Polish Paczki (Donuts)

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 packets active dry yeast (4.5 tsp)
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tbsp rum or vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup butter (softened)
• Pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup plum jam or rose hip jam (for filling)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. 1

   Activate yeast: Dissolve yeast and 1 tsp sugar in warm milk. Let stand 10 minutes until foamy.

2. 2

   Make dough: Mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg yolks, rum, and softened butter. Knead 10-15 minutes until very smooth and elastic.

3. 3

   First rise: Cover dough, let rise in warm place for 1 hour until doubled.

4. 4

   Shape: Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut 3-inch circles. Place 1 tsp jam in center of half the circles. Top with remaining circles, press edges to seal. Or: shape into balls and fill after frying using a pastry bag.

5. 5

   Second rise: Place on floured baking sheet, cover, let rise 30 minutes.

6. 6

   Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry paczki 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

7. 7

   Finish: Dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm. Or drizzle with icing.