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