Decadent Mini Donut Hearts

Name: Decadent Mini Donut Hearts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 mini donuts
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Sprinkles (optional)

Highlighted under: Cozy Desserts

I absolutely adore making these Decadent Mini Donut Hearts for special occasions. The first time I baked them, I was amazed at how effortlessly they transformed into wonderfully fluffy, sweet treats. With a dash of cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, these mini donuts bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Perfect for sharing or just indulging in a little self-care, these delightful hearts add a unique charm to any dessert table. Trust me, once you try them, they'll become a must-have in your recipe collection.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:06:29.855Z

When I first crafted these mini donut hearts, I was struck by how quickly the batter came together. Using simple ingredients, I discovered that the secret to their fluffiness lies in the baking powder and the yogurt, which adds moisture and keeps them light. After a quick fry, they were golden and irresistible.

To elevate the flavor, I dipped them in a sweet vanilla glaze that complements the spice perfectly. Later, I experimented with various toppings, and I found that adding colorful sprinkles turns these treats into a festive delight, making them perfect for any celebration or simply to brighten up a gloomy day!

        Why You'll Love These Mini Donut Hearts
        Irresistible combination of sweet and spice
Fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Cute heart shape perfect for sharing

      

Perfecting the Donut Batter

Getting the right batter texture is crucial for achieving fluffy mini donuts. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing will lead to tough donuts. Additionally, the yogurt in this recipe acts as a moistening agent, provoking a tender crumb. If you're looking for a dairy-free substitute, feel free to use a non-dairy yogurt or applesauce, which will also add a touch of natural sweetness.

While preparing the batter, make sure your baking powder is fresh. An expired leavening agent can lead to dense donuts that don’t rise well. For an added flavor twist, consider including a teaspoon of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. It pairs beautifully and enhances the overall aromatic profile of your mini donut hearts.

Frying Tips for Perfect Donuts

When frying mini donuts, maintaining the oil temperature is key. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil's heat, ensuring it stays at a constant 350°F (175°C). If the temperature drops too low, the donuts will soak up excess oil, becoming greasy instead of light and fluffy. Frying in small batches will help maintain the optimal temperature and also allows you to monitor them closely for that perfect golden-brown color.

After frying, drain your mini donuts on paper towels to remove excess oil. This step is essential as it ensures a clean bite without an oily residue. If you find the donuts browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly and adjust your frying time accordingly; each batch should typically fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Decorating Your Mini Donut Hearts

When it comes to glazing your mini donuts, the glaze should be thick yet pourable. A good consistency allows the glaze to coat the donuts while keeping it from running off too quickly. If your glaze turns out too thick, stir in a bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too runny, add a touch more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

For a fun decorative touch, after glazing, add sprinkles or edible glitter while the glaze is still wet. This way, the toppings will adhere effectively. You can also experiment with flavoring your glaze by mixing in cocoa powder or flavored extracts, such as almond or maple, to complement the cinnamon in your donuts. Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorations!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your mini donut hearts.

For the Donuts

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles (optional)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delightful mini donut hearts.

Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Shape and Fry the Donuts

Preheat your fryer or a deep pot with oil to 350°F (175°C). Using a piping bag, fill the donut mold with the batter to about 3/4 full. Fry the donuts in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Drain them on paper towels.

Make the Glaze

In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.

Dip and Decorate

Once the donuts are cool, dip them in the glaze and add sprinkles if desired. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Enjoy your homemade mini donut hearts with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter or a splash of almond extract to the glaze.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These mini donut hearts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to make them ahead, consider preparing the batter and storing it in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying. This helps to develop the flavors even further and will give you quick access to a delicious treat when needed.

Freezing the donuts is also an option! After they are completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and glaze them as desired.

Variations to Try

Feel free to personalize your donut hearts by incorporating various add-ins. Mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts can be mixed into the batter before frying for added texture and flavor. For a seasonal twist, try adding pumpkin pie spice during the autumn months, or a dash of peppermint extract for a festive touch around the holidays.

You can also experiment with the glaze flavors. Consider making a chocolate glaze by melting semi-sweet chocolate and mixing it with a little cream. Or, create a fruity glaze by using fruit juices or purees, adding a touch of zest for brightness. This allows you to customize the taste profile, making the donuts even more exciting each time you make them.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them in a donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the donuts may be denser.

→ What should I do if my batter is too thick?

If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.