Desserts > Polish Donuts

Classic Powdered Sugar Pączki Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- Vegetable oil, for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer with dough hook attachment
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, warm milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with an electric mixer on low speed until a dough forms.
4. Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead the dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F.
7. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thickness.
8. Cut out rounds with a biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter.
9. Place the rounds on a floured surface and let them rise for 15-20 minutes.
10. Fry the rounds in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
11. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pączki to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
12. Dust the pączki with powdered sugar while they are still warm.


Time:
Preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 20 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F for frying
Serving size:
Makes 12-16 pączki

Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 230mg
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole milk can be substituted with 2% or skim milk.
- Nutmeg can be substituted with cinnamon or cardamom.

Variations:
- Fill the pączki with your favorite jam, jelly, or custard before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
- Top the pączki with a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to ensure even cooking and prevent the pączki from becoming greasy.
- Don't overcrowd the pot or deep fryer when frying to prevent the pączki from sticking together.
- Use a slotted spoon to gently flip the pączki while frying to avoid splashing hot oil.

Storage instructions:
- Store the pączki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To freeze, wrap the pączki individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the pączki in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the pączki on a platter and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve the pączki with a side of fresh fruit or whipped cream.

Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Tea

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Scrambled eggs

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk.
- If the pączki are not rising, make sure the yeast is fresh and the dough is in a warm place.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to prevent the pączki from becoming undercooked or overcooked.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pączki to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Food history:
Pączki are a traditional Polish pastry that are typically eaten on Fat Thursday, the last Thursday before Lent.

Flavor profiles:
Sweet, buttery, nutty, and slightly spiced.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the pączki as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.

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Region: Polish

Taste: Sweet, Rich, Fluffy, Sugary, Aromatic