Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
For Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts
- Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out the donuts.
- Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Second Rise
- Cover the donuts with a cloth and let them rest for another 30 minutes to rise slightly.
Heat the Oil
- In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Donuts
- Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, frying in batches.
- Cook each side for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Coat with Sugar
- While the donuts are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
Notes
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil at 350°F (175°C) is crucial. Using a thermometer can help ensure the correct temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked donuts.
- Storage: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze uncoated donuts and sugar them after reheating.
- Variations: For added flavor, consider mixing a teaspoon of cinnamon into the sugar coating or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled donuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 114 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg
Keywords: heart-shaped donuts, sugar-coated donuts, homemade donuts, fried donuts, Valentine's Day dessert