Celebrate Friends and Family This Valentine's Day With Red Velvet Donuts

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I know Valentine's Day is usually thought of as a time for romantic love, but I think everyone should have the chance to be included in the day. I remember when my five kids were growing up, it was always so exciting for them when they received their Valentines and treats at school.

Times haven't changed much, and I get to see that same giddiness and excitement as my grandkids share Valentine's Day with their friends at school and in the neighborhood. And since I'm a grandmother who likes to bake, it's the perfect day for me to bake treats for my family and friends to show I love them.

I've been a red velvet fan for many years, and so I thought that Red Velvet Donuts topped with
M&M's® Red Velvet chocolate candies would be a delicious treat to share. M&M's®  has been a part of every holiday for as long as I can remember, and I love how they now make so many great flavors for the seasons and holidays.

I have a lot of fun doing little things for my grandchildren. I have four, three boys and one girl, and they get a kick out of me making them treats and giving them little presents on Valentine's Day.

Besides buying them Valentines, I'll be putting together a bag of treats, including the M&M's® Red Velvet flavored candies. Have you tried these?? Oh my, they are so good, and really do taste like red velvet.

I used to think that the only way to make a good donut was to fry them in hot oil. That all changed when I bought a donut pan and can now make a batch whenever I want to. It's so easy!!

Our next-door neighbors are a wonderful older couple whose children live far away and rarely seem to visit. I'm blessed to have my children all around me, and I can't even imagine how lonely this couple must feel.

During the holidays I started sending over food and desserts, and they were so very thankful for the attention. So on Valentine's Day morning, I'm going to whip up a batch of these Red Velvet Donuts and take them over. I don't know who it will make happier, me or them.

If you've never made a red velvet batter before, it can be a little startling. It really is red to start out, and the amount of food coloring you put in can make a difference.

This is an easy batter to put together that includes buttermilk. This recipe makes about ten donuts, but you can easily double it if you are making donuts for a large amount of people.

After the donuts have baked and cooled, dip them in a powdered sugar glaze. I like to dip them twice since the glaze can be a little transparent. This can be a bit of a messy job, so make sure you have something underneath the cooling rack to catch the glaze drips.

These are such a great color, and I love that red velvet taste. Yum!!

Sprinkling the tops of the donuts with the crushed red velvet M&M's®  makes these donuts taste fabulous. Being such a red velvet fan, I've tasted a lot of it, and let me tell you, this combo is terrific!

I think I'll be heading back to Walmart to pick up a few more bags just so I can make these donuts all through the year, and not just for Valentine's Day.

I crushed up the M&M's®  with my rolling pin, but you could do it in the food processor if you like.

Recipe for Valentine's Day Red Velvet Donuts

Ingredients: 

1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup buttermilk + 1 tablespoon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (or more if needed)
1 cup of crushed red velvet flavored M&M's®

For glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
5-6 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa, sugar, salt and baking powder, then mix with a spoon. Add in buttermilk and egg, mixing to combine. Stir in butter. In a small bowl, mix baking soda and vinegar together, then add in vanilla. Add the mixture to the doughnut batter, then stir in red food coloring. Using a pastry bag or spoon  fill each doughnut mold 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 7-8 minutes, thne let cool for 5 minutes before removing. Transfer to wire rack. Dip each donut into glaze, and sprinkle with crushed candy.
To make the glaze, in a medium bowl, stir together all ingredients until smooth, add another tablespoon of milk as needed.

You can find M&M's® Red Velvet flavor at your local Walmart. These are a special Valentine's Day variety, so be sure to pick some up soon so that you don't miss out.

Valentine's Day isn't just for couples, but it's a chance to show friends and family that every kind of love should be celebrated.

Do you have fun and favorite ways that you celebrate Valentine's Day? Maybe a special recipe or a sweet tradition? Leave me a comment and share it with me. I would love to know.