Craving fresh bakery style treats without all the messy deep frying? This incredibly simple recipe for easy baked jelly donuts delivers soft, sugar coated buns filled with vibrant fruit jam. They are absolutely perfect for cozy weekend mornings at home.
Soft and Sugary Jelly-Filled Donuts
There is nothing quite like the aroma of fresh dough baking in the oven. If you have always wanted to try your hand at baking but feared the hot oil of deep frying, making easy baked jelly donuts is the ultimate hassle-free alternative. They are light, incredibly pillowy, and bursting with sweet fruit flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make these easy baked jelly donuts, you will need basic pantry staples that come together to create pure culinary magic:
Warm Milk: 3/4 cup (warmed to 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast.
Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (one standard packet).
Sugar: 1/4 cup for the dough, plus extra for coating.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 to 3 cups, spooned and leveled.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to balance the sweetness.
Eggs: 1 large egg at room temperature.
Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted and cooled slightly.
Fruit Jam or Jelly: 1 cup of your favorite raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry jam.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let's dive into making easy baked jelly donuts step by step.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, whisk the warm milk, yeast, and one tablespoon of the sugar together. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook), combine the remaining sugar, flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, the egg, and the melted butter. Mix on low speed until a soft dough begins to form. Kneading is essential for perfect easy baked jelly donuts because it develops the gluten structure that keeps them light. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 3: The First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a 3-inch biscuit cutter. Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you want the best easy baked jelly donuts, let them rise a second time for 30 minutes under a clean towel so they get extra airy before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dough rounds for 12 to 15 minutes until they are lightly golden on top.
Step 6: Coat and Fill
While warm, brush each donut lightly with a little melted butter and roll them generously in a bowl of granulated sugar. This sugary crust helps the easy baked jelly donuts stay soft and sweet.
Using a chopstick, poke a hole into the side of each donut and gently wiggle it to create a cavity. Fit a piping bag with a round tip, fill it with your favorite jam, and pipe the filling into the center until it peeks out.
Tips for Baker Success
Pro Tip: Do not overheat your milk! If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast, which is the most common reason dough fails to rise. Keep it lukewarm to the touch.
Yeast freshness: Always ensure your yeast is active. If it doesn't foam up in Step 1, start over with fresh yeast.
Filling variations: While classic red jam is traditional, you can easily swap it for lemon curd, chocolate hazelnut spread, or vanilla custard.
How to Serve and Store
Serve your easy baked jelly donuts fresh and warm alongside a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate breakfast treat.
To store leftovers of these easy baked jelly donuts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, they are best enjoyed on the day they are made!
Now you can enjoy easy baked jelly donuts anytime without the guilt or the mess of a deep fryer. Happy baking!
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