Easy Homemade Paczki Recipe – Polish Donuts for Fat Tuesday!

Paczki (pronounced “punch-key”) are traditional Polish donuts that are soft, pillowy, and filled with delicious jam, custard, or lemon curd. These deep-fried treats are a staple on Fat Tuesday, also known as Paczki Day, a time to indulge before Lent begins. Unlike regular donuts, Paczki have a rich, buttery dough made with eggs, milk, and yeast, giving them an irresistibly fluffy texture.

Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just craving a homemade sweet treat, this easy Paczki recipe will guide you through making these golden, sugar-coated delights right in your own kitchen. Get ready for a bite of tradition that melts in your mouth!

Ingredients for Homemade Paczki

To make these delicious Polish donuts, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 eggs – Adds richness and structure.
• ½ cup lukewarm milk – Helps activate the yeast (ensure it’s not too hot!).
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Gives the dough a soft texture.
• 2 tbsp sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness.
• ¼ tsp salt – Enhances flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – For a hint of warmth and aroma.
• 1 tsp instant yeast – Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough.

For Frying & Filling:

• Vegetable oil – For deep frying (use canola or sunflower oil).
• Fruit preserves (raspberry, strawberry, or custard) – Traditional fillings.
• Powdered sugar – For rolling and coating the Paczki.

Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions!

How to Make Paczki – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
2. Add the yeast and mix well.
3. In a stand mixer bowl, add the flour and pour in the milk-egg mixture.
4. Using a dough hook, mix until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

2. Let the Dough Rise

1. Lightly grease a bowl with oil and place the dough inside.
2. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, until it doubles in size.

3. Roll and Cut the Dough

1. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to ¼ to ½ inch thickness.
2. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles.
3. Place the dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

4. Fry the Paczki

1. Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry 5-6 Paczki at a time, flipping them until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
3. Remove and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

5. Fill and Coat

1. Let the Paczki cool slightly.
2. Fill a piping bag with your favorite jam, custard, or lemon curd. Insert the tip into each Paczki and gently fill.
3. Roll the Paczki in powdered sugar or dust them lightly before serving.

Now you have fresh, homemade Paczki that are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet goodness!

Cooking Times & Storage Tips

⏳ Prep & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes dough rising)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: About 16 Paczki

🥡 How to Store & Keep Fresh

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Not recommended, as it can dry them out.
• Freezer: Freeze unfilled Paczki in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

🔥 Reheating Tips

• Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore softness.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes for a crispier texture.

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Paczek)

• Calories: ~145 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Sugar: 7g
• Iron: 0.9mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on fillings and coatings used.

🍩 Homemade Paczki Recipe – Polish Donuts

Paczki are traditional Polish donuts made with a rich, yeasted dough, deep-fried until golden brown, and filled with sweet jams, custards, or lemon curd. These soft and pillowy treats are perfect for Fat Tuesday or any special occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings 16 Paczki

Calories 145 kcal

Equipment

• Stand mixer (or mixing bowl and hand whisk)
• Rolling Pin
• Round cookie cutter or glass
• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
• Piping bag with filling tip
• Slotted spoon (for removing Paczki from oil)
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)

Ingredients

  

• Dough:
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup lukewarm milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• For Frying & Filling:
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Fruit preserves raspberry, strawberry, or custard
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

 

• Make the Dough
• In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
• Add yeast and mix well.
• In a stand mixer, add flour and pour in the wet mixture. Using a dough hook, mix until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the bowl.
• Let the Dough Rise
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 2 hours until doubled in size.
• Roll & Cut Dough
• Roll out dough on a floured surface to ¼ to ½ inch thickness.
• Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles.
• Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
• Fry the Paczki
• Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry 5-6 at a time until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).
• Drain on paper towels.
• Fill & Coat
• Once cooled, fill each Paczki using a piping bag.
• Roll in powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

✔ Use lukewarm milk (100°F/38°C) to properly activate yeast.
✔ Do not overcrowd the fryer to ensure even cooking.
✔ For baked Paczki, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of frying.

Keyword Easy Paczki, Fat Tuesday Recipe, Homemade Paczki Recipe, Jam-Filled Donuts, Polish Donuts, Traditional Paczki

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bake Paczki instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. The texture will be lighter, more like a filled brioche than a fried donut.

2. What’s the difference between Paczki and regular donuts?

Paczki dough is richer, made with eggs, butter, and milk, giving it a fluffier texture compared to regular donuts. They also don’t have a hole in the center and are traditionally filled.

3. Can I make Paczki ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying the next day.

4. What’s the best oil for frying Paczki?

Use neutral, high-smoke point oils like canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil. Avoid olive oil, as it adds an overpowering flavor.

5. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! But you need to activate it first by dissolving it in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before mixing with the dough.

🍽️ Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions

Homemade Paczki are a delightful treat, perfect for Fat Tuesday, holidays, or any time you crave a rich, pillowy donut. Serve them fresh and warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and paired with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for an indulgent experience.

If you’re making these for a party, try offering a variety of fillings so everyone can pick their favorite! From classic fruit jams to decadent Nutella or lemon curd, the possibilities are endless.