The sweet smell of freshly fried donuts has a way of whisking me back to carefree mornings filled with laughter and cozy gatherings. Imagine the joy as you take your first bite of a classic jelly donut—fluffy, golden, and bursting with your favorite jam filling. These treats are more than just snacks; they’re symbols of fond memories and festive celebrations.
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these nostalgic delights right in your own kitchen! Not only are they surprisingly easy to make, but you can also get creative with various fillings—think tangy raspberry, luscious lemon curd, or even decadent chocolate hazelnut spread. Join me on this delightful culinary adventure as we explore how to create homemade jelly donuts that will leave your taste buds dancing and your friends begging for more. Let’s dive in!
Why make Classic Jelly Donuts at home?
Simple ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry to create these delightful treats.
Nostalgic joy: Each bite will transport you to the comforting sweetness of childhood memories.
Customizable fillings: Choose your favorite jam or get adventurous with flavors like lemon curd or chocolate hazelnut spread!
Impress your guests: Homemade jelly donuts are sure to be the highlight at brunch or festive gatherings.
Quick and easy: This approachable recipe makes delicious donuts in just a few hours, giving you more time to enjoy them fresh!
Classic Jelly Donut Ingredients
• There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade jelly donuts—let’s gather our essentials!
For the Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure; can be swapped with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Active Dry Yeast – Vital for fluffiness; ensure freshness for the best results.
- Warm Milk (110°F) – Adds moisture and flavor; crucial for activating the yeast—don’t overheat!
- Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness and helps activate the yeast; can be reduced for less sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter (melted) – Adds richness; use vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
- Egg Yolks – Contributes to richness and structure; consider a flax egg for a vegan take.
- Salt – Balances and enhances flavors; don’t skip it!
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses flavor; use almond extract for a unique twist.
For the Filling
- Raspberry or Strawberry Jelly – Sweetens the treat; feel free to use any preferred fruit jam for deliciously classic jelly donuts.
For Frying
- Vegetable Oil (for frying) – Necessary for cooking; ensure it reaches 350°F for optimal results.
For Coating
- Granulated Sugar (for rolling) – Adds sweetness and texture; powdered sugar can be used for a softer finish.
How to Make Classic Jelly Donuts
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Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes. This step is crucial for fluffy donuts, so ensure your milk is the right temperature!
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Mix Dough: In a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, egg yolks, melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms, showing a balanced texture.
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Knead: Knead the dough on medium speed for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You want it to feel soft and pliable—this is where the magic happens!
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First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1–1.5 hours. Patience is key here!
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Shape Donuts: Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a donut cutter or a round glass, then place them on parchment paper. Let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy and happy.
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Fry: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts 2–3 at a time until golden brown, roughly 1–2 minutes per side. Flip carefully to avoid splashing!
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Coat: Once fried, drain the donuts on paper towels and immediately roll them in granulated sugar while they’re still warm. This adds a delightful sweetness!
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Fill: Allow the donuts to cool slightly. Then, using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, inject your selected jelly into each donut through one side to fill them generously.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Classic Jelly Donuts Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delightful donuts to suit your taste buds!
- Raspberry Jam: Use traditional raspberry jam for a classic and beloved filling that never goes out of style.
- Strawberry Delight: Swap in strawberry jam for a sweeter, slightly tangy twist that will make your heart smile.
- Apricot Bliss: For a fruity, less conventional option, try apricot jam; its unique flavor will surprise and delight!
- Lemon Curd Zing: Elevate your donuts with tangy lemon curd for a bright and refreshing punch that balances sweetness.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Rush: Indulge by filling your donuts with rich chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent treat that feels luxurious.
- Vegan Option: Substitute egg yolks with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing fluffiness.
- Gluten-Free Bliss: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to share these delicious donuts with friends following a gluten-free diet.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar coating for a warm and inviting flavor that dances on your palate.
Make Ahead Options
These Classic Jelly Donuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the recipe up to the first rise, then cover the bowl and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature and rise again before shaping the donuts. You can also cut and shape the donuts up to 3 hours ahead of frying—just ensure they are covered with a damp cloth to maintain moisture. When ready to fry, heat the oil and follow the final steps for fresh, delicious donuts that are just as delightful as when made from scratch!
