There’s something just magical about baking sweet treats, isn’t there? The way the warm aromas fill your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy haven. And let me tell you, simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts are a true delight! I still remember the first time I made these little beauties—my friends and I had a spontaneous baking day, and as soon as they came out of the oven, we couldn’t resist the warm, fluffy goodness. The first bite was like a hug in dessert form, with that perfect balance of sweet and spice. Trust me, nothing beats the joy of sharing these heart-shaped wonders with loved ones, especially when they’re rolled in cinnamon sugar! You can’t help but smile when you see those cute little hearts, and the taste? Oh wow, it’s pure bliss! So, let’s get baking and spread some love with these delicious doughnuts!
Ingredients for Simple Cinnamon Sugar Heart Doughnuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your doughnuts, giving them structure and that lovely fluffy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key! This will make your doughnuts delightfully sweet.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – This is your leavening agent, helping the doughnuts rise and become light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Because what’s a cinnamon sugar doughnut without cinnamon? It adds warmth and spice!
- 1/2 cup milk – This keeps the dough moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs – These act as a binder and add richness to the doughnuts.
- 1/4 cup melted butter – For that lovely buttery flavor and a soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla for that warm, comforting aroma.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) – We need this for rolling the doughnuts after baking, adding that irresistible sweet crunch.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating) – The magical dust that brings it all together for that classic cinnamon sugar flavor.
How to Prepare Simple Cinnamon Sugar Heart Doughnuts
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven warming up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your doughnuts are ready to bake. This step is super important because it helps your doughnuts rise perfectly and get that lovely golden color we all adore!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This ensures each bite of your doughnut is bursting with flavor and that fluffy texture we’re after. Don’t rush this step; take your time to mix well!
Preparing the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined; you want to create a smooth mixture. This is where the magic happens, bringing all those rich flavors together!
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together! Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. A few lumps are totally okay—overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts, and we definitely don’t want that! Just mix until you see no dry flour, and you’re good to go!
Filling the Doughnut Pan
Grab your greased heart-shaped doughnut pan and fill each cavity with the batter, about two-thirds full. I love using a piping bag for this—it makes the process super neat! If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works just as well.
Baking the Doughnuts
Pop your filled doughnut pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them set up perfectly!
Coating in Cinnamon Sugar
While your doughnuts are cooling, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Once the doughnuts are cool enough to handle, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re fully coated. This is where they get that irresistible sweet crunch! Enjoy the magical transformation!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly, leading to a better doughnut texture.
- Don’t overfill the pan: Filling the cavities about two-thirds full allows for the doughnuts to rise without overflowing.
- Check for doneness: Remember to do the toothpick test! If it comes out clean, they’re ready to come out of the oven.
- Cool before coating: Let your doughnuts cool for a few minutes to avoid the sugar melting off when you coat them.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a dash of nutmeg or even some cocoa powder to the batter for a delicious twist!
- Store properly: Keep your doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for the best freshness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for each simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnut:
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your delicious doughnuts guilt-free!
FAQ About Simple Cinnamon Sugar Heart Doughnuts
Can I use a different shaped pan?
Absolutely! While I love the heart shape, feel free to use any doughnut pan you have on hand. The baking time might vary slightly, so just keep an eye on them.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
No worries! You can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. It’ll give you a similar lift for those fluffy doughnuts!
Can I make the doughnuts ahead of time?
Sure! You can bake them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and coat them in the cinnamon sugar right before serving for that fresh taste.
How should I store leftover doughnuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will stay tasty for a couple of days!
Can I add toppings or fillings?
Oh, definitely! You can fill them with jam, chocolate, or even a cream filling. Just make sure to insert your filling after baking for a delightful surprise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These doughnuts come together in just about 27 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for a sweet craving or unexpected guests!
- Heart-Shaped Fun: The adorable heart shape adds a lovely touch, making them ideal for celebrations, or just to brighten someone’s day.
- Delightfully Fluffy: Each bite is soft and fluffy, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients that create a light, tender texture.
- Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The sweet crunch of cinnamon sugar on the outside is simply heavenly, giving each doughnut a delightful finish.
- Customizable: Feel free to play around with flavors or fillings! From chocolate to fruit, you can make these doughnuts your own.
- Perfect for Sharing: These heart-shaped treats are great for sharing with loved ones, spreading joy and sweetness all around!
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for baking with kids! They’ll love helping to roll the doughnuts in cinnamon sugar and enjoy every bite.
Simple Cinnamon Sugar Heart Doughnuts Bring Sweet Joy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious heart-shaped doughnuts coated with cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Fill a greased heart-shaped doughnut pan with the batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the doughnuts cool for a few minutes.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon for coating.
- Coat the doughnuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed fresh.
- You can use a different shape pan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts