Polish Doughnuts (Pączki) 🍩✨
Soft, fluffy, and golden—these traditional Polish doughnuts are a festive treat often enjoyed during holidays and celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for flavor)
For Frying & Filling
- Oil for deep frying
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Jam or custard (for filling)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, egg yolks, melted butter, vanilla, and lemon zest. Add yeast mixture and knead until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).
- Rise: Cover bowl with a cloth and let dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape: Punch down dough, divide into small balls (about 2 inches wide). Place on a floured surface, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Fill: Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag to fill with jam or custard.
- Finish: Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
- Soft and fluffy inside, golden outside.
- Perfectly sweet with jam or custard filling.
- A festive Polish tradition for holidays and celebrations.
Caption & Engagement
Caption: “Golden, fluffy, and filled with sweetness—Polish Pączki are pure joy in every bite! 🍩✨”
- Comment prompt: “Would you fill