Equipment
•Large mixing bowl
•Stand mixer or hand mixer
•Measuring cups & spoons
•Baking sheet
•Parchment paper
•Rolling pin
•Small round cutter (3 inches)
•Pastry brush
•Pastry bag or ziplock bag for filling
Ingredients
For the Dough:
•1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
•½ cup warm milk (110°F)
•¼ cup sugar
•2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
•½ tsp salt
•2 large eggs
•¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
•1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
•¾ cup fruit preserves (raspberry, strawberry, or plum)
•OR custard or chocolate filling
For Topping:
•2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
•Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, and salt. Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3️⃣ Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
4️⃣ Shape the Paczki: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches) to cut out circles. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5️⃣ Second Rise: Cover the cut-out dough with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
6️⃣ Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the paczki for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7️⃣ Fill & Finish: Let them cool slightly, then use a pastry bag to inject jam or custard into the center of each paczek. Brush with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar.
8️⃣ Enjoy! Serve fresh and warm for the best taste.
Storage Options
•Store leftover paczki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
•Refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat slightly before serving.
•Freeze unfilled paczki for up to 3 months. Thaw, fill, and dust with sugar before serving.
Notes
•For extra flavor, try adding a touch of lemon zest to the dough.
•If you prefer a richer dough, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
•For a glaze instead of powdered sugar, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp milk and drizzle over the paczki.
Enjoy your homemade baked paczki—a sweet Polish tradition made simple! 🍩✨