Description
Make authentic Berliner doughnuts with this traditional German recipe for soft, jam-filled treats fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pre-Dough:
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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2 ¼ teaspoons yeast (one package)
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¼ cup milk
Dough:
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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½ cup sugar
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⅔ cup milk
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1 egg
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2 egg yolks
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6 tablespoons butter (soft, but not melted)
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½ teaspoon fine salt
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3 tablespoons rum
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1 tablespoon vinegar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frying:
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2 quarts vegetable oil, lard, or clarified butter
Filling & Decoration:
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⅔ cup granulated sugar
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1 small glass of your favorite jam or hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
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⅛ cup powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the pre-dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour with sugar and yeast. Warm the milk slightly (about 100°F/37°C) and add it to the mixture. Stir well, cover with a cloth, and let it ferment in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes until bubbly and risen. -
Make the dough:
Once the pre-dough is ready, add the remaining flour along with lemon zest, sugar, milk, egg, egg yolks, butter, salt, rum, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. -
First rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1.5 to 2 hours until it doubles in size. -
Shape the doughnuts:
Punch down the dough gently and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness on a floured surface. Using a round cutter (about 3 inches diameter), cut out circles. Place them on parchment paper or a floured baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes. -
Heat the oil:
In a deep heavy pot or fryer, heat your oil, lard, or clarified butter to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. -
Fry the doughnuts:
Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning gently until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding to keep oil temperature steady. -
Drain and coat:
Remove doughnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll the doughnuts in granulated sugar until fully coated. -
Fill the doughnuts:
Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, fill the doughnuts with your favorite jam or hazelnut spread. -
Optional decoration:
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic finish.
Notes
Maintain consistent oil temperature to avoid greasy doughnuts.
Don’t let the dough overproof, or it may collapse when frying.
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for best results.
Keywords: Berliner Doughnut