch two sides to create a heart shape before cutting a small slit in the "point" for the hole if desired, or leave them as solid hearts. Reroll scraps and cut more shapes.
- If you’re making solid heart doughnuts, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let them rest for about 15-20 minutes while you heat the oil. This helps them puff up.
- Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Carefully place 2-3 doughnut shapes into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffy.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried doughnuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before glazing.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk or water, and the vanilla extract. Add more liquid, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. If you want colored glaze, divide the glaze into smaller bowls and stir in food coloring.1.5 cups powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk or water, 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract, Food coloring
- Dip the cooled doughnuts into the glaze, or drizzle it over the tops. Immediately add sprinkles or other decorations while the glaze is still wet. Let the glaze set before serving.Sprinkles