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Glazed paczki with vanilla cream filling and sprinkles

Pączki (Polish Donuts)

Ready to treat yourself to a taste of Poland? Dive into this delicious pączki recipe, a delightful Polish donut that promises to sweeten your day with its rich fillings and indulgent texture.
Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Rising: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Polish
Keyword: Donuts, Polish Donuts, Yeast

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 17 oz all-purpose flour 480g or 4 cups
  • 1 cup full-fat milk 240 g
  • 1.5 oz fresh yeast 42 g
  • 1/2 cup sugar 100 g
  • 4 egg yolks large
  • 5 1/2 tbsp butter ~77 g
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vodka
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • cooking oil

Instructions

  • Prep Ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients.
  • Heat Milk: Warm milk to about 100°F (40°C) to activate the yeast.
    1 cup full-fat milk
  • Prepare Starter: In a large bowl, dissolve fresh yeast in 1/3 of the warm milk. Add 2 teaspoons sugar and 2 tablespoons flour, stir, cover with a dish towel, and let rise for 15 minutes until frothy.
    1.5 oz fresh yeast
  • Melt Butter: Melt butter, mix with the remaining warm milk.
    5 1/2 tbsp butter
  • Dough Making: Combine the starter, remaining flour, sugar, egg yolks, salt, vodka, vanilla, and milk-butter mixture. Mix and knead until the dough is smooth and clears the bowl. Cover with a dish towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 60-90 minutes.
    1/2 cup sugar, 4 egg yolks, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 tsp vodka, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 17 oz all-purpose flour
  • Divide Dough: Divide risen dough into 14-15 pieces, each about 70-75 grams.
  • Shape Donuts: Form each piece into a smooth ball and slightly flatten. Allow to rise uncovered for 30 minutes on a floured surface.
  • Prepare for Frying: Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there's enough oil to cover the donuts.
    cooking oil
  • Frying: Fry donuts for about 7 minutes, turning halfway, until golden. Check the oil temperature often. Drain on paper towels and cool on a wire rack.
  • Fill and Serve: Fill cooled donuts with desired filling and serve.

Notes

Read the recipe above for in-depth instructions, step-by-step photos, and tips.
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