There’s something truly special about freshly made doughnuts. Just picture them: golden brown, slightly crispy on the outside yet unbelievably soft and fluffy inside. As you take a bite, the sweet aroma of chocolate spread (or luscious apricot jam) fills the air, and you can’t help but smile. These heart-shaped delights are wonderfully indulgent and have become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want to sprinkle a little love into someone’s day, be it a holiday or a random Wednesday.
These delicious treats come together surprisingly fast and are perfect when you’re looking to impress at a brunch or just satisfy a sweet tooth craving. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve at celebrations—like Valentine’s Day or birthdays—and delightful enough to make on a casual weekend. Leftovers? Well, if there are any, they make a fantastic afternoon snack or breakfast treat!
WHY I LOVE HEART-SHAPED DOUGHNUTS
“Heart-Shaped Doughnuts” hits that sweet spot between ease and elegance. The flavor profile is incredibly easy to customize, whether you fancy chocolate, fruit jam, or even a spicy twist! They’re undeniably delicious, and I can confidently say they are a true winner at my table. Each bite is a blend of nostalgia and joy, evoking warm memories of baking with family and friends.
HEART-SHAPED DOUGHNUTS INGREDIENTS
The magic of these heart-shaped doughnuts truly lies in the harmony of the ingredients! They combine to create a tender, fluffy dough that begs to be filled and enjoyed. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) MILK: Adds richness and moisture to create a tender crumb.
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) WATER: Balances the milk for the perfect dough consistency.
- 21 g (2 tbsp 1 tsp) ACTIVE DRY YEAST: The star ingredient that helps our dough rise beautifully.
- 50 g (1/4 cup) SUGAR: Sweetens the dough and enhances browning during frying.
- 550 g (4 1/2 cups) MANITOBA FLOUR (or BREAD FLOUR): Low protein flour promotes soft and fluffy texture.
- 2 EGGS (120g or 4.2 oz): Adds richness and structure to our dough.
- 1 EGG YOLK (20g or 0.7 oz): For that extra velvety texture.
- 1 tbsp RUM (optional): A splash gives depth to the dough flavor.
- 5 g (3/4 tsp) SALT: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 70 g (1/3 cup) UNSALTED BUTTER: Adds richness and a lovely buttery flavor.
- 750 ml (3 1/2 cups) VEGETABLE OIL, for frying: A must for achieving that perfect crispness.
- 80 g (1/3 cup) SUGAR: For rolling the doughnuts and giving them a sweet coating.
- 40 g (1/3 cup) POWDERED SUGAR: For that lovely finishing touch.
- 10 g (1 tbsp) VANILLA SUGAR: A hint of sweetness and warmth.
- 350 g (12 oz) CHOCOLATE SPREAD (LINO LADA): Irresistible gooey filling.
- 360 g (12 oz) APRICOT JAM: Sweet and fruity, perfect for a delightful contrast.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? You can replace the milk with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free option (though the texture may be slightly different). If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour works fine but will result in a softer dough. Craving something different? Try using maple syrup instead of sugar for a unique flavor twist! When frying, ensure your oil is the right temperature—too hot and they’ll burn; too cold and they won’t crisp.
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or electric hand mixer)
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter (8 cm/3 inch)
- Rolling pin
- Large pan with a lid (for frying)
- Candy thermometer (to check oil temperature)
- Pastry bag (for filling your doughnuts)
HOW TO MAKE HEART-SHAPED DOUGHNUTS
Let’s dive into creating these delightful heart-shaped doughnuts. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps, and follow along, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time! We’re aiming for fluffy, tender doughnuts with a lovely, golden exterior.
Combine the Liquid Ingredients
First, combine lukewarm milk, water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is key to ensure your yeast is active—no one wants flat doughnuts!
Knead the Dough to Perfection
Next, add the flour, eggs, egg yolk, rum (if using), salt, and the yeast mixture into a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead on low speed, then increase to medium, for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is elastic, smooth, and easily separates from the bowl. Now, add in the butter and knead for another 3-4 minutes until fully incorporated.
First Rise – Let it Rise
Once your dough is silky, cover the bowl with cling film and let it rise at room temperature (20-25°C / 68-77°F) until visibly increased, about 1-1.5 hours. You want to see it double!
Shape the Doughnuts
Lightly dust a large baking sheet with flour. Roll the dough into a 2 cm (0.8 inch) thick rectangle using a rolling pin. Now, take your heart-shaped cookie cutter and cut about 16 pieces of dough. Gather leftover dough and shape it into 70g (2.5 ounces) balls for mini doughnuts. Place each heart-shaped dough on the baking sheet with enough space to rise further—leave them covered with a kitchen towel sprinkled with a bit of water for another 1-1.5 hours.
Heat the Oil for Frying
Now, place your pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil reaches 170 – 180°C (340 – 355 °F) dip a spatula lightly in flour and pick one doughnut. Gently drop it into the oil, followed by about 4 more (depending on your pan size). This step is essential—don’t overcrowd the pan!
Fry Until Golden
Cover with a lid and fry for 2-3 minutes. Then, remove the lid, turn the doughnuts, and fry for another 2-3 minutes uncovered. The goal is golden-brown perfection! Once done, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined wire rack to absorb excess oil.
Sweeten the Deal
While the doughnuts are cooling, whisk together all the sugars for dusting in a deep plate. Once cooled slightly, coat the doughnuts in the sugar mixture, giving them that lovely dusting you love!
Fill with Joy
Lastly, if you want to fill them with apricot jam, warm it in a saucepan over low heat. Transfer it to a pastry bag and carefully pipe it into your doughnuts. Or, indulge with chocolate spread for a heavenly treat!
HOW TO STORE HEART-SHAPED DOUGHNUTS
Leftover doughnuts can be quite a blessing! They can be stored at room temperature for about 1-2 days in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, move them to the refrigerator, where they’ll last for about 3-4 days. You can freeze them for 2-3 months—just make sure to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven for that sprinkle of warmth!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Ensure your yeast is fresh—if it doesn’t foam in the first step, toss it and try again!
- Don’t rush the rising time; a well-risen dough equals fluffy doughnuts.
- Maintain oil temperature for even frying—use a thermometer if you have one.
- Don’t skip the sugar coating; it adds a lovely sweetness and texture!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a delightful contrast.
- Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon.
- Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for added warmth.
- Garnish with fresh berries or mint for a pop of color.
- Present them in a lovely box or on a plate for a charming display!
Now that we’ve built these heart-shaped delights together, I assure you that they will sprinkle joy and love into your life, whether you’re sharing them with someone special or just treating yourself. Enjoy!
