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Jelly Donuts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 31 reviews
  • Author: Aiko
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delicious homemade jelly donuts made from a soft, yeasted dough fried to golden perfection and filled with sweet raspberry or strawberry jam. These classic treats are coated in granulated sugar for a perfect balance of fluffy texture and sugary sweetness, ideal for breakfast or an indulgent snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk (whole milk preferred, 90°F to 100°F)
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast or active dry yeast
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 cups bread flour (spooned and leveled, all-purpose flour can be used instead)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

Frying and Coating

  • Vegetable oil (enough to fry the donuts, about 2 quarts)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (for tossing the donuts in)

Filling

  • 1½ cups seedless raspberry jam or strawberry jam


Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes or until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dough: Add flour, eggs, and salt to the bowl and mix with the dough hook for one minute on low speed to combine ingredients.
  3. Develop Dough: Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue mixing at medium speed for 2 minutes to develop gluten and structure.
  4. Add Butter: Add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously until the dough is smooth, elastic, and well incorporated.
  5. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
  6. Shape Dough: Punch down the dough and transfer to a floured surface. Shape it into a ball and divide into 16 equal pieces.
  7. Form Donuts: Roll each piece into a tight ball and place on prepared baking sheets. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
  8. Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a dutch oven or deep fryer to a temperature between 330°F and 350°F, suitable for frying doughnuts.
  9. Fry Donuts: Fry the donuts in batches for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Sugar Coat: Immediately toss the fried donuts in granulated sugar to coat them evenly while still warm.
  11. Fill Donuts: Using a piping bag, fill each sugar-coated donut with the seedless raspberry or strawberry jam through a small hole on the side.
  12. Serve: Enjoy the donuts while they’re still warm for the best taste and texture experience.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm but not hot, ideally between 90°F and 100°F to properly activate the yeast.
  • You can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour if needed, though texture may be slightly different.
  • Use a candy thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfect frying.
  • Don’t overcrowd the frying pot to avoid lowering the oil temperature and uneven cooking.
  • For vegan or dairy-free alternatives, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
  • The donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.