Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making doughnuts! There’s just something magical about the smell of them baking in the oven—like a warm hug wrapped in sweetness. I remember the first time I made these simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts for a friend’s birthday party. As soon as I pulled them out of the oven, the whole house filled with that delightful cinnamon aroma, and you could just feel the excitement in the air. Everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting for them to cool off just enough to eat.
These doughnuts aren’t just for birthdays, though! They’re perfect for any celebration, whether it’s a cozy brunch, a sweet surprise for your loved ones, or even a spontaneous treat for yourself. Trust me, the heart shape adds an extra touch of love that makes them even more special. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying life. So, grab those heart-shaped molds, and let’s get started on this delightful adventure together!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want those doughnuts to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s well mixed. The smell of cinnamon will start to fill your kitchen—so lovely!
- Next, add in the milk, egg, and melted butter. Now, this is where the magic happens! Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want these doughnuts to be light and fluffy!
- Now, it’s time to pour the batter into your heart-shaped doughnut molds. I love using these because they add such a cute touch! Fill each mold about halfway full to allow room for rising.
- Pop those molds into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Just a little patience, and your kitchen will smell divine!
- Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the molds for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up nicely, so they don’t fall apart when you take them out.
- While they’re cooling, grab a small bowl and mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. This is where the magic continues—trust me, you want to do this while the doughnuts are still warm!
- Carefully remove the doughnuts from the molds and coat each warm doughnut in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Give them a little shake to ensure they’re fully coated—oh, they’re going to be so delicious!
- Now, serve them up and enjoy every delightful bite! You might want to make a double batch because they disappear quickly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re super easy to make—perfect for even the most novice bakers!
- The heart shape adds a touch of love and charm, making them great for any occasion.
- Delightfully fluffy and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar—they’re simply irresistible!
- Great for sharing with friends and family, or just keeping all to yourself (I won’t judge!).
- Quick to whip up, so you can satisfy those doughnut cravings in no time.
- The aroma of baking doughnuts will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting.
- Versatile enough to dress up with sprinkles or serve plain—customization is key!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make these adorable little doughnuts, here are some pro tips to help you get them just right!
- Don’t overmix the batter: When you add the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. A few lumps are totally okay! Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts, and we want them light and fluffy.
- Warm doughnuts for coating: For that perfect cinnamon sugar coating, make sure to coat your doughnuts while they’re still warm. This allows the sugar to stick beautifully and creates a delightful crunch!
- Use cooking spray: If you’re using silicone molds, a quick spray of cooking oil can help the doughnuts pop out effortlessly. Trust me, nothing is worse than a doughnut that sticks!
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your doughnuts as they bake. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. You want them golden brown and set in the middle.
- Experiment with shapes: If you don’t have heart-shaped molds, don’t worry! You can use regular doughnut pans or even muffin tins for a fun variation. Just adjust the baking time as needed!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up the most delightful simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts. Enjoy the process and, of course, the delicious results!
Variations
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with these simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts! Here are some delightful variations to consider:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite. The melted chocolate combined with the cinnamon sugar coating is pure bliss!
- Spiced Variations: Swap out the ground cinnamon for other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist. It’s a great way to change up the flavor profile!
- Glazed Doughnuts: Instead of coating them in cinnamon sugar, whip up a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle it over the warm doughnuts for a sweet, shiny finish that’s sure to impress!
- Fruit-Infused: Mix in some fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity twist. You could also top the doughnuts with a berry compote for an extra special treat.
- Different Shapes: While heart-shaped molds are adorable, you can also use traditional doughnut shapes or even mini muffin tins! Each shape brings its charm and makes for a unique presentation.
- Maple Sugar Coating: Instead of the classic cinnamon sugar, try a coating of maple sugar for a deliciously sweet and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the doughnut base.
Get creative and have fun experimenting with these variations! Each twist will make your simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts uniquely yours, and I can’t wait to hear about your delicious creations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delightful simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts fresh and tasty! If you happen to have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence), it’s super important to store them properly so they stay delicious.
First off, make sure to let the doughnuts cool completely before storing them. This prevents any condensation from forming inside the container, which can make them soggy. Once they’re cool, grab an airtight container and place the doughnuts inside. You can layer them with parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh this way for about 2-3 days at room temperature.
If you find yourself with a big batch and want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container after they’ve cooled completely, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. I recommend thawing them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
As for reheating, if you want to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too hot! Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will make them feel just like they did when they were first baked—fluffy and warm!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts even days after making them! Happy indulging!
Nutritional Information
Now, if you’re curious about the nutritional side of these delightful simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts, here’s a quick breakdown. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 3g
These tasty treats are a lovely way to indulge without going overboard. Enjoy them as a sweet snack or a special dessert, and feel good about every delightful bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk works great in this recipe. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the balance of flavors right. Your doughnuts will still turn out deliciously fluffy!
What if I don’t have heart-shaped molds?
No worries at all! You can use traditional doughnut pans or even muffin tins. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as they might need a few extra minutes in those shapes.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While it’s best to bake the doughnuts fresh for the fluffiest results, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just mix in the wet ingredients right before you’re ready to bake!
How do I know when the doughnuts are done baking?
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready! Also, look for a lovely golden brown color on top.
Can I add different flavors or toppings?
Of course! Get creative! You can mix in chocolate chips, top with a glaze, or even sprinkle some nuts on the cinnamon sugar coating. The options are endless, and each variation can be just as delightful!
simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts: 7 irresistible treats
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts are easy to make and delightful to eat. Perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add milk, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into heart-shaped doughnut molds.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for coating.
- Remove doughnuts from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Coat warm doughnuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the doughnuts are warm for better coating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use different shapes for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: simple cinnamon sugar heart doughnuts