Jam Donuts

Introduction

Jam Donuts are the ultimate comfort treat—golden, fluffy doughnuts filled with sweet, fruity jam and coated in a light dusting of sugar. These deep-fried delights are soft and airy on the inside with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside, creating the perfect contrast in every bite.

I remember the first time I made these for a weekend breakfast, and the smell of fresh donuts filled the house. It was hard to wait for them to cool down! What’s fantastic about these Jam Donuts is how they’re bursting with a generous amount of jam in every bite, offering that perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness that makes them irresistible.

They’re ideal for any occasion—whether you’re treating yourself to a morning indulgence, serving them at afternoon tea, or enjoying them as a dessert. Warm or at room temperature, these donuts always hit the spot, bringing that cozy bakery vibe straight into your kitchen!

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Afternoon tea
• Special occasions
• Homemade bakery-style treats
• Classic dessert lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Jam Donuts will become your new favorite:

• Fluffy and Soft: These donuts have a light and airy texture, making them irresistibly soft.
• Golden and Crisp: Deep-frying gives them a slightly crispy outer layer that perfectly complements the soft inside.
• Sweet and Fruity Filling: The jam filling adds a burst of sweetness, making each bite even more delightful.
• Customizable: Use your favorite jam—strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even a mix of flavors.
• Classic Bakery Treat: Bring the joy of bakery-style donuts to your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Jam Donuts:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup jam (strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Ingredient Highlights

• Flour: Provides structure to the dough, giving the donuts their soft yet sturdy texture.
• Yeast: Helps the donuts rise, creating the light and fluffy texture that makes them irresistible.
• Milk and Butter: Keep the dough soft, adding richness and moisture.
• Jam Filling: The star of the show! Use a good-quality jam for the best flavor.
• Sugar Coating: Adds a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that makes these donuts extra delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Jam Donuts:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape and Fry the Donuts:

6. Roll and Cut: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
7. Second Rise: Place the cut dough pieces on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and let them rest for another 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
8. Heat the Oil: In a deep saucepan or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
9. Fry the Donuts: Fry 2-3 donuts at a time, cooking for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
10. Coat in Sugar: While still warm, roll the donuts in granulated sugar until evenly coated.

Fill the Donuts:

11. Prepare the Jam: Fill a piping bag with jam, fitted with a small round tip.
12. Inject the Filling: Using a skewer or knife, poke a hole in each donut and pipe the jam into the center until filled.

How to Serve Jam Donuts

Jam Donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can be served in different ways:

• With Coffee or Tea: Pair them with a hot drink for a comforting snack.
• As a Dessert: Serve them with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• For Special Occasions: Perfect for birthday parties, brunches, or festive celebrations.
• With Different Fillings: Try filling them with custard, chocolate, or nut butter for variety.
• With Custard – Serve alongside a bowl of vanilla custard for dipping, adding a creamy texture to each bite.
• With Lemon Zest – Top jam donuts with a little lemon zest for a refreshing citrus twist that complements the sweetness of the jam.
• With a Fruit Compote – Pair the jam donuts with a side of homemade fruit compote for extra sweetness and a bit of tang.
• Topped with Ice Cream – Cut them in half and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between for a donut sandwich.
• Sprinkled with Cinnamon Sugar – Roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar after frying for a warm, spiced flavor.
• As a Breakfast Option – Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning breakfast.

Additional Tips for Jam Donuts

Here are some tips to ensure your Jam Donuts turn out perfect:

• Use Warm Milk: Ensure the milk is warm but not too hot (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Knead until the dough is smooth but not too stiff. Over-kneading can make the donuts dense.
• Check the Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to prevent undercooked or overly greasy donuts.
• Use a Piping Bag: A piping bag makes it easier to fill the donuts without making a mess.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try different jams, custards, or even Nutella for a unique twist.
• Eat Fresh: These donuts taste best when eaten the same day, but you can reheat them slightly before serving.

Recipe Variations for Jam Donuts

Here are 10 variations you can try for Jam Donuts:

• Custard-Filled Donuts: Swap the jam for a rich vanilla custard filling.
• Chocolate-Filled Donuts: Fill with Nutella or chocolate ganache for a decadent treat.
• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Instead of plain sugar, coat the donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mix.
• Berry Mix Donuts: Use a combination of different berry jams for a fruity surprise.
• Powdered Sugar Donuts: Dust with powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lighter coating.
• Lemon Curd Donuts: Fill with tangy lemon curd for a citrusy twist.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Donuts: Add a bit of peanut butter before piping in the jam.
• Vegan Jam Donuts: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg to make these dairy-free.
• Baked Jam Donuts: Bake instead of frying for a lighter alternative.
• Mini Jam Donuts: Make smaller bite-sized donuts for easy snacking.

Freezing and Storage for Jam Donuts

• Freezing: Freeze unfilled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill with jam before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slightly before eating.

Special Equipment for Jam Donuts

Here are some special tools that will help make perfect Jam Donuts:

• Stand Mixer: Helps knead the dough efficiently.
• Round Cutter: Ensures evenly shaped donuts.
• Deep Fryer or Thermometer: Maintains the correct frying temperature.
• Piping Bag and Tip: For easy jam filling.
• Slotted Spoon: To safely remove donuts from hot oil.
• Cooling Rack: Helps drain excess oil after frying.

Frequently Asked Questions for Jam Donuts

1. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
   Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, then roll in sugar.
2. Which jam works best?
   Strawberry and raspberry are classic, but any smooth jam works.
3. How do I prevent the donuts from being greasy?
   Ensure the oil is at 350°F and drain donuts on paper towels.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, refrigerate overnight and fry the next day.
5. Can I freeze jam-filled donuts?
   It’s best to freeze unfilled donuts and add jam after thawing.

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Conclusion

Jam Donuts are a delightful, timeless treat that’s soft, golden, and filled with the perfect fruity burst of jam. These fluffy donuts are a joy to make and enjoy, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with friends and family on a special occasion. The combination of sweetness and texture in each bite is simply irresistible!

This recipe is simple to follow and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or simply treating yourself, these homemade jam donuts are bound to bring smiles all around.

I’d love to see how your Jam Donuts turn out! Take a picture, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Happy cooking!