Mini Lemon Buttermilk Doughnuts

Maybe it's the hopeless romantic in me, but I've had Valentine's Day on my mind for a while now. Mostly because it's an excuse for me to bake cutesy, pink, girly desserts! But since V-day is approaching pretty soon, I figured I'd get started on some recipes that might inspire you to bake something sweet for your special someone. And what says "I love you" better than Mini Valentine's Day Doughnuts?

Lord knows that the LAST thing I needed was yet another baking pan, but there I was in Michaels, and the most adorable mini doughnut pan was calling out my name, begging me to buy her. I rationalized that I was doing something good for my waistline by investing in a pan that allows me to bake my doughnuts instead of frying them, and before I knew it I was the proud owner of a mini doughnut pan.

It was a worthwhile investment because now I can make the most incredibly tasty doughnuts in minutes. I made mine with tangy buttermilk and a delightful, bright lemon glaze.  They are so tiny and light as a feather that they're the most deliciously guiltless doughnuts I've ever eaten!

Mini Valentine's Day Doughnut = guarantee of sweeping someone off their feet. Try 'em!

Mini Buttermilk Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze

2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
seeds from half of a vanilla bean
1 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted
1 Tbsp whole milk
1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
Pink food coloring 


Preheat oven to 425*.  Spray mini doughnut pan with non stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vanilla seeds, and melted butter. Mix until just to combined. Fill doughnut trays half way full (don't fill more than half way or doughnuts will spill out over the top of tray) Bake 4-6 minutes or until top of the doughnuts spring back when touched. Let cool in pan 4-5 minutes before removing.
In a small bowl, stir together sugar, milk and lemon juice.  you may need to add more
sugar, depending on the thickness you desire.  Add food coloring and mix until
color is uniform. Glaze must be used immediately. Dip tops of doughnuts into the glaze to coat the top, then decorate with sprinkles.