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If you have a soft spot for sweet treats, you are going to fall head over heels for this Glazed Jelly Doughnuts Recipe. Picture pillowy, golden doughnuts filled with luscious strawberry jelly, then coated in a shiny, melt-in-your-mouth glaze that’s just the right amount of sweet. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples into a homemade delight that truly feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether for a cozy morning snack or a special treat to impress friends, these doughnuts are bursting with flavor and handmade charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Glazed Jelly Doughnuts Recipe lies in its humble, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create outstanding flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the yeast that gives the dough its airy rise to the silky egg yolks and buttery richness that make every bite irresistibly tender.
- 2 packets active dry yeast (1/4 ounces each): This is the secret agent that makes your dough rise perfectly fluffy and light.
- 1/2 cup warm water: Warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot it kills it.
- 1/3 cup warm milk: Adds creaminess and enriches the dough’s texture.
- 3 egg yolks: Packed with richness, these bring color and tenderness to the dough.
- 1/3 cup butter, melted: For moistness and a subtle buttery flavor that can’t be beat.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Balances the dough with just the right hint of sweetness.
- 3 + 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure-builder—fluffy yet sturdy enough to hold jelly and glaze.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without standing out.
- Strawberry jelly: The jewel-like filling that brings fruity brightness to every bite.
- Oil for frying: Essential for achieving that perfect golden crust with a light, crisp exterior.
For the glaze:
- 3 cups powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze.
- 1/2 cup cold milk: To thin the glaze to that ideal drizzling consistency.
How to Make Glazed Jelly Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in the warm water. Give it about five minutes to bubble and foam—that’s how you know your yeast is alive and ready to make magic happen.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Next, whisk in the melted butter, warm milk, egg yolks, and salt to the yeast mixture until everything is combined beautifully. This blend lays the foundation for a rich and tender dough.
Step 3: Form and Rise Your Dough
Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. Place this dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest for an hour in a warm spot in your kitchen. This is where your dough doubles in size, developing that airy, delightful texture you love.
Step 4: Shape Your Doughnuts
Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then knead it gently for two minutes. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface, then cut out 40 two-inch circles using a cookie cutter. Don’t forget to re-roll scraps to get all your doughnuts!
Step 5: Fill and Seal
Take half of your circles and place a tablespoon of strawberry jelly in the center of each. Cover with another dough circle and press edges firmly to seal your jelly treasure inside. Arrange them on a greased cookie sheet, cover, and let them rise for another hour.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
While your doughnuts rise, heat your frying oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the doughnuts for about one minute on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy!
While the doughnuts cool slightly, mix together the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and cold milk until smooth and drizzly. Pour this irresistible glaze over the warm doughnuts for the perfect glossy finish that melts into every crevice. Now, dig in and savor!
How to Serve Glazed Jelly Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
While these doughnuts shine on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh strawberry slices on top can amp up the visual appeal. A sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves gives a surprise hint of freshness that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze and fruity filling.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts make a fantastic accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For a brunch spread, try pairing them with fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your glazed jelly doughnuts on a pretty cake stand for a festive look. Or, serve them in rustic baskets lined with colorful napkins for a charming, casual vibe. If you’re feeling playful, arrange them on dessert platters alongside other doughnut varieties or pastries for a delightful grazing table experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover glazed jelly doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for 3-4 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing their tender charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the doughnuts either glazed or plain. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen glazed jelly doughnuts maintain their freshness for up to one month, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To enjoy your doughnuts warm and fresh, gently reheat them in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw at room temperature first for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of jelly for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry jelly is classic, you can swap in any fruit jelly or preserves you love, such as raspberry, apricot, or blueberry. Just be sure not to overfill to avoid leaking during frying.
What type of oil is best for frying doughnuts?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, works best. These oils ensure your doughnuts fry evenly to a golden brown without any overpowering flavor.
How can I tell when my oil is at the right temperature?
Use a deep-frying thermometer for accuracy. The ideal heat is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly without smoking, it’s ready.
Why do my doughnuts sometimes come out greasy?
This usually happens if the oil isn’t hot enough, causing the doughnuts to absorb more oil. Make sure your oil is consistently at 375 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain temperature.
Can I make these doughnuts without frying?
While frying is traditional and gives the doughnuts their signature golden crust, you can bake them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12-15 minutes. Keep in mind the texture will be different—lighter and less crispy—but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Jelly Doughnuts Recipe is one of those joyous kitchen wins that makes every bit of effort rewarding. Soft, sweet, and perfectly sticky with glaze, these doughnuts are a labor of love that pays off deliciously. So gather your ingredients, get your frying pan ready, and enjoy the magic of homemade doughnuts that will have your friends and family asking for more!
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Glazed Jelly Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 40 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Glazed Jelly Doughnuts are a delightful treat featuring a tender, fluffy dough filled with sweet strawberry jelly and finished with a smooth, sweet glaze. Perfectly fried to golden perfection and topped with a classic vanilla-sugar glaze, they make an irresistible homemade dessert or breakfast indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 packets (1/4 ounces each) Active Dry Yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup warm milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- Strawberry jelly, 1/2 tablespoon per doughnut
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Glaze
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cold milk
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add melted butter, warm milk, egg yolks, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well to combine all wet ingredients.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually stir in the flour until a workable dough forms. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Knead and Roll Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and knead it for 2 minutes on a floured surface. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
- Cut Dough Circles: Using a 2-inch circle cookie cutter, cut out 40 circles from the dough. You may need to re-roll scraps to get the full amount.
- Fill and Seal Doughnuts: Place a 1/2 tablespoon of strawberry jelly in the center of 20 dough circles. Top each with another circle and press the edges firmly to seal.
- Second Rise: Arrange the filled doughnuts on a greased cookie sheet, cover them, and let rise for another hour in a warm spot.
- Heat Oil: While the doughnuts rise, heat oil in a large pot to 375°F (190°C) for frying. Heating the oil may take the entire hour.
- Fry Doughnuts: Fry the doughnuts in hot oil for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Glaze: While frying, whisk together powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and cold milk until smooth to form the glaze.
- Glaze Doughnuts: Drizzle the glaze over the warm doughnuts to coat them generously. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water and milk are warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Press edges firmly when sealing doughnuts to prevent jelly from leaking during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature at 375°F for even frying and to avoid greasy doughnuts.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature accurately.
- If glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if too runny, add more powdered sugar.
- Best served fresh on the day of frying as doughnuts are most flavorful and soft then.
