Heart-Shaped Doughnut Holes

By:

Sarah

Published:

December 25, 2025

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Creating heart-shaped doughnut holes is such a fun and rewarding experience! Imagine taking a bite of a fluffy, warm treat that not only tastes incredible but also looks adorable. These delightful little bites change a regular day into something special. Perfect for celebrations, surprise snacks, or to simply show love, heart-shaped doughnut holes are a treat you won’t want to miss. The dough is soft, sweet, and filled with warm cinnamon, making it irresistible. Plus, when you pair them with a luscious strawberry cream cheese dip, it takes the experience to a whole new level of deliciousness. You won’t believe how easy it is to make these treats from simple cinnamon roll dough. Let’s jump in, and I’ll guide you through making these charming pastries that can brighten anyone’s day!

Why This Recipe Works

Creating heart-shaped doughnut holes from cinnamon roll dough is not only quick and easy but also results in a delightful treat that captivates the senses. The frying process ensures a crispy exterior while the inside remains fluffy, making each bite a heavenly experience. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dessert that tastes gourmet but feels like home. Plus, the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while frying will have everyone smiling. Trust me, the combination of soft dough, sugary coating, and a fruity dip will leave a lasting impression!

Why You’ll Love This Heart Shaped Doughnut Holes

These heart-shaped doughnut holes are the perfect way to express love, celebrate special moments, or simply indulge in a sweet snack. Their playful shape and enchanting flavor will leave you and your loved ones asking for more. Every bite brings a sense of joy, and the shared experience of making them adds to the fun! Additionally, the strawberry cream cheese dip completes this treat, offering a fresh, creamy contrast that makes it truly irresistible. Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or just a Sunday brunch, these doughnut holes are sure to charm everyone around.

Ingredients

1 can cinnamon rolls dough, pre-made
Canola oil, for frying
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 cups icing sugar
¼ cup milk, warmed
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup fresh strawberries, hulled
2 tablespoons icing sugar
1 tablespoon whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Doughnuts

Heat the Oil

First things first, let’s heat up that oil! In a Dutch oven or deep saucepan, pour in about 2 inches of canola oil. Heat it to 350°F. This is vital for getting that beautiful crispy exterior on your doughnut holes. While the oil heats, you’ll know it’s getting ready when you start to see small ripples on the surface.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

While the oil is heating, take a large mixing bowl and combine the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. This mixture is what will give your doughnut holes that signature sweet coating. It’s such a simple step, but it really elevates the flavor.

Prepare the Dough

Next up, let’s prepare the dough! Lightly flour your flat surface or cutting board. Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate the biscuits. Carefully roll each biscuit flat to about ½ inch thick. Now, here’s the fun part: using a 2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out charming little hearts from the dough. You’ll want to make sure to cut neatly so they fry evenly.

Frying the Heart-Shaped Doughnut Holes

Fry the Doughnuts

With your oil heated to the correct temperature, it’s time to fry! Gently drop the heart-shaped dough into the preheated oil. Fry them for about 1 minute on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. This helps to drain any excess oil, giving you a perfect, crispy doughnut hole.

Coating the Doughnuts

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Now that your doughnut holes are fried, it’s time to coat them in sweetness! Place the fried doughnut holes on a wire rack over a cookie sheet to catch any spills. Brush each doughnut hole with a glaze made from icing sugar and a splash of warm milk. After brushing, dip both sides into the cinnamon sugar mixture. This sugary coating is where the magic happens, so repeat until all the doughnut holes are thoroughly coated.

Preparing the Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip

Blend the Dip Ingredients

While your doughnut holes cool slightly, let’s whip up the strawberry cream cheese dip! In a food processor or blender, combine softened cream cheese, fresh strawberries, icing sugar, a splash of whipping cream, and vanilla extract. Pulse for about 15 to 20 seconds, or until everything is smooth and creamy. This dip will be the perfect complement to your heart-shaped treats.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the heart-shaped doughnut holes warm alongside a bowl of strawberry cream cheese dip for a delightful experience. They make a charming dessert for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or just a weekend treat among friends. Everyone will love the combination of sweet, flavorful dough with the creamy dip!

Tips for Success

Ensuring the oil temperature is accurate before frying is key for perfect doughnut holes. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn; too low, and they’ll be greasy.
To keep the oil temperature steady, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches for the best result.
For an extra touch of sweetness, allow the doughnut holes to cool slightly before coating them in sugar. This also helps the sugar stick better.

Variations

Feel free to play around with flavors! You can substitute the strawberries in the dip with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different taste. If you want to get fancy, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for a rich twist. You can also experiment with flavored cream cheese for a fun variation that might surprise your taste buds.

Storage Tips

If by chance you have leftover doughnut holes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. For longer storage, simply keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days, but remember, they are best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
A1: Absolutely! Using homemade dough will give you a richer flavor and texture, making the experience even more delightful.

Q2: How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
A2: A good way to check is by sprinkling a small piece of dough in the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles around it, the oil is ready!

Q3: Can I bake these doughnut holes instead of frying?
A3: Yes, you can! Bake them at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, though the texture will be a bit different from frying.

Q4: How can I make these doughnut holes ahead of time?
A4: You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator before frying them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!

Q5: What can I serve these doughnut holes with besides the dip?
A5: They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even chocolate milk for those who enjoy a sweeter combination.

Heart-shaped doughnut holes are not just a treat; they bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. With their cute shape and delightful cinnamon flavor, along with that luscious strawberry cream cheese dip, these doughnuts will surely impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or simply enjoying them yourself, these charming heart-shaped delights will make every moment a little sweeter. Enjoy crafting and indulging in this delightful recipe!

Heart-Shaped Doughnut Holes

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Heart Shaped Doughnut Holes

Ingredients