These delightful heart-shaped donuts are deep-fried to perfection and adorned with a charming pink glaze, making them an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. For an extra touch, you can leave some donuts whole and fill them with strawberry jam. This recipe falls under the Dessert category.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few drops of pink gel food coloring (optional)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (enough for about 2 inches deep in your pot)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine all the dough ingredients. Knead on medium-low speed for about 5 minutes until the dough forms a cohesive ball that pulls away from the sides but remains slightly sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
2. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours).
3. Shape the Donuts:
   • In the morning, remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
   • Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the donuts. For some, use a smaller heart cutter to remove the center, creating a ring. Re-roll scraps once to make additional donuts or donut holes.
4. Second Rise:
   • Lightly cover the cut donuts and let them rest while heating the oil.
5. Heat the Oil:
   • Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches.
   • Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
6. Fry the Donuts:
   • Carefully place 3-4 donuts into the hot oil at a time.
   • Fry for 1 minute on each side until deep golden brown.
   • Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring until smooth.
8. Glaze the Donuts:
   • Once the donuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze.
   • Place back on the cooling rack to allow the glaze to set.
9. Optional Filling:
   • For whole donuts, use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to fill them with strawberry jam.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 5g

The History of Donuts

Donuts have a long and fascinating history that dates back centuries. While the exact origins remain unclear, it is believed that fried dough treats were enjoyed in ancient civilizations. The modern donut, as we know it, was popularized in the United States, with Dutch settlers bringing their version of “olykoeks” or “oily cakes.” Over time, these simple fried dough treats evolved into the ring-shaped and filled varieties we see today. The heart-shaped donut is a relatively modern twist, designed to add a festive and romantic touch to the classic treat. This shape became especially popular around Valentine’s Day, as people sought creative ways to celebrate love and affection through food.

Why Heart-Shaped Donuts are Special

Heart-shaped donuts stand out from traditional round donuts due to their unique shape and the emotions they convey. They are often associated with love, making them a popular choice for romantic occasions, anniversaries, and special events. These donuts are also a great way to show appreciation for family and friends by offering a homemade, heartwarming treat. Additionally, heart-shaped donuts can be customized with various toppings, fillings, and decorations. Some popular options include pink or red glaze, sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. This level of personalization makes them a fun and interactive baking project that people of all ages can enjoy.

Baking vs. Frying: Which Method is Better?

One of the main decisions when making homemade donuts is whether to bake or fry them. Traditional heart-shaped donuts are fried, which gives them a crisp outer layer and a soft, fluffy interior. The frying process creates a richer flavor and texture that many donut lovers prefer. However, for those looking for a healthier alternative, baked donuts are an option. Baked heart-shaped donuts use a cake-like batter and are cooked in a donut pan, reducing the amount of oil used in the process. While they may not have the same deep-fried taste, they still offer a delicious and slightly lighter variation that some may enjoy.

Decorating Heart-Shaped Donuts

One of the most exciting parts of making heart-shaped donuts is the decorating process. There are countless ways to customize these sweet treats to suit any occasion. Some popular decoration ideas include:

• Glaze: A classic sugar glaze, flavored with vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate, is the most common topping. Adding food coloring can create vibrant pinks and reds for a more festive look.
• Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles add a fun and playful touch to the donuts, making them even more visually appealing.
• Drizzles: Chocolate or white chocolate drizzles can enhance both the appearance and taste of the donuts.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar provides an elegant and simple finish.
• Edible Flowers or Glitter: For a more sophisticated look, edible flowers or glitter can be used to create a bakery-quality presentation.

Best Occasions for Heart-Shaped Donuts

Heart-shaped donuts are versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions. While they are a perfect choice for Valentine’s Day, they are also great for:

• Anniversaries: A homemade batch of heart-shaped donuts can make an anniversary breakfast extra special.
• Bridal Showers: These donuts add a romantic touch to any bridal shower dessert table.
• Mother’s Day: Show appreciation to moms by serving up a batch of freshly made heart-shaped donuts.
• Birthdays: A sweet alternative to a traditional cake, these donuts can be customized with birthday-themed decorations.
• Baby Showers: Pink or blue-glazed heart-shaped donuts are a great addition to baby shower celebrations.

Tips for Making Perfect Heart-Shaped Donuts

Making homemade donuts can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are a few key tips to ensure the best results:

• Use fresh yeast: If making yeast-based donuts, always use fresh yeast to ensure proper rising and a light texture.
• Monitor oil temperature: When frying, maintain an oil temperature of around 375°F (190°C) to prevent the donuts from absorbing excess oil.
• Do not overcrowd the pan: Fry only a few donuts at a time to ensure even cooking.
• Let the dough rise sufficiently: Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures a soft and fluffy texture.
• Cool before glazing: Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly without becoming too runny.

Pairing Suggestions

Heart-shaped donuts are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired with various beverages for an enhanced experience. Some great pairings include:

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the donut and balances the flavors.
• Hot Chocolate: A rich and creamy hot chocolate pairs perfectly with a freshly glazed donut.
• Milk: A classic choice that enhances the soft and sweet flavors of the donut.
• Fruit Smoothies: A refreshing fruit smoothie provides a nice contrast to the richness of the donut.

Conclusion

Heart-shaped donuts are more than just a tasty treat; they are a symbol of love and celebration. Whether made for a special occasion or simply as a way to brighten someone’s day, these donuts bring joy to anyone who tries them. With endless customization options, they offer a creative and fun baking experience that anyone can enjoy. Whether fried or baked, glazed or filled, heart-shaped donuts are a delightful addition to any dessert menu.