Valentine Donuts with Pink Glaze

Name: Valentine Donuts with Pink Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; A few drops of red food coloring; Sprinkles (optional)

Highlighted under: Celebration Meals

I love treating my loved ones with these delightful Valentine donuts adorned with a glossy pink glaze. Making these donuts is not only fun but also a fantastic way to celebrate love with some tasty sweetness. The process, from mixing the dough to frying, filled my kitchen with irresistible aromas, turning it into a heartwarming haven. With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, we can whip up a batch that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for breakfast in bed or a charming dessert after dinner.

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2026-01-08T11:53:36.793Z

Creating these Valentine donuts filled my home with the scents of sweet cinnamon and rich vanilla, making the whole experience feel like a warm embrace. I remember watching the donuts puff and rise in the oil, their golden-brown tops hinting at the sweet crunch that awaited. While some glaze recipes can be too stiff, I opted for a lighter, runny version that allows it to flow delectably over the donuts.

I find that letting the donuts rest for a moment after frying helps maintain their fluffy texture, ensuring each bite is soft and heavenly. Pairing them with sprinkles adds a festive touch that not only looks good but also gives a fun crunch that complements the smooth glaze beautifully.

        Why You'll Love These Donuts
        Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Bright pink glaze that adds a pop of color to your celebrations
Great for sharing with loved ones on special occasions

      

Understanding Donut Texture

The texture of these Valentine donuts is crucial for achieving that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. The combination of all-purpose flour and the right leavening agents, like baking powder, ensures the donuts rise beautifully while remaining soft inside. To avoid dense donuts, be careful not to over-mix the dough. Just combine until everything is incorporated, as overworking the gluten can lead to a less tender bite.

It's also important to fry the donuts at the correct temperature. Aim for around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown quickly on the outside but remain raw inside. Conversely, if it’s too cool, they will absorb oil, resulting in greasy donuts. Using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature will help maintain perfect frying conditions throughout the process.

Making the Pink Glaze Shine

The pink glaze is what truly elevates these donuts, adding both flavor and visual appeal. When preparing the glaze, it’s essential to add milk gradually—start with 2 tablespoons to achieve a thick yet dip-able consistency, then adjust if necessary. If the glaze becomes too thin, simply add a little more powdered sugar. The goal is for it to coat the donuts nicely without running off.

Incorporating food coloring can be done in stages as well. Start with one drop, mix, and assess the shade before adding more. This prevents overpowering the glaze with color. I love adding sprinkles on top for added crunch and festivity, but make sure to do it right after glazing so they stick well. If you prefer, you can also experiment with different colors or flavors in the glaze, such as lemon or almond extract.

Storing and Serving Tips

These Valentine donuts are best enjoyed fresh the same day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed donuts. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and glaze them for a fresh taste.

To serve, consider pairing these donuts with a side of fresh berries or whipped cream for a delightful contrast. They also work wonderfully as sweet gifts; just package them in decorative boxes. If you're serving a crowd, you can easily double this recipe to ensure everyone gets to enjoy these charming, sweet delights.

Ingredients

For the Donuts

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Pink Glaze

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
A few drops of red food coloring
Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Form the Donuts

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to shape the donuts. Make sure to also cut out the centers.

Fry the Donuts

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium heat. Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Make the Pink Glaze

In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add a few drops of red food coloring until you achieve the desired pink shade.

Glaze the Donuts

Dip the tops of each cooled donut into the pink glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Decorate with sprinkles if desired, then let the glaze set before serving.

Pro Tips

To keep your donuts light and fluffy, avoid overmixing the dough. Fry at the right temperature
too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll absorb oil.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of ingredients in this recipe plays a significant role. Whole milk yields a richer flavor compared to skim or low-fat varieties, which helps create that soft, tender donut. Also, using fresh eggs will enhance the rise during frying, contributing to a fluffier texture. If you need to make a substitution for dietary restrictions, non-dairy milk works just as well, and a flax egg can replace traditional eggs to make the donuts vegan.

When it comes to the sugar, granulated sugar can be replaced with cane sugar for a slightly different flavor, or even brown sugar for a caramel-like note. However, be mindful that changing sugar types may affect the texture slightly, making the donuts denser. Always consider the final taste you desire before substituting!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your donuts come out too oily, it generally indicates that the oil temperature was too low. Always use a thermometer to keep it steady at around 350°F (175°C). If they are unevenly cooked or burnt on the outside but raw inside, this could also point to temperature fluctuations. Adjust cooking time accordingly; about 2-3 minutes per side should yield the ideal golden brown color.

On the other hand, if your donuts don’t rise as expected, double-check the freshness of your baking powder; old leavening agents can lead to flat donuts. Make sure also to follow mixing instructions closely—lifting and folding gently ensures air is incorporated, which is crucial for achieving a fluffy outcome.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Just roll and fry them in the morning.

→ What can I use instead of whole milk?

You can substitute almond milk or any milk alternative, but the texture may vary slightly.

→ How should I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them without glaze.

→ Can I customize the glaze flavor?

Absolutely! You can add almond extract, lemon juice, or even cocoa powder to the glaze for different flavors.