Baked Paczki (Polish Donuts) Recipe

Baked Paczki are a lighter, oven-baked version of traditional Polish donuts, offering the same soft, pillowy texture without deep frying. These delightful treats are typically filled with jam, custard, or chocolate, then dusted with powdered sugar for a classic finish. Perfect for Fat Tuesday celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, airy pastry, these paczki deliver indulgence with a healthier twist.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 ½ cups warm milk
• 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons brandy (optional, for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1 cup smooth jam (raspberry, plum, or custard)

For Coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar or powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk and yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs, egg yolks, brandy, and salt, beating until combined.
4. Gradually add the milk mixture, alternating with flour, until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, until smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

6. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Paczki

7. Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness on a floured surface.
8. Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough.
9. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Paczki

10. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Bake for 7-9 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Fill and Coat

13. Using a pastry bag with a filling tip, inject jam or custard into each paczki.
14. Roll warm paczki in granulated sugar, or wait until fully cooled to dust with powdered sugar.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

15. Paczki are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in a paper bag for up to 48 hours.

These Baked Paczki offer the same indulgent taste as traditional Polish donuts, but with a lighter, oven-baked twist! 🍩✨

For another variation, check out this recipe.