Heart-Shaped Mini Donuts combine the lightness of baked dough with the golden, crispy finish of frying. These charming, bite-sized treats are perfect for celebrations, gifts, or a sweet snack. The dough is soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened, with the option to finish by brushing with oil or briefly frying for extra color and crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers the best of both worlds: the ease and softness of baked donuts with the appealing golden crispness achieved through a quick fry or oil brushing. The heart shape adds a fun and festive touch, making these mini donuts ideal for romantic occasions or special breakfasts. Plus, they’re coated in fine sugar, enhancing their delicate sweetness.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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all-purpose wheat flour
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sugar
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dry yeast
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warm milk
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medium egg
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melted butter
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vanilla extract
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salt
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vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)
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fine sugar or granulated sugar (for coating)
directions
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Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the dry yeast with warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy and active. -
Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, egg, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix well. Add melted butter last and knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and elastic. -
First Rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. -
Shape the Donuts:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to approximately 1 cm thickness. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out mini donuts (about 5 cm in size). Place the cut dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. -
Second Rise:
Cover the shaped donuts lightly and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffed. -
Bake and Finish:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the donuts for 8 to 10 minutes until they are lightly golden. Optionally, brush the baked donuts with vegetable oil or briefly fry them in hot oil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior. -
Coat with Sugar:
While still warm, toss the mini donuts in fine or granulated sugar until evenly coated. -
Serve:
Enjoy the donuts fresh, either warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 30 mini donuts (5 cm each).
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including rises)
Calories: Approximately 100 per donut
Variations
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Add cinnamon to the sugar coating for a warm, spicy flavor.
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Drizzle with melted chocolate or glaze for extra indulgence.
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Use different shaped cookie cutters to suit occasions.
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Incorporate zest from lemon or orange into the dough for a citrus twist.
storage/reheating
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or microwave to restore softness. Avoid storing in the refrigerator to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts entirely baked without frying?
Yes, baking alone yields soft and delicious donuts, but frying or oil brushing adds a crispy finish.
How do I know if the yeast is active?
It will become foamy and bubbly within 10 minutes when mixed with warm milk and sugar.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, but reduce rising time as instant yeast acts faster.
Can I freeze the dough or donuts?
Freeze shaped dough before baking for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adjusting time. Baked donuts freeze well too.
What type of flour is best?
All-purpose wheat flour works well for a soft, tender crumb.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About 1 cm thickness ensures the right size and texture for mini donuts.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
Butter adds flavor and tenderness, but oil can be used as a substitute with slight texture changes.
How do I keep donuts soft?
Proper kneading and avoiding overbaking help maintain softness.
Can I add fillings?
Yes, fill cooled donuts with jam, cream, or chocolate using a piping bag.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, these donuts are mild in flavor and can be customized to suit kids’ tastes.
Conclusion
Heart-Shaped Mini Donuts offer a delightful combination of fluffy baked dough and optionally crisp fried finish, perfect for festive occasions or casual treats. Easy to make and adorable in shape, they bring joy and sweetness to any table. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with coatings and fillings, these mini donuts are sure to be a hit.
Print
Heart-Shaped Mini Donuts (Baked Style with Fried Finish)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 30 mini donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable Heart-Shaped Mini Donuts combine the best of both worlds — baked for a light texture with an optional quick fry for a golden, crispy finish. Perfectly soft, lightly sweetened, and coated in fine sugar, these mini donuts are a charming treat for celebrations or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
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250g all-purpose wheat flour
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50g sugar
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5g dry yeast (1 teaspoon)
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120ml warm milk
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1 medium egg
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30g melted butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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Vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)
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Fine or granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
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Activate the Yeast:
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In a small bowl, mix yeast with warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
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Mix the Dough:
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In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
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Add egg, vanilla, and the yeast mixture. Mix well.
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Stir in melted butter and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic.
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First Rise:
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Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Shape Donuts:
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Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1 cm thickness.
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Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 5 cm) to cut out mini donuts.
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Place shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let rest for 15 minutes.
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Bake:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake the mini donuts for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden.
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Optional Frying Finish:
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Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Quickly fry the baked mini donuts for 30 seconds per side for extra golden crispness. Drain on paper towels.
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Coat with Sugar:
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While still warm, toss donuts in fine or granulated sugar until coated.
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Notes
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For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
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Swap vanilla extract for almond or citrus zest for flavor variation.
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Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or gifting in cute boxes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American