Description

These Homemade Valentine Doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and heart-shaped treats perfect for celebrating love. Made from scratch with a tender yeast dough, deep-fried until golden brown, coated in sugar, and optionally decorated with melted chocolate, sprinkles, or filled with jam or custard, these doughnuts offer a delightful and festive dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Frying and Coating

Vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Toppings and Fillings (Optional)

Chocolate, melted (for dipping)
Sprinkles (for decoration)
Jam or custard (for filling)

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small dish, combine the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough begins to clump together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes, until it becomes soft, smooth, and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it doubles in size.
Shape the Doughnuts: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a half-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the doughnuts. Arrange the cut doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second Rise: Cover the shaped doughnuts and let them rise for another 30 minutes to puff up slightly.
Fry the Doughnuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Coat in Sugar & Serve: While still warm, roll the doughnuts in granulated sugar until fully coated. Serve immediately, or cool before adding melted chocolate, sprinkles, or filling with jam or custard as desired.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
Knead the dough thoroughly until elastic for soft and fluffy doughnuts.
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for even frying and prevent sogginess.
Fry doughnuts in small batches to keep oil temperature stable.
Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheat doughnuts in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes before serving.
Doughnuts can be frozen for up to two months; thaw and reheat before eating.