Pączki are traditional Polish donuts, known for their light, fluffy texture and delicious fillings. These deep-fried treats are typically enjoyed on Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek) or Mardi Gras as part of pre-Lenten celebrations, but they’re a year-round favorite in Polish households. Filled with sweet jams, custards, or creams, and dusted with powdered sugar or glaze, pączki are a delightful indulgence. Whether you’re familiar with them from Polish culture or trying them for the first time, this recipe will help you create the best homemade pączki!
Ingredients and Quantities:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon rum or vodka (optional, helps reduce oil absorption)
- 1/2 cup warm water
For the Filling (choose one or more):
- 1 cup raspberry, strawberry, or plum jam
- Pastry cream or custard
- Nutella or chocolate spread
For Frying:
- 1 quart vegetable oil (for deep-frying)
For the Glaze or Topping:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- OR
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar mixed with 3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality yeast and ensure that your milk and water are warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Let the dough rise twice for the lightest, fluffiest pączki—once after mixing and once after shaping.
- Avoid overcrowding the pot when frying the pączki, so they cook evenly and don’t absorb too much oil.
- A small amount of alcohol in the dough helps to reduce oil absorption during frying, resulting in a less greasy donut.
How to Make and Instructions:
1. Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Make the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, egg yolks, egg, vanilla, rum (if using), and the yeast mixture. Add the warm water a little at a time and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
3. Let the dough rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the pączki:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thick.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 2.5 to 3 inches) to cut out circles of dough. Place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes.
5. Heat the oil:
- In a large, heavy pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature while frying.
6. Fry the pączki:
- Fry the pączki in batches, about 2-3 at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Fill the pączki:
- Once the pączki have cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip to fill each donut with your chosen filling (jam, custard, or cream). Insert the tip into the side of the pączki and squeeze the filling inside.
8. Top the pączki:
- Dust the pączki with powdered sugar or dip them into a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Description:
These homemade Polish pączki are light, fluffy donuts filled with your favorite sweet fillings and topped with powdered sugar or a glossy glaze. The dough is soft and pillowy, and the slightly crispy exterior from frying contrasts perfectly with the creamy or fruity filling. The hint of vanilla and optional splash of rum adds a depth of flavor to the dough, while the rich filling and sweet topping make each bite irresistible.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, based on 12 pączki)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 14g
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Pączki are the perfect treat for anyone looking to experience a bit of traditional Polish baking. These fluffy, filled donuts are sure to please at any celebration or family gathering. With their crispy outside, soft inside, and sweet filling, pączki are a delectable indulgence you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for Fat Thursday, Mardi Gras, or just because, this recipe will help you make the best pączki that everyone will love!