Valentine Donuts with Pink Glaze

Name: Valentine Donuts with Pink Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; 2 tbsp strawberry puree; Sprinkles for topping (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making these Valentine Donuts with Pink Glaze as they perfectly capture the essence of love and sweetness. The first time I made them, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to prepare. With a fluffy texture and delightful pink glaze, they brighten any occasion. Whether for a special someone or just to indulge myself, these donuts offer a perfect combination of flavors that always leaves me wanting more. Plus, they are fantastic for sharing, making them an ideal treat for loved ones.

Created by

Charlotte Wilson

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:10:37.586Z

When I first tried my hand at baking donuts, I never imagined I would create something as delightful as these Valentine Donuts with Pink Glaze. The secret is in the dough—allowing it to rise perfectly creates that fluffy texture I adore. I also experimented with the glaze, using fresh strawberries to achieve a beautiful pink color that’s not only visually appealing but also adds a burst of fruity flavor.

The next time I made them, I added sprinkles on top, giving my donuts an extra crunch while enhancing their festive look. Each bite of these donuts melts in your mouth, making them a go-to sweet indulgence for any celebration or casual treat at home.

        What You'll Love About These Donuts
        Fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Beautiful pink glaze that adds a pop of color
Perfect for celebrating love or as a sweet treat

      

Creating the Perfect Donut Batter

Achieving the ideal donut batter is crucial for wonderful texture. When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Stop as soon as everything is just combined; this ensures the donuts remain fluffy. If overmixed, gluten develops excessively, leading to dense, chewy donuts that lack the lightness we desire. Aim for a batter that is thick yet pourable, similar to a cake batter.

Using room temperature ingredients, particularly eggs and milk, is essential for even mixing and better rise. If you only have cold ingredients, consider warming them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds, keeping a close eye to avoid cooking them. This small tip can significantly affect the final texture of your donuts, making them lighter and airier.

Tips for Perfect Glaze Consistency

The consistency of the pink glaze can make or break your donut experience. It should be thick enough to coat the donuts without dripping off too quickly. If you find your glaze is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until you achieve that perfect glossy finish. Conversely, if it's too thick, a teaspoon of milk at a time will help you reach the right texture.

Another trick for achieving vibrant pink color is the use of strawberry puree. Make sure to strain it to eliminate any seeds that could contribute unwanted texture to your glaze. If strawberries are out of season, feel free to substitute with raspberry or cherry puree for a different flavor profile while maintaining that lovely color.

Storing and Serving Your Valentine Donuts

These Valentine donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store them, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid refrigerating them, as cold air can dry out the donuts. For longer storage, consider freezing them before glazing; simply cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag for up to a month.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen donuts, let them thaw at room temperature and glaze them fresh. This method not only preserves their fluffy texture but elevates the donut experience when served with a fresh glaze. For a fun twist, experiment with various toppings or sprinkle a handful of crushed nuts or coconut flakes along with sprinkles to add flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Valentine Donuts with Pink Glaze:

For the Donuts

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Pink Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
2 tbsp strawberry puree
Sprinkles for topping (optional)

Once you have everything ready, you can start making these delightful donuts!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Valentine Donuts:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just blended.

Cook the Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan and fill each cavity about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the donuts spring back when touched. Allow to cool before glazing.

Make the Pink Glaze

In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and strawberry puree to form a smooth glaze. Adjust with more milk or sugar if necessary to achieve desired thickness.

Glaze and Decorate

Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the pink glaze and top with sprinkles if desired. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your beautiful Valentine Donuts with friends or that special someone!

Pro Tips

To make these donuts even more special, try adding flavored extracts such as almond or lemon to the batter for a unique twist.

Ingredient Insights

Each component in this recipe plays a vital role in creating those light, fluffy donuts. The all-purpose flour provides structure while allowing for a tender bite. If you want a gluten-free version, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to achieve a similar texture without compromising on taste.

The unsalted butter not only adds richness but also aids in achieving a tender crumb. If you prefer a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil can work as an effective substitute, offering a subtle flavor that pairs well with the strawberry glaze.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your donuts come out too dense or undercooked, check to ensure that your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder can lose its potency, leading to insufficient rising. Additionally, if you've packed the flour too tightly, it may affect the batter's texture. Use the spoon and level method for measuring flour to avoid this problem.

For donuts that are too dry, ensure you are accurately measuring your liquid ingredients, as too little milk can affect the moisture content. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; it's better to check a minute or two before the end to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dryness.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, especially for special occasions like Valentine's Day! Consider serving these donuts on a tiered cake stand to elevate their appeal. Pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence that complements the sweetness of the glaze beautifully.

For additional flavor, serve your donuts with a side of whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt mixed with honey. This pairing can cut through the sweetness of the donuts and provide a refreshing contrast, making for a delightful dessert experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! Feel free to use almond, coconut, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.

→ How can I store the leftover donuts?

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them.

→ Can I freeze these donuts?

Absolutely! Freeze the unglazed donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before glazing.

→ Is there an alternative to strawberry puree?

You can use raspberry puree or even food coloring for a simple pink glaze without fruit flavor.