Classic Jelly Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Pillowy: These donuts have a perfect, light texture that melts in your mouth.
• Sweet and Jam-filled: The strawberry jam in the center is the ideal balance of sweetness.
• Classic Flavor: This recipe captures the traditional jelly donut flavors that are a favorite in many households.
• Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the satisfaction of making donuts from scratch!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 1/4 to 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 envelopes (4 1/2 tsp.) rapid rise yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 egg yolks
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam (or your favorite jelly)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Combine 2 cups of flour, undissolved yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan until warm (120°F to 130°F). Add the warm milk and butter mixture to the flour mixture along with the egg yolks. Beat for 2 minutes on low speed using a stand mixer.
3. Gradually add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 4 to 6 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle about 1/2-inch thick.
2. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out as many donut rounds as possible. Place the donuts about 2-3 inches apart on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Re-roll any leftover dough and cut out additional donuts. Cover and let them rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

1. Heat at least 2 inches of oil in a deep fryer or deep pan to 350°F.
2. While the oil is heating, prepare your jam filling. Place the jam in a pastry bag fitted with a wide metal tip.
3. Fry 2-3 donuts at a time, turning them occasionally until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the donuts from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Step 4: Add the Sugar and Filling

1. Toss the warm donuts in granulated sugar to coat them.
2. Insert the pastry tip into the side of each donut and gently squeeze about 1-2 tablespoons of jam into the center of each donut.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the donuts cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 donuts
• Prep time: 1 hour
• Rise time: 1 hour
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 3 hours

Variations

• Other Fillings: Use any jam or jelly flavor you prefer, such as raspberry, apricot, or even custard.
• Chocolate Glazed: After frying, dip the donuts in a chocolate glaze for a decadent twist.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of granulated sugar for an extra flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: These donuts freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw at room temperature and warm them in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of rapid rise yeast?

Yes, you can use regular active dry yeast, but the rising time will be longer.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a thermometer to check that the oil is at 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough—if it sizzles and browns within 2-3 minutes, the oil is ready.

Can I make these donuts in advance?

Donuts are best served fresh, but you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let the dough rise before frying.

Can I use a donut maker instead of frying?

While deep-frying provides the best texture, you could use a donut maker, though it might yield a different texture and result.

Why did my donuts deflate during frying?

This could happen if the oil is too hot or if the donuts haven’t risen long enough before frying. Make sure to maintain the proper temperature and allow sufficient rise time.

Conclusion

These Classic Jelly Donuts are a perfect homemade treat, offering a delightful combination of light, airy dough and sweet, fruity filling. Whether for a holiday, special occasion, or just a weekend treat, these donuts will definitely make your day a little bit sweeter! Enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or with a warm cup of coffee.

Classic Jelly Donuts

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 10 donuts
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Deep Frying
• Cuisine: American, Bakery-Style
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Classic Jelly Donuts are soft, pillowy, and filled with sweet strawberry jam, making them the perfect homemade treat. Deep-fried to golden perfection and coated in sugar, these donuts are light, airy, and bursting with flavor. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, this recipe delivers bakery-style donuts right from your kitchen!

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Ingredients

• 3 ¼ to 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 envelopes (4 ½ tsp) rapid rise yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp milk
• ¼ cup butter
• 3 egg yolks
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
• ½ cup strawberry jam (or preferred jelly)

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Heat milk and butter in a saucepan until warm (120°F-130°F). Add to the flour mixture along with egg yolks.
3. Beat for 2 minutes on low speed using a stand mixer.
4. Gradually add more flour, ¼ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 4-6 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

1. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle, about ½-inch thick.
2. Cut out 3-inch rounds using a cookie cutter and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

1. Heat at least 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F.
2. Fry 2-3 donuts at a time, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Coat and Fill

1. Toss warm donuts in granulated sugar to coat.
2. Fill a pastry bag with jam and insert about 1-2 tablespoons into each donut.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the donuts cool slightly and enjoy fresh!

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Notes

• Experiment with different fillings like raspberry jam, custard, or chocolate.
• For a flavor twist, toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar.
• Donuts taste best fresh but can be stored or frozen for later enjoyment.