Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Heart-shaped sprinkles or other festive toppings (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple in donut recipes, providing structure and tenderness to the donut.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the donut base, helping balance the flavors.
- Baking Powder: The leavening agent that makes the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
- Butter and Oil: A combination of both provides the ideal texture—moist and rich while not being too greasy.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and complements the sweetness of the donuts.
- Food Coloring and Sprinkles: For a festive and visually appealing treat, especially for a holiday like Valentine’s Day.
Instructions
Prepare the Donut Batter:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or lightly spray it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). These dry ingredients will form the base of your donut batter.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, melted butter, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but smooth.
- Add Color (optional): If you want your donuts to have a festive Valentine’s Day look, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring to the batter and stir until the color is evenly distributed.
Prepare to Bake the Donuts:
- Fill the Donut Pan: Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full with the batter. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the tops of the donuts are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate the Donuts:
- Make the Icing: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the icing. You can make a simple glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water until smooth. For extra flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract or almond extract to the icing. If you want pink icing, add a drop or two of food coloring.
- Dip the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze. Let any excess drip off, then place the donuts on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
- Add Decorations: While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle heart-shaped sprinkles, edible glitter, or other festive toppings over the donuts. This step will give your donuts that perfect Valentine’s Day look!
- Let the Glaze Set: Allow the donuts to sit for 10-15 minutes to let the glaze harden slightly before serving or packing them up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g