Polish Baked Paczki (Donuts)

Introduction

Growing up, I remember the joy of celebrating Fat Tuesday (Tłusty Czwartek in Poland) with freshly made paczki. These delicious Polish doughnuts are filled with custard or jam, coated in sugar, and always served warm. When I first tried making Polish Baked Paczki at home, I was blown away by how easy it was to recreate this delicious treat. The result was a batch of light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet paczki that transported me back to those childhood memories. The best part? These baked paczki are a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version, but they’re still just as delicious! Every time I make them, my family can’t get enough, and I’m always asked when I’ll be making them again.

Why You’ll Love This Polish Baked Paczki (Donuts)

Polish Baked Paczki are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves doughnuts with a bit of history and a lot of flavor. Unlike traditional doughnuts, paczki are typically filled with custard or fruit jam, and they have a slightly denser, richer texture. What makes these paczki even better is that they’re baked, not fried, so you get the same indulgent flavor without the extra oil. The dough is incredibly soft, and when paired with the homemade custard filling, it creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, a treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, or just because you crave something sweet, these Polish Baked Paczki will not disappoint.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsp yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 3 Tbsp oil
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Extra flour for dusting as needed

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

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes bubbly.
2. Add the oil, egg yolks, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. You may need to add a little extra flour to get the right consistency.
4. Once the dough is formed, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Custard Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Whisk in the milk and egg yolk, stirring until smooth.
2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, continuously stirring. Bring to a boil and let it cook for about 1½ minutes, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
3. Remove from heat and let the custard cool. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the paczki dough.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Paczki

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
3. Place the dough circles on a greased baking sheet, making sure there is some space between each one. Cover the sheet with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Once risen, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the paczki for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Coat and Fill the Paczki

1. While the paczki are baking, melt the butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the sugar.
2. Once the paczki are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Then, brush each paczek with melted butter and roll them in the sugar mixture to coat evenly.
3. To fill the paczki, use a piping bag or a small knife to make a hole in the side of each doughnut. Fill each paczek with the chilled custard or jam of your choice.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 paczek
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes (plus resting and rising time)

How to Serve

Polish Baked Paczki are best served warm and freshly coated with sugar. Here are a few ways to serve them:

• As a Dessert:
  Serve these paczki as a sweet dessert after dinner or as a special treat on Fat Tuesday or any holiday celebration.
• With Coffee or Tea:
  These doughnuts make the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack.
• With Jam or Fruit:
  Although custard is a classic filling, these paczki can also be filled with fruit preserves or jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a different twist.
• As a Gift:
  Pack them up in a decorative box and give them as a homemade gift. These paczki are perfect for sharing with loved ones.
• Top with Powdered Sugar:
  If you prefer a lighter coating, dust the paczki with powdered sugar instead of rolling them in granulated sugar.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead:
   The dough can be prepared a day ahead. Simply cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
2. Filling Options:
   Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as chocolate ganache, raspberry jam, or lemon curd. You can also make them completely jam-filled, depending on your preference.
3. Baking Tip:
   For an extra golden crust, brush the paczki with a little extra butter before baking. This will give them a beautiful, shiny finish.
4. Keep Them Fresh:
   These paczki are best eaten the same day they’re made, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To refresh them, warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
5. Custard Variation:
   If you prefer a different filling, you can make a whipped cream or mascarpone filling to replace the custard for a lighter, fluffier option.

FAQ Section

1. Can I fry the paczki instead of baking them?
Yes, you can fry the paczki for a traditional version. Heat oil to 350°F and fry the doughnuts until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

2. Can I use different fillings?
Yes! You can use a variety of fillings such as raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam, chocolate ganache, or even whipped cream for a lighter filling.

3. Can I freeze these paczki?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled baked paczki for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw them and fill with custard or jam.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.

5. What’s the best way to store leftover paczki?
Store leftover paczki in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but can be kept for a short time.

6. Can I use full-fat cottage cheese instead of low-fat?
Yes, you can substitute full-fat cottage cheese for a richer custard filling.

7. Can I make these paczki without eggs?
For an eggless version, you can use a flaxseed mixture or egg replacer in place of the egg yolk in the dough and custard.

8. Can I bake these in a muffin tin?
Yes, you can bake the paczki in a muffin tin for a different shape, but be sure to reduce the baking time slightly.

9. Can I add spices to the dough?
Yes, you can add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the dough for a spiced version of paczki.

10. Can I use store-bought custard?
Yes, store-bought custard works well as a filling if you don’t want to make your own.

Conclusion

Polish Baked Paczki are a delicious and fun way to enjoy a

traditional treat with a healthier twist. These soft, fluffy doughnuts filled with custard or jam are perfect for any special occasion or just as a sweet indulgence. The combination of homemade dough, custard filling, and the sweet sugar coating makes them irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating Fat Tuesday, sharing them with family, or just treating yourself, these paczki will add a touch of sweetness to your day. Enjoy making and eating these delightful donuts, and share them with loved ones for a festive treat that will become a family favorite!

Print