Paczki

Ingredients

All-purpose flour

4 cups, plus extra for dusting

Active dry yeast

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)

Sugar

1/4 cup, plus extra for the yeast mixture

Milk

1 cup, warmed

Butter

1/4 cup, melted

Eggs

3 large

Salt

1/2 teaspoon

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon

Vegetable oil

for frying

Jam or custard

1 cup for filling (any flavor you prefer)

Powdered sugar

for dusting

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and dissolve 1 tablespoon of sugar in it. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the yeast mixture, stirring until well combined.
3. Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all the flour is incorporated, knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
5. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or a glass to cut out circles.
6. On half of the circles, place a spoonful of jam or custard in the center. Cover with the remaining circles and seal the edges tightly by pressing them together.
7. Let the filled doughnuts rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a cloth.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches, a few at a time, until they are golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes).
9. Drain the fried doughnuts on paper towels and dust them generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm.