Delicious Polish Doughnuts (Pączki) Recipe

Authentic Polish Dessert recipe — Polish doughnuts (Pączki). Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Polish Doughnuts (Pączki) Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (warm)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • 1 cup fruit jam (for filling)

Instructions

7 steps

  1. Prepare the Dough

    In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

    Ensure the milk is not too hot to activate the yeast.
  2. Mix Ingredients

    Add beaten eggs, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a dough forms.

    Use a wooden spoon or your hands for a better dough consistency.
  3. Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

    Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
  4. Let Dough Rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

    A warm oven (turned off) can be a good place for rising.
  5. Shape the Doughnuts

    Punch down the risen dough, roll it out, and cut into circles. Let them rest for another 30 minutes.

    Use a cookie cutter for even shapes.
  6. Fry the Doughnuts

    Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes each.

    Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature.
  7. Fill and Dust

    Allow to cool slightly, fill with jam using a pastry bag, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

    Pączki are best enjoyed fresh!

💡 Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, add a splash of rum or brandy to the dough. Make sure to let the doughnuts cool for a bit before filling. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 5 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

What to Serve With

Complete your polish meal with these perfect pairings:

A cup of espresso or café au lait
🍦Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side
🍓Fresh berries or seasonal fruit

About This Dish

Delicious Polish Doughnuts (Pączki) Recipe is a beloved dish from Polish cuisine.

Polish cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 11 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use instant yeast; just mix it directly with the flour.

Rate This Recipe

How was this recipe?

Share This Recipe

Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories300kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium150mgmg
Total Carbohydrates35gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars5gg
Protein3gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisinePolish
CategoryDesserts