Valentine's Day Jelly Donut Muffins

Sometimes I have to remind myself that I've never actually met some of these people because it just feels like we go way back! The coolest thing? Many of the people I "chat" with on an almost daily basis are spread all over the country in cities far and wide and sometimes even on an entirely different continent. Hooray modern technology!

A while back I stumbled upon a blog called La Petite Fashionista, and the fun title led me to a site filled with... well... adorableness. As it turns out the blog is the brainchild of a girl named Lauren who writes about her experiences working in the fashion world and shares her musings on brands, trends, and all things pretty and playful.


How can you not love a girl who describes herself like this?? Source

I just knew that if I met Lauren, we'd be instant friends. {Except for the fact that she's a Florida State grad... but I'll overlook that little tidbit! Hehe!} So I started following her blog, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram {ok, basically stalking, but she posts some really cute stuff!}, and discovered that she also creates La Petite Fashionista Mag "where she tours real girls homes, offers up affordable
fashion, entertaining ideas , and healthy recipes"! {Yes, please!}

Soon, Lauren & I became BFs {Blog Friends!}, and today, I have the pleasure of introducing YOU to Lauren and all of the super cute and creative things she does over on her blog!

Lauren and I are teaming up to bring you some really fun posts that combine her knack for entertaining and outfitting with my love for stuffing my face cooking and baking... and our first project is to give you all the tools you need to get the creative juices flowing this Valentine's Day!

So, now that everyone's been introduced... onto the good stuff!

Valentine's Day conjures up some typical images for most... chocolate, roses, smooching, and chubby little cherubs determined to spark romance for unsuspecting singles. But, V-day doesn't have to be all about coupledom {and let's face it, I'm sure guys wouldn't mind if there were a little pressure taken off of February 14th!}. You can enjoy Valentine's Day whether you're single, taken, in the beginnings of a budding courtship or married with children by getting creative and making it fun for everyone!

I turned these Jelly Donut Muffins into a festive way to start off the day for your Valentine. Soft, sweet little muffins are rolled in granulated sugar and filled with your favorite jelly for a perfect breakfast or brunch treat to share with family, friends, or sweethearts alike!

Using a small cookie cutter to carve out a little heart shaped center is an easy way to turn an ordinary breakfast food into a special Valentine's goody that everyone will love.

If you are looking for ideas to make your celebration with your sweetie a special one, I'll be sharing some recipes that are just for the big kids as we count down to V-day. Lucky for us, we also have some styling assistance from Lauren to help us set the mood, starting at the table! Here's a little peek at what LPF has been working on...

For the low down on Lauren's ideas for a Valentine's-inspired tablescape {and some other really cute DIY's, printables, and inspiration!}, hop over to LPF today!

Are you planning on celebrating this Valentine's Day?

Sweetheart Jelly Donut Muffins
Adapted from 1 Mix, 100 Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
⅓ cup +1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Approx ⅓ cup jelly, jam, or preserves {I used Smucker's Simply Fruit Seedless Red Raspberry, but you can use your favorite flavor!}

For Tops

½ cup butter, melted
¾ cup sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper liners, set aside.

2. In large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Combine well.

3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract together until well combined.

4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined {don't overdo it, it's ok if there are a few lumps.}

5. Using an ice cream scoop, portion batter into liners evenly. Bake for 20 minutes or until tops are domed and golden. {Test with a toothpick to make sure centers are done.}

6. Remove from oven and cool on a cooling rack for 10 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.

For Assembly

1. Set up dipping station: Melted butter in one small bowl, granulated sugar in the other.

2. Gently dip the top of each muffin in the melted butter, shaking lightly to remove excess, then press into sugar. Repeat with all muffins. Set on cooling rack.

3.  Gently press a small heart-shaped cookie cutter into the top of each muffin, pushing about half way in. Carefully remove cutter and the heart-shaped section of muffin. {Save for snacking!}

4. Fill the heart shaped wells to top with jelly.

5. Enjoy with your sweetheart!