Simple Cinnamon Sugar Heart Doughnuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to enjoy homemade doughnuts without the need for complicated steps or ingredients. The dough is simple to make, and the heart-shaped doughnuts add a fun, festive touch to any gathering or celebration. The cinnamon sugar coating gives the doughnuts a warm, comforting flavor, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different coatings or fillings, making them even more versatile!

Ingredients

• 1 packet active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (95-110°F)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup melted butter
• Canola oil for frying
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Proof the yeast: In a stand mixer bowl, combine yeast, warm milk, and honey. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough: Add flour, salt, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook, knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is slightly sticky but pulls away from the bowl.
3. Let the dough rise: Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
4. Shape the doughnuts: Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out doughnuts. Gather the remaining dough, roll it out, and repeat.
5. Fry the doughnuts: Heat canola oil in a pot to 350°F. Fry doughnuts in batches for 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
6. Coat in cinnamon sugar: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll each doughnut in the mixture until fully coated.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 doughnuts
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Powdered sugar: For a lighter coating, use powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar.
• Filled doughnuts: Pipe jam, custard, or chocolate filling into the center of the doughnuts for a decadent twist.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave them for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can skip the proofing step with instant yeast and just mix it directly into the flour.

2. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or peanut oil instead of canola oil.

3. How do I know if the oil is the right temperature?

Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil is around 350°F. If it's too hot, the doughnuts may burn on the outside but remain raw inside.

4. Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and fry the doughnuts the next day.

5. What if I don’t have heart-shaped cookie cutters?

You can use any shape you like or simply cut the dough into round doughnuts using a regular circle cutter.

6. Can I freeze the doughnuts?

Yes, after frying and cooling, you can freeze the doughnuts in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat them in the oven before serving.

7. Can I make these doughnuts without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand, but it may take a little longer to achieve the right consistency.

8. How can I make the doughnuts fluffier?

Be sure not to roll the dough too thin and allow it to rise properly to get soft, fluffy doughnuts.

9. Can I fill the doughnuts with custard or jam?

Yes, you can pipe custard, jam, or even chocolate ganache into the center of the doughnuts after frying.

10. How long does it take to fry each batch of doughnuts?

Fry each batch of doughnuts for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Conclusion

These simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a fun project to make with loved ones. Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or just craving a sweet snack, this easy recipe will bring joy to your kitchen. Enjoy these warm, soft, and perfectly sweet doughnuts any time of the year!