There’s something magical about biting into a freshly baked paczki. These soft, pillowy Polish donuts are a delightful treat, filled with your favorite jam and dusted with a touch of powdered sugar. They bring the same indulgent experience as their deep-fried counterparts but with a lighter twist. Whether you’re making them for Fat Thursday, a cozy weekend breakfast, or just because you deserve something sweet, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Trust me, once you try these baked paczki, you’ll never look back!
Why You’ll Love Baked Paczki
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making these for a festive celebration, a fun baking project with loved ones, or simply treating yourself, these paczki fit every occasion. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Versatile
Paczki can be filled with anything from traditional rose jam to chocolate, custard, or even Nutella. Customize them to suit your cravings!
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple pantry staples, these donuts prove that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something irresistible.
Quick and Easy
No deep frying, no oil splatters, and no mess—just a straightforward baking process that’s beginner-friendly and stress-free.
Customizable
Roll them in powdered sugar, glaze them with icing, or stuff them with your favorite filling. The options are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Soft, fluffy, and sweet, these baked paczki will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Baked Paczki
Here’s what makes these paczki so delicious:
Flour: The base of our dough, giving these paczki their soft, fluffy texture.
Yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully, creating that signature airy bite.
Milk: Adds richness and moisture, making the donuts irresistibly tender.
Butter: Gives the dough a buttery flavor and soft crumb.
Sugar: Just the right amount for a touch of sweetness.
Eggs: Essential for structure and a velvety texture.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla enhances the flavor profile.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Jam or Custard: The perfect filling for that classic paczki experience.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting for that irresistible final touch.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures even baking and a golden-brown finish on your paczki.
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy. Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead and Rise
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Paczki
Once the dough has risen, roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Fill and Finish
Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag to fill each paczki with your desired jam or custard. Dust with powdered sugar for the perfect finishing touch.
Serve and Enjoy
These baked paczki are best enjoyed warm, with a cup of coffee or tea. Soft, sweet, and bursting with flavor, they’re a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 paczki
Calories per serving: 220
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on filling choices.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising time)
How to Serve Baked Paczki
These paczki pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even warm milk. For an extra indulgent touch, serve them with a side of whipped cream or dip them in melted chocolate. Hosting a brunch? Arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit and a selection of jams for a show-stopping spread!
Additional Tips
- Use warm milk (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
- Knead thoroughly to develop gluten, ensuring soft and fluffy paczki.
- Let them rise fully for the best airy texture.
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on them for the perfect golden color.
- Experiment with fillings—try pastry cream, fruit preserves, or even peanut butter for a fun twist.
FAQ’s
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake fresh paczki in the morning.
Can I freeze baked paczki?
Absolutely. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
How do I know my dough has risen enough?
It should be doubled in size and slightly springy when poked.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but bread flour gives a chewier texture.
What’s the best filling for paczki?
Traditional options include rose jam, but custard, Nutella, or raspberry preserves are also delicious!
Why are my paczki dense?
You may have added too much flour or not allowed enough rising time.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, but adjust rising times slightly as instant yeast works faster.
How do I store leftover paczki?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes.
Do I have to use powdered sugar on top?
Not at all! You can glaze them or leave them plain if you prefer.
Conclusion
Baked paczki are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy, and sweet, offering all the joy of traditional Polish donuts without the deep frying. Whether you fill them with classic jam, rich custard, or something totally unique, these treats are guaranteed to impress. So go ahead—roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite filling, and get baking. You won’t regret it!
Print
Baked Paczki (Polish Donuts)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1.5–2 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 2–2.5 hours
- Yield: 12–14 paczki 1x
- Category: Dessert / Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Paczki are a lighter, healthier version of the traditional Polish fried donuts. These fluffy, yeast-raised pastries are filled with jam, custard, or other sweet fillings, and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for Fat Thursday, Mardi Gras, or any time you’re craving a delicious treat without the guilt of frying!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 1/4 tsp (1 packet/7g) active dry yeast
1/4 cup (60ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
For the Filling:
1/2 cup (160g) jam, custard, or pastry cream (flavor of your choice)
For the Topping:
1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (for dusting)
Optional: melted butter or glaze for coating
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp of the sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the paczki: Punch down the dough and roll it out to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the paczki for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool completely.
- Fill the paczki: Use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to fill each paczki with jam, custard, or pastry cream.
- Dust with sugar: Dust the filled paczki generously with powdered sugar or brush with melted butter and dip in glaze if desired.
Notes
For a traditional flavor, use prune or raspberry jam as the filling.
If you prefer a glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tbsp milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the tops of the paczki in the glaze.
Store paczki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 paczek
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg