EASY TO COOK

🍩 Polish Baked Pączki Donuts: A Light & Sweet Treat 🇵🇱✨

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These Polish Baked Pączki Donuts are a healthier take on the traditional fried delicacy. Soft, fluffy, and filled with your favorite jam, they’re a delightful treat perfect for holidays

🛒 Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 🥚 2 large eggs
  • 🥛 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 🍯 1/4 cup sugar
  • 🍞 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 🌾 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
  • 🌼 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 🍋 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for a hint of citrus)

For the Filling:

  • 🍓 1/2 cup jam (strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite)

For the Topping:

  • 🍬 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
  • 🧈 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing

🔥 Instructions:

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast:

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2️⃣ Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
  2. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3️⃣ Knead and Rise:

  1. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  2. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

4️⃣ Shape the Pączki:

  1. Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  2. Use a round cookie cutter (3 inches) to cut out circles. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.

5️⃣ Bake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brush the tops of the pączki with melted butter and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden.

6️⃣ Fill and Finish:

  1. Once cool, use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to inject each donut with jam.
  2. Dust generously with powdered sugar for a traditional finish.

🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Healthier Alternative: All the flavor, none of the frying!
  • Soft & Fluffy: Light, airy texture perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
  • Customizable: Use any filling you love, from custard to Nutella.

These Baked Pączki Donuts are a delightful way to enjoy a Polish classic without the extra oil. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! 🍩✨🇵🇱