Pączki (pronounced POHNCH-kee) are traditional Polish donuts, famously enjoyed on Fat Thursday, the last Thursday before Lent. Classic pączki are deep-fried and generously filled with jam or cream, making them rich, indulgent, and deeply nostalgic.
This baked version of pączki offers the same soft, pillowy texture and sweet filling you love—without the heaviness of deep frying. They’re lighter, less greasy, and perfect for enjoying any time of year while still honoring tradition.
Soft on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and dusted with confectioners’ sugar, these baked pączki are comforting, celebratory, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
🕒 Servings & Timing
Yield: 10–12 baked pączki
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1½–2 hours
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~2½ hours
🥗 Nutritional Info (Approx. per filled pączek)
Calories: ~180–200
Fat: ~6 g
Carbohydrates: ~28 g
Protein: ~5 g
(Values will vary based on filling choice.)
🛒 Ingredients
Dough
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup whole milk, warm (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 egg yolks
Filling & Finishing
- Jam or cream filling of choice (rose jam, raspberry, strawberry, vanilla cream, or custard)
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Stand mixer with dough hook or hand mixing
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towel
- Piping bag or zip-top bag
- Small knife or skewer
⭐ How to Make Baked Pączki
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and egg yolks.
Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Pączki
Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
Divide into 10–12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
5. Second Rise
Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
6. Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake pączki for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden on top. They should be soft, not browned.
Remove and allow to cool slightly.
7. Fill the Pączki
Once cooled, use a small knife or skewer to create a hole in the side of each pączek.
Pipe jam or cream filling into the center until just full.
8. Finish & Serve
Dust generously with confectioners’ sugar.
Serve fresh or slightly warm for best texture and flavor.
🍓 Filling Ideas
- Rose jam (traditional)
- Raspberry or strawberry preserves
- Lemon curd
- Vanilla pastry cream
- Chocolate-hazelnut spread
- Light whipped cream or custard
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Do not overbake—pączki should stay soft and tender
- Use room-temperature egg yolks for smoother dough
- Let them cool slightly before filling to avoid melting cream fillings
- Best enjoyed the same day, but still delicious the next morning
🧊 Storage Instructions
Room Temperature:
Store unfilled pączki in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Refrigerator:
Filled pączki keep for up to 2 days.
Freezer:
Freeze unfilled baked pączki for up to 1 month. Thaw and fill before serving.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are these authentic pączki?
Traditional pączki are fried, but this baked version preserves the flavor, softness, and spirit of the original with a lighter approach.
Individually bake or tray bake?
These are best baked individually on a tray to keep their round shape.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes—bake ahead, fill just before serving for the best texture.
🧁 Conclusion
These Baked Pączki honor a beloved Polish tradition while offering a lighter, more modern twist. Soft, sweet, and filled with your favorite jam or cream, they’re perfect for Fat Thursday, celebrations, or simply enjoying a cozy homemade treat.
Once you try them, they’re bound to become a new favorite—comforting, festive, and showing that tradition can evolve without losing its heart.
