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4.6 from 447 votes

Paczki (Polish Donuts)

These homemade Paczki are soft, pillowy Polish donuts filled with jam, custard, or lemon curd, then rolled in sugar for a classic bakery-style finish. Perfect for Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) or anytime you’re craving a fresh, homemade treat!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 16
Calories: 145 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Polish

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk lukewarm
  • 2 tablespoons butter unsalted, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • Fruit preserves for filling, such as raspberry or strawberry jam, custard, lemon curd
  • powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a medium size bowl combine the eggs, milk, butter, sugar, salt and vanilla extract. Add the yeast and mix well.
  2. Add the flour to the bowl of your mixer, then pour in the milk/egg mixture. Using the dough hook, mix well until well incorporated. You will know that the dough is done when it comes clean from the sides of the bowl. The dough will be a soft dough.
  3. Turn over the dough onto a floured surface and knead for a couple minutes, then place the dough in a bowl that's sprayed with cooking spray. I also like to spray the dough with some cooking spray so that it doesn't dry out. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise for a couple hours. The dough should double in size.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface so that's it's about 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut out rounds using a glass or a cookie cutter. Repeat with the remaining dough. Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Add about 3 inches of oil to a deep frying pan, I used a Dutch Oven. Before frying the donuts make sure the oil is hot, it needs to be 350℉. Fry the donuts, about 5 or 6 at a time until golden brown on both sides. Make sure you turn them on both sides to fry them evenly. 
  6. Transfer the donuts to a large bowl lined with paper towels to drain some of the excess oil. Allow them to cool until you are able to handle them. 
  7. Using a piping bag and a filing tip, pipe your favorite filling into the sides of the paczki. 
  8. Roll the donuts in powdered or granulated sugar then serve.

Notes

  • These paczki are best the same day they are made. If having leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Yeast Choice – Instant yeast speeds things up, but if using active dry yeast, let it proof in warm milk for 5 minutes before mixing.
  • Don’t Rush the Rise – The double proofing is what gives these their signature light, airy texture. Let the dough take its time!
  • Oil Temperature is Everything – Keep it at 350°F (175°C). Too hot? They brown too fast. Too cool? They absorb too much oil. A thermometer is your best friend here!
  • Filling Tips – Use a piping bag with a round tip and go slow—too much filling and they’ll burst! If you don’t have a piping bag, slice them open and spoon in the filling.
  • To keep your yeast fresh and longer lasting, unopened yeast packages or jars should be stored in a cool or dry place such as your cupboard. However, you can also store your yeast in the fridge or freezer. If you do store it in the freezer and need to use yeast for your baking, make sure you take out the amount you need and let it sit at room temperature for at least half hour before using.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1donut Calories 145kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 20g (7%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 25mg (8%) Sodium 50mg (2%) Potassium 42mg (1%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 85IU (2%) Vitamin C 0.6mg (1%) Calcium 15mg (2%) Iron 0.9mg (5%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 145

% Daily Value*

Serving 1donut
Calories 145kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 20g 7%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 25mg 8%
Sodium 50mg 2%
Potassium 42mg 1%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 85IU 2%
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1%
Calcium 15mg 2%
Iron 0.9mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.