Indulging in festive baked goods during the holiday season is a tradition cherished by many. In Poland, one of the most beloved Christmas treats is Pączki, fluffy and delicious doughnuts filled with sweet jams or creams. Bringing a touch of European charm to your holiday table, these traditional Polish doughnuts are guaranteed to delight your family and friends.
Title: Pączki Polish Doughnuts
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Pinch of salt
– Oil for frying
– Jam or cream of your choice 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 the yeast is activated and foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, egg yolks, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt.
3. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and mix everything together until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
6. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough and place them on a floured baking sheet. Re-roll any scraps of dough as needed.
7. Cover the doughnuts with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. In a deep pot, heat the oil to 350°F (180°C) for frying.
9. Carefully add a few doughnuts at a time to the hot oil, frying for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
10. Remove the fried doughnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to remove excess oil.
11. Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, make a small incision in each and fill them with your favorite jam or cream using a piping bag or a small spoon.
12. Dust the filled Pączki generously with powdered sugar before serving.
These Pączki Polish doughnuts are not only a delightful Christmas treat but also a joy to make with loved ones. Whether you choose to fill them with classic raspberry jam or creamy custard, these indulgent pastries are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. So, roll up your sleeves, create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your kitchen, and dive into the magical world of Polish baking. Enjoy the sweet moments and delicious flavors of the season with these delectable Pączki!
