There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly fried donuts wafting through the kitchen.
Classic jelly donuts have a way of bringing back those carefree childhood mornings, don’t they?
Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this recipe is a quick solution for a busy day.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these delightful bites that are sure to impress your loved ones.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy donut filled with sweet jelly.
It’s pure bliss, and I can’t wait to share this easy recipe with you!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Jelly Donuts
These classic jelly donuts are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of simplicity and flavor.
With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself in donut heaven in no time.
The taste? Irresistibly sweet and comforting, perfect for satisfying those cravings.
Plus, they’re versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a festive gathering.
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Classic Jelly Donuts
To create these delightful classic jelly donuts, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that come together to form a delicious treat.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your donuts, providing structure and a fluffy texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during frying.
Active dry yeast: This little powerhouse makes your donuts rise, giving them that light and airy quality.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
Ground nutmeg: A warm spice that adds a hint of depth and nostalgia to your donuts.
Whole milk: Warmed to activate the yeast, it also enriches the dough for a tender bite.
Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and contribute to the richness of the donuts.
Unsalted butter: Melted for flavor and moisture, making each bite irresistible.
Vegetable oil: Essential for frying, it gives your donuts that golden, crispy exterior.
Fruit jelly or jam: The star filling! Raspberry or strawberry works beautifully, but feel free to get creative.
Powdered sugar: A light dusting on top adds a sweet finish and makes them look irresistible.
For those looking to mix things up, consider using different fillings like custard or chocolate.
You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing.
Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Classic Jelly Donuts
Making classic jelly donuts is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness.
Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to donut perfection!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by grabbing a large bowl.
Combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, salt, and ground nutmeg.
Mix these dry ingredients well; this is where the magic begins!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed whole milk, large eggs, and melted unsalted butter.
Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
Stir until a dough forms.
It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
If it’s too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Now, it’s time for the dough to rise.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot.
Patience is key here!
Allow it to double in size, which should take about an hour.
You can use this time to clean up or prepare your frying station.
Step 3: Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape those donuts!
Punch the dough down gently to release the air.
Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface.
Using a round cutter, cut out circles about 3 inches in diameter.
Place the circles on a floured baking sheet and cover them with a towel.
Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
This second rise is crucial for that fluffy texture.
Step 4: Fry the Donuts
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F.
Carefully drop in the donuts, a few at a time.
Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
The sizzling sound is music to your ears, isn’t it?
Make sure not to overcrowd the pot; it can lower the oil temperature.
Step 5: Fill and Dust the Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, it’s time for the fun part—filling them!
Use a piping bag or a small squeeze bottle to fill each donut with your choice of fruit jelly.
Raspberry or strawberry are classic favorites, but feel free to experiment!
Finally, dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar for that irresistible finish.
Now, they’re ready to be devoured!
Tips for Success
Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
Don’t skip the second rise; it’s essential for fluffy donuts.
Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for perfect frying.
Experiment with different fillings to keep things exciting.
Dust the donuts with powdered sugar just before serving for a fresh look.
Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl: Any bowl will do, but a sturdy one is best for kneading.
Rolling pin: A wine bottle can work in a pinch!
Round cutter: Use a glass if you don’t have one.
Deep pot or fryer: A heavy-bottomed pot is perfect for frying.
Slotted spoon: A regular spoon can work, but it’s messier.
Variations
Chocolate-filled: Swap out the jelly for chocolate ganache for a rich twist.
Custard-filled: Use vanilla custard for a creamy, decadent filling.
Lemon curd: Brighten things up with a zesty lemon curd filling.
Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly option.
Baked version: For a lighter treat, bake the donuts at 375°F for 10-12 minutes instead of frying.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your classic jelly donuts with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast.
Serve them alongside fresh fruit for a colorful and refreshing contrast.
For a festive touch, arrange them on a decorative platter dusted with extra powdered sugar.
Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
FAQs about Classic Jelly Donuts
Can I use different types of jelly for filling?
Absolutely! While raspberry and strawberry are classic choices, feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors. Blueberry, apricot, or even a mix of jams can add a unique twist to your classic jelly donuts.
How do I store leftover donuts?
To keep your classic jelly donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two, but you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw them before serving!
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, you can bake your classic jelly donuts. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes. They won’t have the same crispy exterior, but they’ll still be delicious!
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm, not hot. If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly. A warm, draft-free environment is key for rising.
How can I make these donuts more festive?
To add a festive flair, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the filled donuts or adding colorful sprinkles on top. You can also serve them with a side of whipped cream for a fun dessert experience!
Final Thoughts
Creating classic jelly donuts is more than just a cooking task; it’s an experience that fills your home with warmth and joy.
Each bite transports you back to simpler times, where the sweet taste of jelly and the soft, fluffy texture bring smiles to faces.
Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo, these donuts are a delightful treat that can brighten any day.
So roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and let the magic of homemade donuts fill your kitchen.
Trust me, the joy of making and sharing these treats is truly irresistible!
A simple and delicious recipe for classic jelly donuts that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup fruit jelly or jam (raspberry or strawberry works well)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, and nutmeg. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. Place the circles on a floured baking sheet and cover with a towel. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.
In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F. Carefully drop in the donuts, a few at a time, and fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag or a small squeeze bottle to fill each donut with jelly. Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, try baking the donuts instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes.
Experiment with different fillings such as custard, chocolate, or lemon curd for a unique twist on the classic jelly donut.
