Polish Doughnuts (Pączki)Intermediate
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Polish Doughnuts (Pączki)

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Polish doughnuts (pączki) are rich, deep-fried sweet yeast dough balls filled traditionally with jam or rosehip filling and dusted with powdered sugar. Soft and fluffy inside with a golden crust, they are a classic treat often prepared for Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday) and other celebrations.

By Karel R.
Total2 hrs 20 mins
Prep2 hrs
Cook20 mins
Servings6
DifficultyIntermediate

Preparation

13 steps · tap a step to mark it done

  1. Activate the Yeast

  2. In a bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and the yeast. Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy.

  3. Make the Dough

  4. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until a soft dough forms.

  5. Knead

  6. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  7. First Rise & Shape

  8. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).

  9. Punch down the dough. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut circles with a cookie cutter (about 3 inches diameter). Place on a floured tray. Cover and let rest 10-15 minutes.

  10. Fry

  11. Heat oil in a deep pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.

  12. Fill & Finish

  13. When cooled enough to handle, use a piping bag or small spoon to fill each doughnut with jam.

  14. Dust generously with powdered sugar or make sugar glaze with candied orange peel. ENJOY!

  15. Sugar Glaze with Candied Orange Peel (Optional)

  16. Place powdered sugar in a bowl.

  17. Add hot water or lemon juice gradually and mix until a thick but pourable glaze forms. If glaze is to thick, add 1tbsp of water.

  18. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled doughnuts.

  19. Sprinkle with chopped candied orange peel while the glaze is still wet.

  20. Allow the glaze to set before serving. ENJOY!

Cook’s note

Traditional pączki are filled with rosehip or plum jam but can be filled with any preferred sweet filling. Chocolate spread (Nutella-style), vanilla pudding, or any other jam flavor.

Most of the prep time is simply waiting for the dough to rise.

Ensure oil temperature stays around 350°F (175°C) for even frying.

The lemon zest enhances flavor but can be omitted.

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