Homemade jelly doughnuts are a deliciously sweet treat that combines fluffy dough with a burst of fruity filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these doughnuts are surprisingly easy to make. With a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior, they’re sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fruit jelly or jam (raspberry, strawberry, or your favorite flavor)
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Once the yeast is activated, add it to the egg mixture.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough begins to form. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Doughnuts
- Punch Down the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick.
- Cut the Doughnuts: Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out doughnut shapes. Place them on a floured baking sheet, spacing them apart. Gather and re-roll any scraps to cut out more doughnuts.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped doughnuts with a towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they puff up.
Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the doughnuts in batches, frying for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Fill the Doughnuts
- Fill with Jelly: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to inject jelly into the center of each doughnut.
Step 7: Serve
- Finish with Powdered Sugar: Dust the filled doughnuts generously with powdered sugar before serving.