Julie Recipes
INGREDIENTS
2 1/4 teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water 110°F/45°C
3/4 cup whole milk warmed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 large egg yolks
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon rum or brandy optional
Vegetable oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting
Filling of your choice jam, custard, etc.
Instructions
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg yolks, whole egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and rum or brandy (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue to mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Paczki: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. Place the circles on a lightly floured baking sheet and cover them with a towel. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the paczki.
Fry the Paczki: Carefully place a few paczki at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain any excess oil.
Fill and Dust: Once the paczki have cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to fill them with your choice of filling (jam, custard, etc.). Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.
