These jelly-filled donuts are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Soft and fluffy, they are filled with your favorite fruit jelly and dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
The recipe is simple and can be made at home with basic ingredients. Enjoy these donuts fresh or store them for later indulgence.
Creating the Perfect Dough
To start your jelly-filled donut journey, focus on crafting the dough. Begin by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Allow this mixture to sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
Next, incorporate melted butter, an egg, and vanilla extract into the mixture. Gradually add all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for the soft, fluffy texture that makes these donuts irresistible.
Kneading for Texture
Once your dough is formed, transfer it to a floured surface for kneading. This process should take about five to seven minutes. The goal is to achieve a smooth and elastic texture, which is essential for the donuts to rise properly.
After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area. This first rise will take approximately one hour, during which the dough will double in size, creating the airy quality that characterizes a great donut.
Shaping the Donuts
After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape your donuts. Gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then roll it out to about half an inch thick. Using a donut cutter or two round cutters, cut out circles from the dough.
Place the cut donuts on a floured baking sheet and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise is important for achieving that perfect fluffy texture once fried.
Frying to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Each donut should fry for about one to two minutes on each side until they reach a beautiful golden brown color.
Once fried, remove the donuts from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This step helps to remove excess oil, keeping the donuts light and enjoyable.
Filling with Jelly
After allowing the donuts to cool slightly, it’s time for the fun part—filling them with jelly! Using a piping bag, carefully inject your favorite fruit jelly or jam into each donut. The filling should be generous, allowing a hint of jelly to ooze from the sides.
Finally, dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar for that classic sweet finish. The contrast of the sugary exterior with the fruity filling makes each bite a delightful experience.
Enjoying Your Creation
These jelly-filled donuts are best enjoyed fresh, warm, and fluffy. They make for a wonderful breakfast treat or a delightful dessert. Whether you’re sharing them with family or indulging on your own, these donuts are sure to bring joy to any occasion.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container, but they are unlikely to last long! Each bite is a reminder of the warm, homey atmosphere of a rustic kitchen, making the effort of making them worthwhile.
Homemade Jelly-Filled Donuts
This recipe yields about 12 jelly-filled donuts that are light and airy. The process takes approximately 2 hours, including rising time, and they are best enjoyed warm.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fruit jelly or jam of your choice
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, egg, vanilla, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut out circles using a donut cutter or two round cutters. Place on a floured baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Fill with Jelly: Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag to fill each donut with your chosen jelly or jam. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 27g