Valentine’s Day Donuts are a sweet and colorful treat that bring a little love to your snack time. These Strawberry Donuts are soft, fluffy, and coated with a bright pink strawberry glaze that makes them feel extra special. They’re the kind of donut that instantly lifts your spirits with their cheerful color and fresh fruity flavor.
I love making these donuts because they’re simple to prepare, but they look like something from a bakery window. I usually sprinkle a few tiny heart-shaped sprinkles on top to add a playful touch. It’s amazing how a little decoration can make the donuts feel just right for a Valentine’s celebration or even as a fun surprise for someone you care about.
My favorite way to enjoy these strawberry donuts is fresh out of the frying pan when they’re still warm and the glaze is just setting. They go great with a cup of coffee or cocoa, and they’re always a hit whether you’re sharing with friends, family, or just treating yourself. These donuts remind me that sometimes, the sweetest things in life are also the simplest to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here for a soft donut texture. If you want a lighter donut, try cake flour. For gluten-free, a blend designed for baking is your best bet.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tenderness and a slight tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit 5 minutes.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries give the glaze a natural flavor and pink color. You can use freeze-dried strawberries ground into powder if fresh aren’t available.
Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil both have high smoke points, ideal for frying. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can alter donut flavor.
How Do You Fry Donuts to Get Them Light and Golden?
Frying donuts well means keeping the oil at the right temperature and handling the dough gently. Here’s what I do:
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to keep it steady. Too hot dries donuts out; too cool makes them greasy.
- Fry donuts in small batches so oil temperature doesn’t drop.
- Cook each side about 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Flip gently with tongs or a slotted spoon.
- Drain donuts on paper towels or a wire rack to avoid sogginess.
- Frying fresh or room-temp dough gives the best light, fluffy donut inside and crisp outside.
With these tips, your donuts come out tender, airy, and perfectly golden every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep fryer or heavy pot – to fry donuts evenly and maintain consistent oil temperature.
- Thermometer – helps you keep the oil at the perfect 350°F for frying donuts safely.
- Donut cutter or two round cutters – makes shaping the donuts easy and uniform.
- Wire rack with paper towels – to drain excess oil and keep donuts crisp.
- Mixing bowls – for combining dough and preparing the glaze separately.
- Whisk or spoon – to mix ingredients smoothly without overworking dough.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry glaze for raspberry or blueberry puree for a different fruit twist and color.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the donut dough for a warm, cozy flavor ideal in cooler months.
- Try topping donuts with white chocolate drizzle or chopped nuts for extra texture and taste.
- Mix freeze-dried strawberry powder into the glaze for a more intense berry flavor and a speckled look.
How to Make Valentine’s Day Strawberry Donuts?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp fresh strawberry puree (about 4-5 strawberries, blended and strained)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Pink/red sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and mix the dough, 10 minutes for frying the donuts in batches, plus 15-20 minutes for the glaze to set. Overall, expect about 45 minutes from start to finish to enjoy your fresh strawberry donuts.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Shape the Donuts:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out the donut shapes. Gather scraps, roll again, and cut more donuts until all dough is used.
3. Fry the Donuts:
Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in small batches for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain and cool slightly.
4. Prepare and Add the Strawberry Glaze:
In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust thickness by adding more puree or sugar as needed. Dip the warm donuts tops into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place them on a rack and sprinkle with pink or red sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a festive look.
5. Let the Donuts Set:
Allow the glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy these soft, fluffy, strawberry-glazed donuts fresh for a perfect Valentine’s Day treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Glaze?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen strawberries completely, then puree and strain them like fresh ones. This works well year-round when fresh strawberries aren’t available.
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! You can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be soft and delicious.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep the glaze separate if possible to avoid sogginess. For longer storage, freeze them without glaze and thaw before glazing.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and cutting to ensure easier handling and better frying results.
