These Valentine’s Day Donuts are a sweet treat perfect for celebrating love and fun! They’re soft, fluffy donuts covered in a pretty pink strawberry glaze that’s bursting with fresh flavor. With a sprinkle of love and a touch of sweetness, these donuts are as charming as they are tasty.
I love making these donuts because they’re simple to whip up but always bring a smile. The strawberry glaze is my favorite part—it’s fresh and not too sweet, which balances perfectly with the light donut. It feels special enough for Valentine’s Day but simple enough to enjoy anytime.
My favorite way to serve them is right out of the oven, with a cup of coffee or milk, sharing them with someone you care about. They’re great for breakfast surprises, afternoon treats, or even a sweet little picnic. I always think a homemade donut says, “I’m thinking of you” in the sweetest way possible.
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for soft yet sturdy donuts. If you want a lighter texture, you can swap half with cake flour for a more tender crumb.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness. No buttermilk? Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These give concentrated strawberry flavor without extra moisture. If not available, fresh strawberries can work but reduce the glaze milk a bit to keep it thick.
Powdered Sugar: Key for smooth glaze texture. Avoid granulated sugar here since the glaze won’t be smooth.
How Do I Make Soft, Tender Donuts Every Time?
Soft donuts depend on gentle mixing and proper leavening.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined—too much stirring can make the donuts tough.
- Use baking powder + baking soda to help the donuts rise nicely and become fluffy.
- Don’t overbake; check at 10 minutes by poking with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re ready.
- Cooling them in the pan briefly then removing to a rack prevents soggy bottoms.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Donut pan – makes perfectly shaped donuts and helps them bake evenly without frying.
- Mixing bowls – a large one for dry ingredients and a smaller one for wet ingredients keep things organized.
- Whisk – great for mixing batter smoothly without lumps.
- Spatula – helps fold wet and dry ingredients gently without overmixing.
- Cooling rack – lets donuts cool evenly so the glaze doesn’t get soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap freeze-dried strawberries for raspberries in the glaze to add a tart and fruity twist.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the donut batter for a warm spice flavor that pairs well with the strawberry glaze.
- Melt white chocolate into the glaze for extra richness and a creamy texture.
- Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter for a fun surprise inside each donut.
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
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Additional crushed freeze-dried strawberries or fresh finely chopped strawberries (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 10-12 minutes of baking. Let your donuts cool completely, then add about 10 minutes to prepare and set the glaze. All together, expect around 35-40 minutes to make these delightful strawberry donuts.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Donut Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
2. Bake the Donuts:
Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, stirring to a smooth consistency. If the glaze seems too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the right texture for dipping.
4. Glaze the Donuts:
Once your donuts are fully cooled, dip the top of each into the strawberry glaze, letting any extra drip off. Place them back on the wire rack or parchment-lined tray to set.
5. Add Garnish and Serve:
While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle extra crushed freeze-dried or fresh strawberries on top for a beautiful Valentine’s Day look. Let the glaze set a bit before serving, and enjoy these sweet, pretty strawberry donuts with your loved ones!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
Yes! Fresh strawberries can be used in the glaze, but chop them finely and reduce the milk slightly to keep the glaze thick enough to coat the donuts nicely.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge but let them come to room temperature before glazing or serving.
Can These Donuts Be Made Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend meant for baking, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too for best results.
Is It Okay to Make the Donuts Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can bake the donuts a day ahead, store them at room temperature, and then add the glaze just before serving to keep them fresh and delicious.
