Imagine a soft, pillowy donut with a crisp, golden exterior, each bite bursting with a luscious, fruity jam that oozes out in the most satisfying way.
These classic treats are not just for the bakery, they’re easier to make at home than you might think.
You also get complete control over the sweetness, the type of fruit jam you use, and even the size of the donuts. This is a dessert recipe you can truly call your own.
Why This Jelly Donuts Recipe Is a Must-Try
This jelly donut recipe is a keeper for many reasons. The dough is perfectly fluffy and soft, thanks to the precise blend of ingredients and the gentle rise time.
A light coating of sugar gives a satisfying crunch, and the filling—whether strawberry, raspberry, or any fruit jam you prefer—adds a burst of sweetness with every bite.
Here’s why you’ll love these donuts:
- Customizable Filling: Use your favorite fruit jam—strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, or even a mix.
- Perfectly Puffy Texture: Light and airy inside, with a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
- Easy, Step-by-Step Process: No advanced baking skills required. Just follow a few simple steps, and you’ll have perfect donuts.
These aren’t just donuts—they’re a delightful homemade treat that you’ll crave again and again.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Jelly Donuts
Even with the best dessert recipes, a few smart tips can make a big difference. For these jelly donuts, the following advice ensures they turn out perfect every time:
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn’t foam when mixed with warm liquid, it’s time for a new batch.
- Control the Oil Temperature: Maintain the frying oil at around 325°F. Too hot, and the donuts will burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Too cool, and they’ll soak up excess oil.
- Don’t Overfill the Donuts: A little jam goes a long way. Too much can make the donuts soggy or burst.
With these simple tips, you’re already halfway to dessert perfection.
Variations for Your Jelly Donuts
This jelly donut recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just a sweet snack, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes:
- Jam Options: Try apricot, blueberry, or even a tangy lemon curd for a twist.
- Sugar Coating: Swap the granulated sugar for cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for a different finish.
- Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk.
You can even make mini donuts for a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While these donuts are easy to make, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Avoid these to keep your jelly donuts irresistible:
- Skipping the Rise Time: Allowing the dough to rise properly is crucial for that soft, airy texture.
- Overcrowding the Fryer: Frying too many donuts at once lowers the oil temperature, making them greasy.
- Not Draining Properly: Always place freshly fried donuts on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
These simple fixes ensure that your donuts are always bakery-quality.
Serving Suggestions for Your Jelly Donuts
These jelly donuts are best served fresh, warm, and slightly crisp on the outside, with a soft, fluffy interior. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
For an extra touch, you can dust the donuts with a bit more powdered sugar right before serving, making them look even more tempting.
Make Your Dessert Dreams Come True
Jelly donuts are one of those dessert recipes that are pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a family treat, or just because you deserve something sweet, they’re always a good idea.
The best part? Once you see how simple it is to make these at home, you’ll never look at store-bought donuts the same way again.
With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up batches of these golden, jam-filled delights whenever the craving hits.
Jelly Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 3 ¼ to 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour divided, plus extra for rolling
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 packets (4 ½ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 3 large egg yolks at room temperature
- 2 quarts vegetable oil for deep-frying
For the Filling and Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup fruit jam of your choice strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry recommended
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt on low speed until combined.
- Warm Milk and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk and butter. Heat for about 45 seconds until the butter melts and the milk is warm but not hot.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Add egg yolks and mix on low speed. Gradually increase the speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Form the Dough: Switch to the dough hook attachment. Gradually add 1 ¼ cups of remaining flour, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter to shape donuts. Arrange them on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Cover lightly and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-low to 325°F. Prepare a cooling rack over a baking sheet for draining fried donuts.
- Fry the Donuts: Fry 2-3 donuts at a time, cooking for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the cooling rack.
- Coat in Sugar: While still warm, toss each donut in granulated sugar, ensuring an even coating.
- Fill with Jam: Using a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch metal tip, fill each donut with your chosen jam. Insert the tip into the side of each donut and squeeze a few tablespoons of jam into the center.
Notes
- Use any fruit jam you prefer for the filling, such as strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry.
- For best results, serve the donuts fresh and slightly warm.
- These donuts are best consumed within 4 hours of frying for optimal texture.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles. Also an aspiring cook we he researches and tries all kinds of different food recipes and shares what works best.