Prep time: PT-489551H58M35S
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F); 1/4 cup butter, softened; 3 egg yolks; 1 whole egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp rum (optional, for flavor and moisture); Oil, for frying; Rosehip jam; Apricot preserves; Strawberry filling; Poppy seed paste; Whipped cream or strawberry cream; Powdered sugar; Vanilla glaze; Pink glaze; Poppy seeds or crushed nutsFor the Dough: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F); 1/4 cup butter, softened; 3 egg yolks; 1 whole egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp rum (optional, for flavor and moisture); Oil, for frying

Description

Homemade Pączki (Polish Donuts) are soft, pillowy fried pastries traditionally filled with rosehip jam, fruit preserves, or whipped cream. A classic treat for Fat Thursday or Mardi Gras, these indulgent donuts are dusted with powdered sugar or glazed for a rich, festive bite of Polish heritage.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 egg yolks
1 whole egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp rum (optional, for flavor and moisture)
Oil, for frying

Fillings (choose one or mix):

Rosehip jam
Apricot preserves
Strawberry filling
Poppy seed paste
Whipped cream or strawberry cream

Toppings:

Powdered sugar
Vanilla glaze
Pink glaze
Poppy seeds or crushed nutsFor the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp rum (optional, for flavor and moisture)
- Oil, for frying
Fillings (choose one or mix):
- Rosehip jam
- Apricot preserves
- Strawberry filling
- Poppy seed paste
- Whipped cream or strawberry cream
Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla glaze
- Pink glaze
- Poppy seeds or crushed nuts

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Instructions

In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast mixture. Add yolks, egg, vanilla, rum, and softened butter. Mix into a soft dough.
Knead by hand or mixer until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Punch down dough, roll to 1/2 inch thick, and cut into rounds. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Cool slightly, then fill each pączek using a piping bag fitted with a filling nozzle.
Dust with powdered sugar or dip in glaze. Add optional toppings like crushed nuts or poppy seeds.

Notes

Adding rum to the dough helps reduce oil absorption during frying.
Best enjoyed the day they’re made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Try different fillings and glazes for variety — strawberry cream and pink glaze are especially festive.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1.5 hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert, Pastry
Method: Fried
Cuisine: Polish, Eastern European