Oh, baked Paczki! A fantastic twist on the classic Polish treat, usually deep-fried, but baked versions are lighter and just as tasty. Here’s a great recipe for Baked Paczki (Polish Donuts) you can try:
Baked Paczki (Polish Donuts) Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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¾ cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F / 43°C)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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3 large egg yolks
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted + more for brushing
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
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Pinch of salt
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1 cup fruit jam or jelly (traditional fillings: rosehip, raspberry, plum, or apricot)
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
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Activate yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
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Make dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg yolks, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
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Knead: Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
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First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
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Shape paczki: Punch down dough, roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Using a round cutter (about 3 inches diameter), cut circles.
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Fill: Place a teaspoon of jam in the center of half of the circles. Cover each with another circle and pinch edges firmly to seal. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Second rise: Cover with towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops lightly with melted butter. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
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Cool & finish: Let paczki cool slightly. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.