Description
These heart-shaped sugar donuts are a delightful homemade treat perfect for any special occasion. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden, crispy exterior, they are deep-fried to perfection and coated with granulated sugar and festive pink and red sugar crystals. Their charming shape and sweet coating make them an irresistible indulgence for donut lovers and a fun baking project to create at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frying
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Pink and red sugar crystals (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. Arrange the shaped doughnuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely and allow them to rise again for 30 minutes until puffed.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Coat with Sugar: While the donuts are still warm, roll each one in granulated sugar until fully coated. Sprinkle with pink and red sugar crystals for a festive look. Let the donuts cool slightly before serving to allow the sugar coating to set.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pot; fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil or peanut oil for frying.
- To keep donuts fresh, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or reheat briefly before serving.
- For a variation, consider adding cinnamon to the sugar coating.
