Pączki, the delightful Polish doughnuts, are a cherished treat that bring warmth and sweetness to the holiday season. These fluffy, jam-filled pastries are a staple in Polish households during Christmas time, adding a touch of tradition and decadence to the festive table. Making Pączki at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked goodness and promises to delight your family and friends. So, let’s dive into the world of Pączki-making and create these irresistible treats together!
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
– 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Strawberry or raspberry jam, for filling
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Slowly add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently.
4. Gradually incorporate the flour into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.
5. Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
8. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise again for another 30 minutes.
9. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to about 350°F (180°C).
10. Fry the doughnuts in batches, flipping them once golden brown on each side, for about 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure the oil is deep enough to fully immerse the Pączki while frying.
11. Once cooked, remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain off any excess oil.
12. Fill a piping bag with the jam of your choice and gently insert the tip into each Pączki, piping in a generous amount of jam.
13. Dust the Pączki with powdered sugar for a finishing touch before serving.
Enjoy these homemade Pączki with a cup of warm tea or coffee, and revel in the joy of sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones during the holiday season. The combination of soft dough, fruity jam, and a touch of sweetness is sure to make your Christmas even more special and cozy. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
