Punczki (Raised Doughnuts)
Punczki are soft, fluffy raised doughnuts with a rich vanilla flavor, perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat with your favorite icing. They are light and indulgent.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk.
- Add 2 cups flour and mix. Let stand in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt until light.
- Add this mixture to the yeast sponge.
- Melt butter and add to the sponge.
- Add 5 cups flour and mix well until hands are clean.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and pat with hands until it is 1/2-inch high.
- Cut with a doughnut cutter, cover, and let rise again.
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
- Use your favorite icing to glaze the doughnuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or orange zest to the dough. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with 2¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast. Make sure your milk is lukewarm, as too hot will kill the yeast. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until manageable. Kneading is key to achieving a smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
Punczki are best enjoyed fresh, but you can serve them warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar or glaze with your favorite icing for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate, making them a delightful treat for brunch or as a dessert. For a twist, try serving them alongside a scoop of ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover punczki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Punczki (Raised Doughnuts) contains roughly 513 calories, with 8g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% 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 make punczki ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and frying. This method allows the flavors to develop even more.
What oil is best for frying punczki?
For frying punczki, a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil works best. These oils can withstand high temperatures without imparting strong flavors. Make sure to keep the oil hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) for even cooking.
Can I fill punczki with jam or cream?
Absolutely! After frying, you can inject punczki with your choice of filling, such as raspberry jam, custard, or chocolate cream. Use a pastry bag fitted with a long nozzle for easy filling, and dust the finished doughnuts with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
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).