Polish Pączki (Jam Doughnuts)

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup whole milk, warm
• 2.25 tsp instant yeast
• 4 count egg yolks
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup jam (plum or apricot)
• 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. 1

   Whisk warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.

2. 2

   Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center.

3. 3

   Pour yeast mixture and egg yolks into the well. Stir with a wooden spoon until shaggy.

4. 4

   Knead dough 8–10 minutes by hand until smooth and elastic. It will be soft.

5. 5

   Work in softened butter a little at a time, then remaining 3 tbsp sugar. Knead until fully incorporated.

6. 6

   Oil a bowl, transfer dough in, turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap.

7. 7

   Let rise at room temperature until doubled, about 90 minutes.

8. 8

   Gently deflate dough on a floured surface. Shape into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle.

9. 9

   Cut into 12 squares with a sharp knife. Place on parchment, spacing 2 inches apart.

10. 10

    Cover squares loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise 45 minutes until puffy.

11. 11

    Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F (test: wooden spoon handle bubbles briskly).

12. 12

    Fry pączki 3–4 at a time, 90 seconds per side until golden brown on both.

13. 13

    Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Cool 5 minutes.

14. 14

    Insert a chopstick or small knife into the side of each pączek to make a pocket.

15. 15

    Spoon or pipe 1 tbsp jam into each pocket, filling generously.

16. 16

    Mix remaining sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon. Dredge warm pączki in the mixture.

17. 17

    Serve within 2 hours while the doughnuts are still soft and warm.

Tools you’ll need

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Plastic wrap
• Floured work surface
• Sharp knife
• Parchment paper
• Large, heavy-bottomed pot
• Candy or deep-fry thermometer
• Chopstick or small knife
• Spoon or piping bag
• Paper towels
• Shallow bowl for cinnamon sugar

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