Description
Classic German jam-filled donuts, also known as Berliners, are soft, airy, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Filled with fruity jam and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re a festive treat traditionally enjoyed during holidays like New Year’s Eve and Karneval.
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 cup milk, lukewarm
1/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
3/4 cup fruit jam or jelly (raspberry, strawberry, or plum)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk with a pinch of the sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, and lemon zest.
- Add the yeast mixture, butter, eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll out to 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut into 2.5–3 inch circles and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover lightly and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Heat oil to 340–350°F (170–175°C). Fry donuts in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and allow to cool slightly.
- Fill each donut with jam using a piping bag.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re made.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore texture.
Ensure oil stays between 340–350°F to avoid greasy donuts.
You can freeze unfilled, fried donuts and fill them after reheating.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Berliner
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
