Vanilla Glazed Donuts

Homemade heart-shaped donuts really show someone you care. These baked treats hit the sweet spot between soft cake donut and yummy vanilla topping, with a fun shape that's perfect for Valentine's Day or whenever you want to make something special. After trying loads of different versions (while my family happily ate the test batches), I've nailed down this foolproof method for donuts that look great and taste even better.

When I brought these out for my kids last Valentine's morning, they couldn't believe their eyes. Those pink heart donuts got them so excited, and putting sprinkles on top has become our favorite way to start special days together. What makes them so good? A light, fluffy batter and icing that hardens just right.

Essential Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: This makes your donuts nice and soft. I always use the spoon-and-level way to measure it right
• Full-fat milk: Gives you donuts that aren't dry. Try to use it at room temperature
• Good quality vanilla extract: This isn't where you want to save money - it gives that awesome donut shop taste
• Gel food coloring: Makes bright colors without making your glaze runny. Pink or red works great for Valentine's
• Sprinkles: Pick colors and shapes that match what you're celebrating

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Get Everything Ready:

Heat your oven to 400°F. Coat your heart-shaped donut pan really well. Put a cooling rack nearby. Make sure all ingredients aren't cold from the fridge.

Create Your Batter:

Stir dry stuff until it's mixed well. In another bowl, blend wet ingredients until smooth. Combine them gently - don't mix too much or you'll ruin it. Your batter should be thick but still able to pour.

Put Batter in Pan:

Scoop batter into a piping bag. Fill each donut shape about ¾ full. Tap the pan lightly to get air bubbles out. Clean up any spills so they don't burn.

Baking Time:

Put in the hot oven. Time it for 8 minutes. Test with a toothpick to see if they're done. Let them sit in the pan for 5 minutes after baking.

Whip Up the Glaze:

Run powdered sugar through a sifter to get the bumps out. Add milk bit by bit until it feels right. Split and add color as you want. Keep it slightly warm so it goes on smooth.

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Flawless Glazing Method

I've figured out that getting the temperature right matters a ton when putting glaze on donuts. Your donuts need to be totally cool, but your glaze should be a little warm to go on nice and smooth. I dunk each donut at a slant, let the extra drip off, then flip it over in one quick move.

Prep Ahead and Keeping Fresh

These taste best on the day you make them, but I've got some tricks for making them ahead. You can mix up the batter the night before and keep it in your piping bag in the fridge. Just let it warm up a bit before you start baking.

Playing with Colors

To get that Valentine's pink just right, I start with just a tiny bit of gel color and add more as needed. Sometimes I'll do three different pinks - light, medium, and dark - to create a cool ombre look that makes them extra fancy when displayed together.

Setting Up a Decorating Station

Create a little decorating area with different colored glazes and sprinkle choices. I put parchment paper underneath to make cleanup super easy and use flat, wide bowls for the sprinkles. It's turned into everyone's favorite activity at our place.

Fixing Common Problems

If your donuts won't come out of the pan, try putting the greased pan in the fridge for 10 minutes before adding batter. And when your glaze gets too thick, just add a tiny bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it flows nicely.

Holiday and Season Twists

While pink works great for Valentine's, I switch up the colors for other times - soft colors for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, red and green for Christmas. You can really do anything with these!

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In our home, these heart donuts have become way more than just a Valentine's treat - they're like love turned into something sweet you can eat. Whether you're surprising someone or just want to make an ordinary day feel special, these donuts always bring smiles. The mix of soft cake, sweet topping, and fun decorations creates something magical that makes any moment feel like you're celebrating something awesome.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should I use a piping bag?

It helps fill the pan neatly without extra mess or uneven donuts.

→ How can the ombre look be done?

Begin with the palest pink and deepen the color for successive batches.

→ Is a donut pan necessary?

Yes, it’s key for getting the proper rounded shape.

→ How long will they last?

They’re best enjoyed within 48 hours but keep well in a sealed container at room temperature.

→ Can I freeze them for later?

Store bare donuts in the freezer for up to two months, glazing them after thawing.