Introduction
Paczki, the traditional Polish donuts, are a beloved treat, especially during the period leading up to Lent, when they are often enjoyed on Fat Tuesday, also known as “Paczki Day.” If you’ve ever had the pleasure of trying these delicious, fluffy pastries filled with sweet custard or jam, you know why they’re a favorite! I recently made a batch of homemade Polish Baked Paczki, and the result was incredible – light, tender, and bursting with flavor. My family couldn’t get enough, and the house was filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked donuts. While these may take a little time and effort to make, trust me, the end result is well worth it. Whether you’re celebrating Paczki Day or just want to treat yourself to something special, these baked paczki are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Polish Baked Paczki Recipe
Paczki are not your average donut. What sets them apart is their rich dough, which is slightly sweet and pillowy soft. The unique combination of the sweet custard filling and the delicate texture of the donut makes for a treat that is irresistibly good. The fact that these paczki are baked, not fried, makes them a little lighter, but no less delicious. With a sugar coating that gives them a satisfying crunch and a filling of smooth custard or fruit jam, every bite is a delightful experience. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: These paczki are baked to perfection, creating a light and airy texture that’s slightly chewy on the inside.
- Customizable Fillings: You can fill them with your favorite jam or the classic custard, making them versatile for different tastes.
- A Polish Tradition: Bring a piece of Polish heritage into your home with this authentic recipe.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Paczki Day, a special breakfast, or just a fun baking project, these donuts are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1½ cups flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 3 Tbsp oil
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Extra flour as needed for kneading
For the coating:
- 3 Tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup sugar
For the custard filling:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to combine and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes bubbly and frothy. This activates the yeast and helps the dough rise.
- Add the oil, egg yolks, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Stir to combine and form a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. You may need to add extra flour to prevent it from sticking.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Make the Custard Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add milk and the egg yolk, whisking until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it begins to thicken, continue to cook for 1½ minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the custard cool completely in the fridge while you prepare the dough.
- Shape and Bake the Paczki:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
- Place the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them. Cover and let them rise for about 1 hour, until they puff up and nearly double in size.
- Bake the paczki in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden. Allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Coat and Fill:
- Once the paczki are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter. Then roll them in sugar to coat.
- Once fully cooled, use a pastry bag or a spoon to fill each donut with the prepared custard filling. If you prefer, you can also use fruit jam such as raspberry or strawberry for a different flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Polish Baked Paczki immediately and enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They are perfect for a sweet breakfast, a special dessert, or for sharing with friends and family.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 paczek (donut)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Preparation Time
- Active Time: 40 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Pair with a light fruit salad for a well-rounded treat.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread for a special occasion like Paczki Day.
- These paczki are also great on their own for a sweet afternoon snack or as a gift for friends and family.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Rush the Dough Resting Time: Letting the dough rest and rise properly is crucial for achieving that perfect light and fluffy texture. Don’t skip the hour of rising time.
- Use a Cookie Cutter for Uniform Shapes: To make evenly sized paczki, use a cookie cutter to cut out your dough circles.
- Be Creative with Fillings: While custard is traditional, feel free to experiment with different jams, such as raspberry, strawberry, or even lemon curd.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Paczki are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture.
- Ensure Even Baking: If you’re baking multiple batches, be sure to check the first batch closely for doneness, as oven temperatures may vary.
FAQ Section
- What is the difference between Paczki and regular donuts?
- Paczki are a traditional Polish pastry that is typically richer and denser than regular donuts. They are often filled with custard or jam and are made using yeast dough, giving them a distinct texture and flavor.
- Can I make Paczki ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough and fill the paczki ahead of time. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, and fill them just before serving.
- Can I fry these Paczki instead of baking them?
- Traditionally, paczki are fried, but this recipe is for baked paczki, which are a lighter option. If you prefer to fry them, heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan and fry the donuts until golden brown.
- Can I use a different filling besides custard?
- Absolutely! You can fill your paczki with fruit preserves like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot, or even chocolate ganache.
- Can I freeze Paczki?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked paczki for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. To serve, thaw them and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
- How do I make my paczki extra fluffy?
- Be sure to let the dough rise properly and knead it well to activate the yeast. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky before resting.
- Can I make this recipe without egg yolks?
- Egg yolks add richness and tenderness to the dough, but if you need an egg-free version, you can substitute with a flax egg or another egg replacer.
- How do I prevent my paczki from becoming too greasy?
- Since this recipe is for baked paczki, you don’t have to worry about grease from frying. If you choose to fry them, make sure your oil temperature is just right, around 350°F, to avoid absorbing excess oil.
- How long do paczki last?
- Fresh paczki are best eaten within 1-2 days, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They may lose some of their freshness after that.
- Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different. Make sure to use a reliable gluten-free flour that works well for baking.
Polish Baked Paczki are an absolute
delight, and with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can bring a touch of Polish tradition into your home. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just indulging in a sweet treat, these paczki are sure to bring joy to your taste buds. Happy baking!