Storage Tips for Classic Jelly Donuts
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Room Temperature: Store unfilled classic jelly donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze filled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: To reheat frozen classic jelly donuts, let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, then warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
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Avoid sogginess: When storing, ensure donuts are completely cooled to prevent condensation inside the container, which can result in sogginess.
Expert Tips for Classic Jelly Donuts
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Fresh Yeast Matters: Ensure your active dry yeast is fresh; expired yeast can result in dense donuts, ruining your homemade experience.
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Perfect Temperature: Keep warm milk at 110°F to activate the yeast effectively. If too hot, it could kill the yeast, leading to unsatisfactory dough.
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Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. Under-kneading can yield tough donuts, so give it the TLC it deserves!
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Frying Success: Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer; too hot or cold will lead to greasy or undercooked donuts.
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Gentle Filling: When piping jelly into your classic jelly donuts, insert the tip gently to avoid tearing the delicate dough. Take your time; they’ll taste better for it!
What to Serve with Classic Jelly Donuts?
Pairing these delightful treats with complementary flavors and textures elevates the experience of enjoying your homemade delights.
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Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich, bold notes of coffee create a perfect contrast to the sweet, fruity filling. A classic combination for any brunch!
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Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of oranges and grapefruit brings a zesty contrast to the sweetness, balancing the rich jelly donuts beautifully.
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Savory Quiche: A slice of flaky, cheesy quiche adds a savory element to your meal, making it perfect for a well-rounded gathering.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luscious touch, enhancing the overall indulgence while softening the sweetness.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the donuts introduces a decadent twist, transforming the flavor and adding a touch of elegance for special occasions.
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Iced Tea: A cool glass of iced tea, sweetened or unsweetened, provides a refreshing sip that pairs nicely with the sweetness of the donuts.
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Fruit Compote: An easy compote made of mixed berries or stone fruits adds another layer of flavor to the classic jelly donuts, making them even more enticing!
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Nutty Granola: Offering crunchy granola on the side introduces delightful textures, creating a satisfying contrast while complementing the softness of the donuts.
Classic Jelly Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right jam for the filling?
Absolutely! When choosing your jelly or jam, opt for varieties that are thick and rich to prevent them from running out of the donuts. I often favor raspberry or strawberry for their balanced sweetness, but feel free to experiment with lemon curd or chocolate hazelnut spread for a fun twist!
What is the best way to store leftover jelly donuts?
For maximum freshness, you can store unfilled classic jelly donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you fill them with jelly, it’s best to consume them within a day for peak flavor and texture. You can also freeze filled donuts—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze classic jelly donuts?
Yes, you can! To freeze, after frying and cooling, place the filled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag to keep them fresh. They can be stored like this for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave to restore their delightful texture.
What common issues might I face while making jelly donuts?
One common troubleshooting point is the yeast not activating properly. Ensure your warm milk is at 110°F—too hot will kill the yeast! If your donuts turn out dense, it might be due to under-kneading the dough. Aim for a smooth and elastic finish when kneading, which takes about 6–8 minutes. If they come out greasy, check your frying oil temperature; it should be at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
Are classic jelly donuts safe for everyone to eat?
Take care when serving these classic jelly donuts to those with dietary restrictions! They contain gluten, dairy, and eggs, but for a vegan version, you can use a flax egg and swap the milk for almond or soy milk. Remember to consider any allergy implications with the fillings, ensuring your guests are aware of the ingredients used.
Classic Jelly Donuts: Your Easy Homemade Sweet Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
- Mix Dough: In a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, egg yolks, melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead: Knead the dough on medium speed for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1–1.5 hours.
- Shape Donuts: Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out circles and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Fry: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the donuts 2–3 at a time until golden brown, roughly 1–2 minutes per side.
- Coat: Drain the donuts on paper towels and immediately roll them in granulated sugar while they're still warm.
- Fill: Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, inject your selected jelly into each donut through one side.