Best Paczki Recipe or Polish Baked Doughnuts

Paczki Recipe: Polish Baked Donuts (A Healthier Take on the Traditional Treat)

Paczki, pronounced “pohnch-kee,” are deep-fried Polish donuts that are traditionally enjoyed on Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. However, for those who want to enjoy these delicious pastries without the hassle or health concerns of frying, this recipe for Baked Paczki offers a lighter, yet equally indulgent alternative. These golden, soft doughnuts are filled with rich custard or your favorite jam, making them the perfect treat for a celebratory occasion. Whether you’re in Poland, the United States, or anywhere else in the world, these baked paczki will surely become a cherished tradition in your home.

In Poland, Paczki Day occurs on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, marking the end of the festive season before Lent. In the U.S., this day is celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, paczki are fried in hot fat, but this baked version is equally satisfying. The dough used in paczki is a rich, sweet yeast dough that’s similar to brioche. With a slightly sweet flavor and tender crumb, these baked paczki are just as delicious as their fried counterparts—without the added calories from frying.

What Makes Paczki Special?

Paczki are more than just donuts; they’re a symbol of celebration and indulgence. Reserved for Fat Tuesday (known as Tłusty Czwartek in Poland), paczki are a delicious prelude to the Lenten season. This Catholic tradition marks the last day to indulge in rich foods before the 40 days of fasting that lead up to Easter. While paczki are often enjoyed throughout the year, their true cultural significance shines during the days leading up to Lent.

In many Polish households, paczki are a beloved family tradition, and this Paczki Recipe offers an opportunity to introduce younger family members to this delicious cultural staple. By baking the paczki rather than frying them, this recipe makes the process much safer and more kid-friendly, while still delivering the flavor and texture you expect from this traditional treat.

How Do You Pronounce Paczki?

In Polish, paczki are pronounced as "pohnch-kee." It’s important to note that the word has an ogonek (a diacritical mark) over the “a,” which gives the “a” a nasal sound. However, for simplicity, many people around the world simply refer to them as “pacz-kee.”

Ingredients for Baked Paczki

This baked paczki recipe uses ingredients commonly found in most kitchens, along with a few key elements that make paczki so unique—like eggs, butter, and yeast. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious treat:

For the Paczki Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
• 3/4 cup whole milk (warm, but not too hot to activate the yeast)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup additional flour, as needed for dusting
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

For the Custard Filling:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg yolk

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Paczki

1. Prepare the Dough:

Start by warming the milk in a bowl. Add the sugar and yeast to the milk, and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes bubbly and frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, which helps the dough rise beautifully.

Once the yeast is activated, add the vegetable oil, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients to combine.

Next, add the flour and salt, stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture begins to come together. Continue mixing with your hands or an electric mixer until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit of extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds together. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and smooth. Then cover it with a linen cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

2. Make the Custard Filling:

While the dough is resting, you can prepare the rich and creamy custard filling. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch, then slowly stir in the milk and egg yolk. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a boil and thickens—this should take around 1-2 minutes.

Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and transfer it into a bowl. Let the custard cool in the refrigerator while the dough continues to rise.

3. Shape the Dough:

After the dough has rested, it’s time to shape the paczki. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thick. Use a 2 1/2-inch round cutter (or a floured water glass) to cut out circles. Repeat this step until you’ve used up all the dough.

Place the dough circles on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between them for the dough to rise. Cover the sheet with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough has nearly doubled in size.

4. Bake the Paczki:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the paczki for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The baking process gives these paczki a soft, fluffy texture without the grease of frying.

Once they’re baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

5. Coat the Paczki in Sugar:

While the paczki are cooling, melt the butter in the microwave. Place the sugar (and cinnamon, if using) in a brown lunch bag or a bowl. Brush the warm paczki with melted butter, then gently place them in the sugar bag or bowl. Shake them lightly to coat the paczki in the sweet sugar mixture.

6. Fill the Paczki:

Now comes the best part—filling the paczki with the custard! Using a pastry bag with a long, narrow tip, gently insert the tip into the side of each paczki and squeeze the custard filling inside. Be careful not to overfill, as the paczki will expand a bit when filled.

If you prefer, you can also fill your paczki with your favorite jam or jelly, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.

Serving and Enjoying Your Baked Paczki

Once filled, your Baked Paczki are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat. They make for a festive addition to any celebration, whether you’re honoring Polish traditions, indulging on Fat Tuesday, or simply enjoying a delicious homemade dessert.

Tips for the Best Paczki

1. Let the Dough Rise: The dough for paczki needs time to rise and develop flavor. Don’t rush the resting time—this is what makes the dough light and fluffy.
2. Custard Consistency: Ensure that your custard is thick and creamy for the best filling experience. If it’s too runny, it won’t hold up inside the paczki.
3. Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like fruit jams or chocolate ganache for a unique twist on the classic paczki.
4. Healthier Option: If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use non-dairy milk or replace some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Conclusion

This Baked Paczki recipe offers a wonderful way to celebrate Polish traditions without deep-frying. With rich custard filling and a golden, fluffy texture, these baked donuts are every bit as indulgent as their fried counterparts, but without the mess or added calories. Whether you’re celebrating Paczki Day, preparing for Lent, or simply treating your family to a delicious dessert, these paczki will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

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