The gentle hum of summer evenings in the countryside always brings back fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was sweetened with the aroma of freshly baked doughnuts. Her secret was simple yet profound: patience and love infused into every step. As we gathered around the table, warm jelly doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar were the centerpiece, each bite bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Today, I invite you to recreate that magic with these delightful homemade jelly doughnuts, perfect for a family gathering or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup fruit jelly or jam of your choice (raspberry or strawberry works beautifully)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and nutmeg. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the egg mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough and place them on a floured baking sheet. Gather the scraps and reroll to cut out more circles.
Cover the dough circles with the kitchen towel again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
In a deep pot or a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few doughnuts into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to fill each doughnut with your chosen jelly. Gently push the tip into the side of the doughnut and squeeze until you feel it fill up.
Finally, dust the filled doughnuts generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, nostalgic flavors that will transport you back to those cherished family gatherings.
These heavenly homemade jelly doughnuts are not just treats; they hold the essence of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing. Enjoy every delicious bite!