Polish Baked Paczki Donuts

Pączki (pronounced “pohnch-kee”) are delicious Polish donuts traditionally enjoyed on Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek) before Lent. Unlike classic American donuts, pączki have a rich, yeasty dough and are typically filled with fruit preserves, custard, or cream. While the traditional version is deep-fried, this baked version offers a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Why Try Baked Pączki?

Many people love pączki but prefer to avoid deep frying. Baking these donuts results in a soft, fluffy texture with a golden exterior while keeping them slightly healthier than the traditional fried ones. Plus, they’re easier to make at home without dealing with hot oil!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
1 packet (7g) instant yeast
½ cup (120ml) warm milk
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 egg yolks
1 whole egg
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Filling:

½ cup fruit jam (raspberry, plum, or rosehip) or custard

For the Topping:

2 tbsp melted butter
½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with 1 tbsp sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg yolks, whole egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
Knead the Dough: Mix everything together, then knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid overloading it.
Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Pączki

Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness.
Cut Circles: Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rest for 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pączki for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 3: Fill and Coat

Fill the Pączki: Once cooled, use a piping bag with a small nozzle to inject jam or custard into each donut.
Top with Sugar: Brush the tops with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.

Prep Time & Serving

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1.5 hours
Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours
Servings: 12 pączki

Tips for the Best Baked Pączki

Use fresh yeast for the best rise and fluffy texture.
Don’t overbake—pull them out as soon as they turn golden brown to keep them soft.
For a glossy finish, brush them with a little honey or simple syrup instead of powdered sugar.
Experiment with fillings! Try Nutella, vanilla pudding, or even apple butter for variety.

Final Thoughts

Baked pączki are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts but still offer a soft, fluffy, and delicious experience. Whether you’re making them for Fat Thursday, Mardi Gras, or just a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!