Description:
Baked Paczki are a lighter version of the traditional Polish donuts that are usually deep-fried. These soft, fluffy pastries are filled with sweet jam or cream and topped with powdered sugar or glaze. Baking them instead of frying makes them less oily but still delicious and tender. Paczki are especially popular during celebrations and festive seasons. They have a rich, slightly sweet dough that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup jam or fruit filling (strawberry, raspberry, or plum)
- Powdered sugar for topping
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and knead until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness and cut into circles.
- Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise again for 20 minutes.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Once cooled slightly, fill the donuts with jam using a piping bag.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Tips:
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- You can use different fillings like custard, chocolate, or lemon curd.
- For extra flavor, brush the donuts lightly with melted butter before dusting with sugar.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.