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Baked Paczki (Polish Donuts) – Soft, Sweet & Oven-Baked
If you’re craving classic Polish donuts but want a lighter, oven-baked alternative, these Baked Paczki are just what you need. Fluffy, golden, and filled with your favorite sweet fillings, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a festive treat.
Unlike traditional fried paczki, this baked version is healthier and easier to prepare, making it ideal for home bakers. Plus, with just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a tray of delicious donuts that taste just as indulgent. For more Polish dessert ideas, explore Tinsuf’s European pastry collection or this step-by-step yeast dough guide to perfect your technique.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
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¾ cup whole milk, warm (not too hot)
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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2 egg yolks
For the Topping:
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Melted butter for brushing
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Granulated sugar for dusting
Optional Fillings:
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Dulce de leche
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Jam (raspberry, strawberry, apricot)
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Nutella
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Custard
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
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Warm the milk until it’s lukewarm (about 37–40°C / 98–104°F).
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In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
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Add the activated yeast mixture, egg yolks, and vegetable oil.
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Mix with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until a soft dough forms.
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Knead for 8–10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a mixer with dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let It Rise
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
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Let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Paczki
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½-inch thick.
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Use a round cutter (2.5–3 inches) to cut circles.
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Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced slightly apart.
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Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
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Bake the paczki for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
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Brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking and roll them in granulated sugar.
Step 6: Fill
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Once slightly cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle to fill each paczki with your favorite jam, Nutella, or custard.
Serving Suggestions
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Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
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Pair with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
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Garnish with powdered sugar or chocolate drizzle for a fancy touch.
Tips & Tricks
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Want a richer dough? Add a splash of vanilla extract or rum.
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To freeze: Let them cool completely, skip the filling, and freeze in a zip-lock bag. Fill and coat once reheated.
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Prefer a crispier texture? Use egg wash instead of butter before baking.
FAQs
Q: Can I fry this dough instead of baking it?
A: Yes! You can deep fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes per side for traditional-style paczki.
Q: What’s the best filling for paczki?
A: Fruit jams, Nutella, pastry cream, or even lemon curd work beautifully.
Q: How long will they stay fresh?
A: They’re best eaten the same day, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Time Overview
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Rise Time: 1.5–2 hours
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Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
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Total Time: ~2.5 hours
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Yields: About 10–12 paczki
Final Thoughts
These Baked Paczki are a brilliant way to enjoy a classic Polish dessert with a modern, healthier twist. With a tender crumb, sweet filling, and sugared exterior, they bring comfort and joy in every bite. Perfect for Fat Tuesday, birthdays, or a weekend indulgence — once you try them, they’ll become part of your baking ritual!
