Valentine Donuts with Pink Glaze

Name: Valentine Donuts with Pink Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-3 drops red food coloring

Highlighted under: Joyful Food

I absolutely adore making Valentine's Day special, and these Valentine Donuts with Pink Glaze have become a cherished tradition in my home. Each year, we gather in the kitchen, ready to create delightful treats that not only taste amazing but also look utterly charming. The soft, fluffy donuts paired with a luscious pink glaze infused with vanilla make for an irresistible combination. Whether for breakfast or dessert, they are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo with a comforting cup of coffee!

Created by

Cleo Winter

Last updated on 2026-01-08T15:22:36.963Z

My journey with these Valentine Donuts began when I wanted to surprise my partner with something sweet and festive. After a few trial and errors, I discovered the perfect balance of ingredients that yields fluffy, airy donuts. I love how simple ingredients can come together to create such joy on a plate.

One of my favorite tips is to let the donuts cool completely before glazing. This helps the glaze set perfectly, creating that lovely shiny exterior while maintaining a soft, moist interior. Sharing these donuts on Valentine’s Day has become a wonderful way to express my affection!

        Why You'll Love These Donuts
        Fluffy texture that's light and airy
Beautiful pink glaze adds a festive touch
Quick and easy to make, perfect for all skill levels

      

Perfecting the Donut Texture

To achieve that desired fluffy texture in your Valentine donuts, it's crucial to be careful when combining the wet and dry ingredients. You want to mix just until there are no visible flour streaks, as overmixing can lead to tough donuts. The yeast in the baking powder will do its job with minimal handling, so embrace that gentle stir. When you spoon the batter into the donut pan, try to maintain an even distribution for uniform baking.

Using room temperature ingredients can greatly influence the batter’s consistency. If your eggs and milk are cold, they can hinder the emulsification process with the melted butter, leading to an uneven texture. Allowing them to sit out for about 20 minutes before use can make a noticeable difference, helping to create a smoother batter that rises beautifully in the oven.

Achieving the Perfect Pink Glaze

When making the pink glaze, the way you mix the powdered sugar is key. Start by sifting it to eliminate any lumps, ensuring a smooth glaze free of graininess. Gradually add milk while stirring until the glaze reaches a glossy, thick yet pourable consistency. If it turns out too runny, simply add a bit more powdered sugar until you achieve that perfect coating consistency that clings to the donuts.

For a deeper color or flavored variation, consider adding a small amount of fruit juice, such as raspberry or strawberry, instead of red food coloring. This will not only enhance the pink hue but also infuse your glaze with a pleasant, subtle fruit flavor that beautifully complements the vanilla in the donuts.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful Valentine Donuts:

Donut Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pink Glaze Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 drops red food coloring

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you're ready to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Valentine Donuts:

Prepare the Donut Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. In another bowl, combine milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Form the Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. Spoon the batter into the pan, filling each mold about halfway. Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Make the Pink Glaze

While the donuts cool, prepare the pink glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and food coloring in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed.

Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the pink glaze and allow any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.

Now, enjoy your delicious Valentine Donuts with a warm drink!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some heart-shaped sprinkles on the glaze while it’s still wet.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare these donuts ahead of time, you can make the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, avoid pouring the batter into the pan until you’re ready to bake—this ensures that the donuts light and fluffy. Once baked, these donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, although they are best enjoyed fresh.

For longer storage, consider freezing your donuts. After glazing, let them cool completely on the wire rack, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature and they’ll taste almost freshly made!

Customization and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding extracts other than vanilla, like almond or lemon zest, into the donut batter. You can even fold in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles right before baking for an extra treat. Additionally, consider using flavored glazes, such as chocolate or citrus, to diversify these donuts for various occasions, not just Valentine’s Day.

If you're looking for a healthier version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This increases the fiber content while still providing a soft texture. For a dairy-free option, replace the whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter substitute. These small adjustments can cater to different dietary needs while still delighting your taste buds.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the donuts a day in advance and glaze them just before serving.

→ What can I use instead of milk?

You can substitute the milk with almond milk or any non-dairy alternative if desired.

→ Can I bake these in a regular muffin pan?

Yes, you can use a regular muffin pan; just adjust the baking time accordingly.

→ How do I store leftover donuts?

Store the leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.