Polish Poczki
Polish Poczki are delightful fried doughnuts filled with jelly, featuring a tender, airy texture and sweet vanilla flavor, perfect for breakfast or special treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk.
- Add 2 cups of flour and let stand in a warm place for about 1/2 hour.
- Beat the eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until light.
- Add the egg mixture to the yeast mixture, then incorporate 5 cups of flour.
- Cover and allow to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut into rounds using a doughnut cutter.
- Cover and let rise again until doubled and light.
- Fry in deep fat at 375°F until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels.
- When cool, cut halfway through and fill with jelly, then sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dough, ensure your milk is not too hot when dissolving yeast. If you don’t have milk, you can substitute with almond milk or soy milk. To save time, consider making dough the night before and refrigerating it. Use a kitchen scale for precise flour measurement for consistent results. For flavor variations, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Paczki are best enjoyed fresh, dusted with powdered sugar or granulated sugar. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat. They can also be served with fresh fruit preserves or whipped cream on the side. For a twist, try them with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also make a wonderful addition to any brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover paczki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap then placed in a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until they are soft and warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polish Poczki contains roughly 360 calories, with 7g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 992mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of dry yeast. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it in warm milk first. This can save you some time and ensure a quicker rise.
What can I fill paczki with besides jelly?
Besides jelly, paczki can be filled with custard, cream, or even chocolate ganache. For fruit lovers, a filling of fresh fruit puree or pastry cream works wonderfully. You can also experiment with savory fillings for a unique twist, similar to a Chin Chin Pastry.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
To check if the oil is at the right temperature for frying, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. Alternatively, use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 375°F for perfect frying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).